Section 4: Residential Living Policies

Alcohol use, possession, and consumption in the residence halls will be subject to state and federal laws and Daemen University Policy. Responsible use of alcohol by students 21 years of age and older is permitted only according to university regulations. Following New York State law, students under the age of 21 may not possess, sell, or consume alcoholic beverages. Generally, except in matters outlined under the University Amnesty Policy (see Section 5), the university follows a zero-tolerance policy in these matters. This means that every reported incident will be formally addressed through the conduct review system. (Please note: General policy information regarding drugs and alcohol are covered in Section 5, General University Policies.)

The following guidelines apply to all on-campus students and their guests. The University also expects all visitors and guests to comply with the regulations listed below:

1. Any resident bringing visitors/guests to campus shall be responsible for making the alcohol policies known to their visitors/guests. Every visitor/guest is subject to university rules and regulations. It is the responsibility of residents as hosts to monitor and accept responsibility for the behavior of their visitors/guests. Visitors/Guests of residents are not permitted to bring alcohol onto campus.
2. Alcohol is not permitted at all in Canavan Hall, even for students who are age 21 or older.
3. Alcohol is not permitted in any apartment/suite where no students over the age of 21 reside.
4. Students who are the age of 21 or older are responsible for keeping alcohol out of the possession of anyone under the age of 21.
5. Kegs, taps, beer balls, and other sources of alcohol,  which can be used to irresponsibly ingest alcohol, are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, funnels, beer/water bongs, etc. Drinking games and drinking game devices, (e.g., beer pong tables), are also not permitted.
6. Students who are of legal drinking age and who are in possession of alcohol or are present where alcohol is being consumed must provide proof of age when asked by any university official including Resident Assistants. If proof of age is not provided, students will be asked to dispose of the alcohol and follow-up will occur per the University’s Code of Conduct.
7. Underage students may not be in the presence of alcoholic beverages. The only exception is an underage resident who lives with students of legal drinking age, may be in the presence of alcohol in their assigned apartment. The underage person may not consume or possess alcohol. Once guests (anyone not residing in said apartment) over the age of 21 enter an apartment where alcohol is present, NO students under the age of 21 (including residents of that apartment) may be present.
8. The amount of alcohol permitted by each resident who is the age of 21 or older in an apartment is (all other forms of alcohol are prohibited): 
   1. Six 12-ounce cans or six 12-ounce bottles of beer; or 
   2. Six 12-ounce bottles of wine coolers or malt beverages (e.g., Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Smirnoff Ice, etc.); or 
   3. One 750 ml (0.75 liter) bottle of distilled spirits; or 
   4. One 750 ml (0.75 liter) bottle of wine  
9. Alcoholic containers may not be used as decorations. Empty cans or bottles will be deemed as proof of consumption. Students who are the age of 21 or older should dispose of or recycle containers immediately after consumption.
10. In the event that there is an alcohol policy violation, it is not the university’s responsibility to determine who was consuming alcohol and who was not. It will be assumed that anyone involved in the incident was engaging in the policy violation.
11. Public intoxication is considered an alcohol policy violation. Actions as a result of public intoxication which disturb any people, facilities, community, and/or oneself will be dealt with through the appropriate authorities.

All residents and guests may be asked to open their bag by Campus Safety Officers and Residence Life Staff if circumstances warrant. Residents or guests who are non-compliant with bag check requests may not be permitted to enter the building and/or may be subject to disciplinary action.  

Residents may be required to adhere to behavioral agreements should circumstances warrant such an agreement. Behavioral agreements are developed by Residence Life professional staff or designee, Dean of Students, and/or the Vice President for Student Affairs, based on the nature of the concern. These agreements may require students to meet regularly with staff members in the Division of Student Affairs and/or follow behavioral expectations while living in residence. Residence Life staff or designees reserve the right to alter or terminate the status of a student's housing agreement if the student's actions are not conducive to academic progress. Failure to adhere to the terms of the agreement may result in the termination of the housing agreement without refund.
 

