Residential Experience Community Values 

Living in a residential community requires students to share space, resources, and responsibility with others. The office of Residential Experience is committed to creating environments that support student wellbeing, safety, and belonging. 

Students play an active role in shaping their residential experience. Residents are expected to uphold community standards, communicate with staff, and make decisions that consider the impact on others. Students are encouraged to address concerns early and seek support from their Resident Advisor (RA) or Residential Life Coordinator (RLC) when needed. 

Animals

Purpose 

To maintain a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment for all residents. 

Expectations 

Only approved aquatic pets are permitted in residential spaces. 

Permitted Animals 

• Fish and crustaceans that live underwater at all times 

• Tanks may not exceed 10 gallons per room 

• Flesh-eating species are not permitted 

Guidelines 

• Tanks must be safely maintained, including electrical connections 

• Students are responsible for care, including during break periods 

• Pets must remain in assigned rooms 

Community Impact 

Animals that cause disruption, damage, or sanitation concerns may be required to be removed within 24 hours. 

Exceptions 

This policy does not apply to service animals or emotional support animals approved through Accessibility Resources. 

Appliances and Electrical Equipment

Purpose 

To reduce fire risk and ensure safe use of shared electrical systems. 

Expectations 

Students must use electrical equipment responsibly and follow all safety guidelines. 

Electrical Safety Standards 

• All items must be UL listed and in good condition 

• Appliances may not exceed 1,500 watts 

• No open flames or exposed heating elements 

• Items should not be left unattended while in use 

Permitted Items 

Examples include: 

• Computers, printers, televisions 
• Fans, small lamps, alarm clocks 
• Hair dryers, phone chargers 
• Approved cooking items (with automatic shut-off): 
• Coffee pot 
• Hot pot 
• Popcorn popper 
• The following are also approved for apartments, but these items must be stored in the kitchen: 
  • Toaster 

Usage Guidelines 

• Distribute electrical use across outlets 

• Plug high-use items directly into outlets 

• Use irons only with automatic shut-off features 

Refrigerators and Microwaves 

Microfridges are provided in most residence hall rooms and must remain in place. Students are responsible for damages to these units. Western Ridge apartments, East Campus apartments, fraternity and sorority housing and senior housing do not receive a microfridge.  

Additional refrigerators, microwaves, or freezers are not permitted in residence hall rooms unless otherwise approved. 

Prohibited Items 

Examples include: 

• Electric blankets 
• Air conditioners 
• Heat lamps 
• Halogen torchiere lamps 
• Grills 
• Fire pits 
• Hot plates and crock pots 
• Kegerators and personal brewing equipment 
• Toasters in the residence halls 

Community Agreements

Purpose 

To establish shared expectations for community living. 

Expectations  

Residents collaborate to create agreements that reflect shared values and needs. 

Communities may discuss topics such as: 

• Quiet expectations  

• Guest visitation  

• Shared bathroom cleanliness  

• Respect for shared spaces  

Process 

• Facilitated by Resident Advisors 

• Includes topics such as noise, guests, and cleanliness 

• May be revisited throughout the year 

Decision Making 

Unless otherwise determined by the community, approval or modification of a community agreement requires a 75 percent vote, with at least 75 percent of residents present. Residents share responsibility for upholding the standards they establish. 

Community Impact

Purpose 

To promote awareness of how individual behavior affects the broader community. 

Expectations 

Students are expected to consider the impact of their actions, especially during times when others are studying or sleeping. 

Contracts 

Purpose 

The housing contract outlines the expectations and responsibilities of living in college housing. 

Expectations 

By accepting admission and signing a housing contract, students agree to comply with all residential policies and the terms of occupancy for the assigned period. 

Community Spaces

Purpose 

To ensure shared spaces remain accessible and respectful for all residents. 

Expectations 

Students must use common spaces appropriately and respectfully. 

Common spaces may not be used for: 

• Sleeping 

• Storage of personal belongings 

• Activities that restrict access for other residents  

Items left in common spaces may be removed by residential staff. Alcohol is not permitted in common spaces. 

Below are examples of how this policy applies to common areas:

• Bathrooms
  1. Group bathrooms (bathrooms with more than one shower, sink, or toilet) may only be used by individuals of the same gender at one time.
  2. Single-person bathrooms are designated for use by one person at a time and are open to all genders.
  3. Shower stalls and single-use bathrooms are for use by one person at a time.
  4. In Montgomery which is a gender-specific residence hall, the first-floor single use bathroom is designated as an All Gender restroom, so that guests may shower and use bathroom facilities without disrupting the community members.
  5. Sinks in bathrooms and water fountains are not meant to be disposals for food, sand, mud, or similar substances.
  6. Bathroom trash cans are not provided for students to dump their room trash in.
• Kitchens
  Kitchens are provided in many areas for programs and limited amounts of personal meal preparation. Guidelines for using kitchens include:
  1. Clean up all messes made, including removal of dishes and trash.
  2. Do not leave oven or other appliances while they are in use.
  3. Use the common area refrigerator at your own risk, as items will be discarded if the cleaning staff needs to clean it.
• Porches
  Porches are common spaces that are attached to residential buildings (McGregor, Jackson, Ticknor, etc.) and are not available for student use.  Personal furniture is not permitted. Smoking and use of alcohol are not permitted in these areas.
• Sun Deck
  The sun deck is located in South Hall which may be available to students during limited hours. Custodial staff is not assigned to clean the sun deck, so it is essential that students who use it keep it clean. The South RLC can authorize use of the sun deck. Unauthorized use or abuse of the sun deck will result in closure.

Complying with College Officials

Purpose 

To ensure safety and effective community operations. 

Expectations 

Students are expected to comply with college officials at all times. 

This includes: 

• Carrying and presenting a college ID when requested 

• Following directions from staff 

• Attending requested meetings 

• Responding to official communications 

Drug Use and Controlled Substances 

Purpose 

To maintain a safe and healthy residential environment and ensure compliance with federal law