Students may not occupy their on-campus rooms during Thanksgiving, Intersemester, and Spring Break without the advance approval by the Housing and Residence Life Office. During the Intersemester Break, students requesting to stay on campus must have a Daemen-related reason to occupy their room (classes or athletics). The winter break housing cost is $235 per week for Campus Apartments and $130 per week for Canavan Hall. Students who are permitted to remain on campus must follow the registration process and policies outlined. If a student is found residing in the halls during break periods without permission, fails to register by the predetermined deadline, and/or has not been granted permission from the Office of Housing and Residence Life, they will be assessed a $50 per day fee for the duration of their stay/break period. Students residing at Collegiate Village may occupy those spaces during the breaks, if permitted by Collegiate Village policy, but must vacate during the summer months. Collegiate Village policies are subject to change.
 

The Office of Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to remove any item from residential facilities, including items found in students’ apartments that are either prohibited by university policy or which compromise student health or safety. Residents will be held accountable through the conduct process and the item in question may not be returned to the student.

The University reserves the right to change room or hall assignments, to relocate individuals or groups of individuals to eliminate a disruptive environment, to consolidate vacancies and to accommodate public health regulations. When a vacancy occurs, the University reserves the right to show the room and assign a new occupant with little advance warning to current residents. 

Residents agree to pay for damages for missing property and equipment and for any additional cleaning and service costs they incur. Residents will also be billed for damage to or within the residence hall beyond normal wear and tear based on the current cost of labor and materials. Such charges must be paid upon receipt of the bill. If two (2) or more students occupy the same room and individual responsibility for extra cleaning, damage, or loss in the room cannot be ascertained, charges will be assessed and divided equally between the residents of the room. Residents share responsibility for the condition of the common areas within their assigned residence hall. Students may be assessed fees for damage or missing property to common areas beyond normal wear and tear or property loss that cannot be attributed to any particular individual. The total costs for damage to the common areas will be divided among everyone who resides in the building. Where it can be shown that an identifiable person or persons caused particular damage, the cost of that damage will be charged exclusively to the responsible individual(s). These charges must be paid to the University in accordance with the established billing schedule. Persons found damaging University property will be subject to disciplinary action. Any appeals concerning damage billing must be received in writing by the Housing & Residence Life Office within 30 days of the billing date.  

The Residence Life program strives to provide a positive educational living experience for resident students. All resident students are expected to comply with established standards of living listed in their Residence Hall Agreement. Rooms are furnished with beds, desks, chairs, and dressers. The standards of living include, but are not limited to:

1. Maintaining adequate standards of personal hygiene or room cleanliness so that the state of the room does not interfere with the general comfort, safety, security, health or welfare of roommates, suitemates, or the larger residence hall community
2. No intentional effort to force a roommate/suitemate to move out of the room or apartment will be tolerated

Resident students are responsible for any damage or excessive cleaning that is required. Damage will be assessed for cost of repairs or replacement, and charges will be assigned as follows:

Room and Apartment Damage

1. To any individual who accepts responsibility or is found to be responsible for the damage
2. To all occupants of a room/apartment where the damage was done and direct responsibility cannot be determined
3. Damage shall be classified as either accidental or malicious. 
4. Accidental damage is damage occurring through unintentional happenings. Restitution will be assessed for accidental damage. 
5. Malicious damage is disruptive behavior resulting in damage. Disciplinary action will be taken and restitution assessed to students involved in malicious damage. Repeated occurrences of malicious damage by an individual or a group of individuals will be investigated to determine whether further disciplinary measures are warranted, including dismissal from University housing and/or the University.
6. Each residential student will have the opportunity to appeal assessed damages to the Director of Housing and Residence Life by a specific deadline. Should the appeal be denied, the student is held responsible for the damage.

Common Area Damage

1. Common areas are defined as any space other than individual student rooms, i.e., bathrooms, hallways, stairwells, lounges, elevators, lobby areas, etc.
2. In common areas where excessive damage occurs and responsibility is not determined, it may be necessary to hold responsible all occupants of the section, apartment floor, or building where the damage occurred.
3. Individuals held accountable for damage to a common area will be held financially responsible and will be billed by the Office of Student Accounts, upon request of the Office of Housing & Residence Life.

Students responsible for malicious damage to common areas will not only be billed for the damage, but may also be subject to disciplinary action.
 

Residents assigned to a space that has unoccupied beds or bedrooms should expect another student to be assigned to these spaces at any time. Notification of a new roommate will be sent to students when possible; however, this is not always the case. Residents should not utilize unoccupied beds, furniture, or space so that it will be available to an incoming student at any time. All unoccupied spaces should be kept accessible and clean. Residence Life reserves the right to check unoccupied bed/room spaces to ensure move-in readiness, as well as confirm a student has checked-out of a residential space properly.
 

Residential spaces are equipped with a Sprinkler system along with Fire Extinguishers on each floor. Also included are 1 or more smoke detectors in each living space. Any person who is responsible for a fire in any facility; interfering with fire officials; interfering or tampering with a fire alarm or safety equipment; or creating false alarms will be subject to University disciplinary action, monetary fines and/or civil action. This includes covering a smoke detector in any way, for any reason, or hanging anything from the sprinklers/smoke detectors.

All individuals are required to evacuate halls immediately after a fire alarm sounds, including fire drills. Any person who discovers a fire should immediately call for assistance by dialing 911 and sharing the location of the fire, followed by calling Daemen Campus Safety at 716-839-SAFE (7233). The storage of explosives or flammable substances within any residence hall is strictly prohibited. In addition, the use of other flaming articles, including candles, burned wicks, and incense, is prohibited. Residents are also responsible for not bringing and/or utilizing prohibited items in residence hall facilities as listed in the Prohibited Items section below. Additionally, residents are not permitted to cover more than 50% of a wall surface. No objects shall obstruct, hang from or touch any part of a sprinkler pipe or sprinkler head.

Failure to abide by the above fire safety guidelines may result in disciplinary action and/or fines through Daemen University and/or the New York State Fire Marshal.
 

On the first Monday of every month, RAs will host a floor meeting in which information will be communicated about Campus Life, policies, and upcoming deadlines. It is the resident’s responsibility to ensure they are in attendance or are informed about missed information.

All of the furniture and appliances provided by the University remain the property of the University throughout the resident’s occupancy. The resident may not remove any University-owned furniture or appliances from the apartment. The resident may not remove any University-owned items from the common spaces within the residence hall. Residents are not permitted to build lofts or adjust university furniture into an unsafe position. Failure to abide by the above restrictions may result in disciplinary action. Any furniture brought into the halls that is deemed a health hazard as defined by Housing & Residence Life staff is subject to removal.

Residents may not utilize or deconstruct furniture for an open bed space/room. Students who deconstruct furniture or utilize non-placement furniture may be assessed for damages or costs to put furniture back together.

The University provides mattress encasements specifically designed to prevent the spread of common insect infestation. Students are required to keep the mattress encasement on their mattress at all times. Removal of the mattress encasement may subject the student to a fine and restitution charges.

Gender-Inclusive Housing (GIH) permits non-first-year students of any gender-identity to choose to live together in upperclassmen residence hall facilities in separate bedrooms. The University will only assign students of differing gender-identities within upperclassmen housing if a student confirms openness to gender-inclusive housing in their housing application and/or via email. Students placed in GIH housing complete a “Gender-Inclusive Housing” addendum prior to the start of the academic year. 

Groups of 4 are encouraged to apply for Gender-Inclusive Housing during Housing Selection. Should a vacancy occur within the apartment, the Office of Housing & Residence Life reserves the right to fill the vacancy, and/or re-assign individuals should an apartment fall under a full apartment status before and/or during the academic year. 

Gender-Inclusive Housing is not intended for students wishing to live with a significant other/partner. Students choosing to live with a significant other/partner in GIH should consider the effect in shared living settings regarding communication, roommates, the building community, and other factors.
 

Individuals living in or visiting any building or facility on campus are expected to be responsible and respectful of our community and the diversity within. Examples include, but are not limited to, residents maintaining a safe, healthy, and clean environment within their individual rooms and shared living spaces at all times, smells deemed to be hazardous, unhealthy, unsanitary, odors consistent with marijuana, and excessive noise. An individual, a room, an apartment, or suite will be documented with a verbal notification by Campus Safety, Housing & Residence Life Staff, or other appropriate University staff. Multiple notifications will lead to a violation of this policy and may be subject to disciplinary sanctions.
 

Residents are responsible for the actions of their guests at all times. A guest is defined as any person not assigned to the resident host’s room. It is the responsibility of the host to inform the guest of the photo ID requirement, and Daemen University and Residence Life policies. Resident hosts may not have more than two (2) guests, who must be 16 or older. Residents must check their off-campus guest(s) in at Campus Safety upon arrival. Each guest is required to have photo identification on them at all times. Acceptable forms of photo ID include, but are not limited to,  a driver’s license, a non-driver’s ID, a school ID, or a passport. No other forms of ID will be accepted. Guests without ID are not allowed access into residence areas. (See ID Policy section.) Resident hosts must escort their guest(s) at all times within the building, including when they exit the building.

A resident must get roommate approval before bringing a guest into their residential space. All guests to a room are subject to the agreement of all room residents. The presence of guests must not restrict free access for assigned residents to all common spaces and any private space they may have or create any situation that infringes on the need of roommates to remain undisturbed. Students may not sign in or sign out guest(s) for other residential students. Daemen University students, in the role of guest or host, are responsible for properly following sign-in procedures.

Residents are permitted to have overnight guests in accordance with the above-mentioned policy. However, cohabitation is not permitted and is defined at the discretion of Housing & Residence Life staff. Residents who have guests that are deemed to be cohabitating, or are causing a disruption to the community, will be asked to have their guest leave immediately. In general, students’ guests are not allowed to stay more than two (2) nights during the course of any seven-day period.

The Director of Housing and Residence Life, (or designee), may ask anyone to leave if it infringes on the rights of any other residents, or creates a disruption to the community. In those instances, the host will be subject to review under the Daemen University Code of Conduct. 
 

Residents are responsible for keeping their apartment in a safe and healthy condition. The Office of Housing and Residence Life will perform regular inspections of residents’ apartments to ensure compliance with University standards of health and safe living practices. The dates and approximate times of these inspections will be communicated to residents at least 48 hours in advance and will be conducted by two (2) staff members from Student Life. Violation of policies found will be documented and addressed through the conduct review process.  

Students are expected to abide by all the terms outlined in the Housing & Dining Services Agreement that they signed upon completion of their housing application.. The University's acceptance of this agreement, however, does not guarantee an assignment. Students request an assignment within the residence halls and not for any specific designated space. The University will not discriminate in room or hall assignments on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, age, disability and any other status protected under federal or New York State anti-discrimination law. Daemen University recognizes and appreciates the educational value of diversity and does not consider ethnicity and/or other identities or statuses mentioned above to be acceptable grounds for honoring room change requests.  

Students must re-apply for housing each year through the housing lottery selection process. Applying for the housing lottery and selection process does not guarantee a room for the next academic year. Assignments will be based on room availability. Returning residents will be given the opportunity to select rooms for the upcoming academic year in accordance with the procedures communicated by the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Failure to honor assignment preferences or adjusted housing assignments will not void this agreement.

The Housing Agreement is a binding document and cannot be broken without documented hardship and approval from the Director of Housing and Residence Life (or designee).  
 

All residents must have a valid, University-issued ID card in order to gain access to the residence halls. The resident may not intentionally provide another person their ID card for the purpose of allowing that individual access to the residence hall. Students may be asked by Campus Safety or other University authority to show their ID card. Failure to present your ID card may result in disciplinary action by the University (see Section 8). Guests should follow ID policies as outlined in the Guest/Visitation Policies section. Students who lose their ID may follow the guidelines outlined in the Campus Safety Section for ID replacement. 
 

All residents are provided a key for access to their residential room. Students are responsible for keys from time of issuance until the key is received by the Housing & Residence Life Office. The resident may not intentionally provide another person their key for any purpose. Failure to abide by the above policies may result in disciplinary action. In cases where the resident is no longer in possession of the room key (e.g. lost or stolen), or fails to return the room key upon check-out or departure from a residential space in the timeframe dictated by Residence Life staff, the resident will be charged for a lock replacement ($125).  Students who fail to return the key will be charged accordingly. Residence Life is not responsible for improperly returned keys, including keys left within a residential space, mailed to the University, or provided to another individual for return. Any exceptions to key turn-in must be approved by Residence Life via email. Residential students provided a mailbox key from the Daemen Mailroom will be charged for a replacement should they not return the key ($25).
 

Laundry machines are available within each residential building at no charge. Students who have any concerns or problems with the laundry machines should complete a service request through the Hercules portal sent in University communication and/or can be accessed through laundry room flyers. Laundry services cannot be used by guests/visitors of residential students.
 

The lounges are for use by residential students and their guests only. Students are not permitted to sleep or to behave inappropriately in the lounges and assume responsibility for any property damaged or defaced during lounge use.The furniture in the lounges must stay in the lounges and is not permitted within other areas of the residence hall including individual rooms Students are responsible for cleaning after themselves and for ensuring kitchen appliances are monitored during and turned off after use (e.g. microwave, stove, oven, sink)
 

Residents are responsible for completing a work order through their MyDaemen for repairs needed to their residence hall assignment. In emergency situations, residents should notify Campus Safety. Emergencies can include but are not limited to no heat or hot water, leak, flooding or pipe burst, etc. Residents are responsible for reporting pest concerns immediately so as to prevent further infestation.

Residents are responsible for reporting pest concerns immediately, and appropriate measures will be implemented. Residents will be held financially responsible for negligence or failure to adhere to health and safety policies, including but not limited to: not reporting pest sightings promptly, improper food storage, and failure to adhere to cleanliness or pest control measures provided by University officials or designee.
 

It is the responsibility of residents to maintain reasonable conditions for studying or reasonable living. The right of a student to a reasonable environment to study precedes any other privileges, and excessive noise is a violation of this right. Noise that emanates from the residence halls and disturbs classrooms, other residence halls, and University activities is prohibited. Musical instruments may only be played in student rooms in accordance with courtesy hours. Stereo speakers may not be placed in residence hall windows or in positions to amplify sound to the outdoors. Bass/subwoofer speakers are prohibited. The use of earphones with stereo equipment is strongly encouraged.

While quiet hours are from 11:00 p.m. – 8:00 a.m. on weeknights (Sunday-Wednesday) and 12:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. on weekends (Thursday-Saturday), it is important to note that courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day. Failure to respond to a reasonable request, made from anyone, to lower noise volume is a violation of courtesy hours. Prior to final examinations, 24-hour quiet hours will go into effect until hall closing as communicated, and a student responsible for noise which emanates from a room or hallway in violation of this policy is subject to disciplinary action. Violations of quiet hours may result in room/hall reassignments or other appropriate disciplinary action.  
 

Acceptance of the room key constitutes occupancy. If a resident’s eligibility status changes during the length of the Housing Agreement, the resident is expected to move out of the residence halls within forty-eight (48) hours. If an extension is required, the resident must submit the request in writing to the Office of Housing and Residence Life. Graduating seniors participating in University commencement ceremonies will be allowed to remain in the residence halls until 10 a.m. the day after commencement if approved by Residence Life.

Residents have an opportunity, at the initial time of room occupancy, to list any damage(s) or missing items in their respective rooms on a Room Condition Form. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate about their room conditions during the academic year. When a student leaves the residence hall, members of the University staff will check the room to ensure that no additional damage(s) have occurred. Students are encouraged to check-out with a staff member to assess their space. Failure to check-out with staff will result in a $25 improper check-out fee and will forfeit the student's opportunity to claim or discuss potential room damage(s) to the space. Damage in shared common areas will be split amongst residents occupying the room/apartment if not claimed. Furthermore, residents may be required to reimburse the University for damage(s) to the room while in occupancy. Damages will be communicated via Daemen email and assessed to a student’s account.

Early check-ins for purposes unrelated to Daemen academics, athletics, or programs are approved at the discretion of the Director of Housing and Residence Life or designee and will result in an early check-in fee.

In order to check out of an assigned space in University housing, the resident must remove all personal belongings and trash and make a reasonable attempt to clean the room/apartment. Personal belongings remaining in the apartment following check-out will be removed and discarded by the University at a cost to the resident.

Failure to check-out following communication from the Housing & Residence Life Office may result in a $25 improper check-out fee. Room key(s) not returned within 48 hours of check-out will be considered lost and the student will be charged accordingly.
 

The University is not responsible for loss or damage of personal property in the residence halls. Students are encouraged to purchase private insurance and/or to obtain personal lockboxes.  In addition, students should refrain from keeping cash and/or expensive items in their residence hall apartment. Students should keep their apartment doors locked whenever they are not present. Should residents choose to purchase items in partnership with each other, the Housing and Residence Life Office will not enforce the division of property should a disagreement arise.

Any personal property such as bicycles, refrigerators, clothes, televisions and the like that are left or abandoned by a resident or their guest after a resident has moved out of University housing, or after 15 (fifteen) calendar days shall be deemed abandoned, and therefore the property of Daemen University. The University may use, dispose of, donate or sell the personal property as they deem appropriate. The resident agrees to absolve and hold Daemen harmless for any claim to the abandoned property due to the damage, destruction, disposal, or sale of such personal property. See additional personal property information listed in the Student Handbook
 

With the exception of fish, pets of any kind are not permitted in the residence halls. One aquarium up to five gallons is permitted for each apartment. Failure to abide by the above restriction will result in documentation through our Community Standards & Student Advocacy office. Students requesting an accommodation of a Service animal or Emotional Support Animal, must do so through the Office of Accessibility Services, 716-839-8228.

Students may not participate in any physical activity or recreation inside the residence halls that poses a threat to the safety of other students or to the facility itself. These activities include, but are not limited to: skateboarding, roller-blading, roller skating, bike riding, and throwing objects. Failure to abide by the above prohibitions may result in disciplinary action.

All signs belonging to students or outside vendors must have prior approval from the Office of Housing and Residence Life to be posted and/or hung in or around residential facilities. Approved signs, posters and advertisements will be given to RAs to be hung throughout the building accordingly. Students or guests who do not live in a respective building are not permitted to roam freely hanging up posters. Signs that have not been approved or are placed in an inappropriate location may be moved or taken down. Please use ONLY painter’s tape or 3M products to post signs. Signs and posters may not be hung on interior and exterior entrances and exits, in stairwells, or in elevators.

For safety and security reasons, residents may not access the following areas of any residence hall:

1. Roof and/or terraces
2. Balconies
3. Fire-escape and/or stairwell except for exit due to fire or other emergency

The following are prohibited for use and/or possession in the residence halls. This is not a comprehensive list. Any other item that is deemed unsafe,  inappropriate, or that presents a health and/or safety concern for residential living may be considered prohibited, at the discretion of the Director of Housing and Residence Life or designee.

1. Adhesive Contact Paper or Mounting Squares
2. Air conditioners (not issued and installed by the University)
3. Alcohol/drug paraphernalia 
4. Bed Risers
5. Candles (including those for decoration)
6. Coffee/Keurig machines without an on/off switch
7. E-Bikes / Hoverboards
8. Extension cords
9. Fireworks
10. Flammable decorations
11. Grills (including George Foreman and similar appliances)
12. Halogen lamps
13. Hookahs
14. Incense
15. LED Strip Lights (adhesives)
16. Live Christmas trees or artificial trees over three feet in height
17. Microwaves (non-university issued) and/or toaster ovens 
18. Non-flame retardant decorations (e.g. curtains, tapestries, etc.) covering under 50% of any wall surface.
19. Open flames of any kind
20. Pets (other than fish in a five-gallon tank or smaller)
21. Refrigerators (large). Students may have up to 2.4 cu ft of refrigerator, per person, per apartment bedroom. Please note, Personal fridges in Canavan Hall are not allowed as each room is equipped with a microfridge
22. Space heaters
23. Tacks or any item that damages wall form
24. Tattoo equipment
25. Video / Audio recording devices (e.g. Ring or Arlo)
26. Waterbeds
27. Weapons (as defined in this Handbook below)
28. Wifi-enhancement devices

Residents may not be involved in defenestration, the act of causing an object to fall or be thrown out of a window. This includes, but is not limited to trash, ashes, cigarette butts, or any other items or fluids. Students found responsible for violating this policy may be relocated to another residence hall, or removed from campus housing immediately. Students will be responsible for any injury and/or damage caused to University or private property caused by defenestration. Other sanctions may apply as well, based on the nature of the incident.
 

All first-time, full-time students who reside outside of a 30-mile radius from campus are required to live in on-campus housing during their first two (2) years at Daemen University (four consecutive semesters total). If a student is commuting from home and residing with a parent(s) or legal guardian(s), they are exempt from the on-campus residency requirement.

Incoming transfer students who have had prior on-campus housing at another institution will be able to count that time towards this requirement. Incoming transfer students who are over the age of 23 prior to the start of the semester for which they are enrolling will be able to request exemption from this policy. Exemption requests must follow the procedure outlined in the Housing & Dining Services Agreement
 

Daemen University respects each student's right to privacy and is committed to protecting this right. However, University officials including, but not limited to, Residence Life, Campus Safety, and Maintenance, may enter a student room when they have reason to believe that the health or safety of residents and/or residential space is in jeopardy or that a University policy is being violated. Generally, residents are responsible for the care and cleaning of their assigned room and surrounding areas, as well as for maintaining health and safety standards. Failure to do so could result in fines and/or removal from housing.

All residence hall rooms are, as deemed necessary, subject to inspection by hall staff for safety, security, and health concerns at least twice during the semester and before hall closings prior to breaks. Students will receive adequate notice before inspections. While Residence Life staff will not conduct a room search during an inspection, they may open cabinets or closets to find fire equipment and/or locate safety hazards. If, in the course of doing so, they locate an item or items that are banned per this Handbook or Residence Life policies, that item(s) will be confiscated via Campus Safety and the issue will be addressed as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Maintenance may also enter rooms to perform necessary repairs. 

Obtaining the permission of the resident to enter a room is suggested by procedure but NOT required and, while University personnel will attempt to enter a room while the room resident(s) is/are present, this may not always be possible. 

If the staff person has reason to believe that some condition exists that constitutes a threat to the safety or well-being of the occupants of the building or the campus, or that a probable violation of University policy or State or Federal Law is occurring or has occurred, a cursory search of student rooms may be done. A cursory search of a room includes viewing everything that is in plain sight. At the discretion of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, or designee, a student’s room may be searched thoroughly. 

A room search will only be conducted when authorized by one of the following people:

1. Vice President for Student Affairs
2. Assistant Dean for Campus Safety and Operations
3. Director of Housing and Residence Life
4. Director of Campus Safety

Students do not have to be present for the search, but University personnel will make a good faith effort to contact the student and provide them with written documentation of the search authorization either at the time of the search or the next business day. During the search, the student may be required to open any locked trunks, suitcases, etc. If the student is not present, any item in the room, including purses, trunks, etc, may be searched. The University will take due care to ensure proper handling of student’s belongings, but are not liable for damage or clean up as a result of a room search. Any paraphernalia confiscated during the search that violates State or Federal law will be turned over to the Amherst Police Department for further action.
 

During the first floor meeting, all first-year students will complete a Roommate Agreement. Students within the Campus Apartments and Collegiate Village have the option to complete a Roommate Agreement. Students may contact their RA or Residence Life staff should they wish to have a staff member conduct a Roommate Agreement conversation for a room/suite. While not bound by policy, completion and return of the document ensures that roommates are able to communicate the type of living arrangement in which they are comfortable. 
 

Daemen University is a Tobacco-Free Campus and smoking in any form is prohibited at all times on campus grounds. Campus grounds include all Daemen-owned property, including the Bieler College of Health Professions, property along Getzville Road and Campus Drive, and all residence hall rooms, apartments, and common areas.

Any used cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, ashtrays, smoking paraphernalia, and/or ashes will be considered a violation of the smoking policy. Smoking is, in part, defined as carrying or holding of any lit or ignited pipe, cigar, cigarette, electronic cigarette, or any other lit or battery operated smoking equipment or device.

Reports or smells consistent of smoking may be documented and result in follow-up from Residence Life or University officials.
 

No solicitation is permitted in or around the residence halls.

Students who wish to request housing accommodations or adjustments due to a disability must contact the Office of Accessibility Services at 716-839-8228.  For more information, please refer to the following website daemen.edu/accommodations. Note that in order to receive full consideration, requests for changes to housing or meal assignments must be received 60 days prior to the move in date.
 

The Residence Life program strives to provide a positive educational living experience for resident students. All resident students are expected to comply with established standards of living listed in their Residence Hall Agreement. Rooms are furnished with beds, desks, chairs, and dressers. The standards of living include, but are not limited to:

1. Students are responsible for cleaning their own residential spaces, including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and common areas, including obtaining or collaborating to use cleaning products. While not all-inclusive, spaces must meet the guidelines below:
   1. Sweep/vacuum floors and walkways to be navigable and clear from items, debris, and food items (e.g. spills, crumbs, etc.). A vacuum is provided in each residential apartment and/or Canavan floor.
   2. Empty trash and/or recycling daily to avoid buildup of smells, mildew, and pests. Disposal bins/containers should be wiped down regularly.
   3. Kitchen countertops, tables, sinks, appliances (e.g. fridge, freezer, microwave, stovetop, oven), and other surfaces wiped down and cleaned weekly. Dishes should be cleaned daily and no food or liquid residue in room areas.
   4. Bathroom toilets, sinks/countertops, and showers regularly cleaned/wiped down to where growth of mildew or other spores are not present. Hair, soap residue, and other items cannot clog the drain or dry to surface areas that create cleaning difficulty.
   5. Laundry/bed linens are washed/dried bi-weekly to avoid buildup of smells or mildew. Laundry/linens do not pile up to where smells develop or room access points are blocked. University-provided mattress covers may remain encased unless emergent concerns arise.
   6. Residents are expected to practice good hygiene, including regular hand washing and showering to prevent the spread of illness and/or odors. 
2. No intentional effort to force a roommate/suitemate to move out of the room or apartment will be tolerated

Students who are assigned to temporary or overflow spaces, which include area hotels, will be required to relocate to a permanent space once one is available. Students will be kept informed of their status and will be given instructions with regards to moving and vacating temporary spaces.

Students are not permitted to have weapons on campus including firearms of any kind, kung fu sticks, shuriken, switchblades, gravity blades, machetes, or knives (other than eating utensils), cap guns, ammunition and explosives (or explosive chemicals), or any other dangerous weapons or substances. Students found to be in possession of such weapons or substances are subject to sanctions which may include expulsion from the University. Weapons used as props, whether real or otherwise, are not permitted in residence halls.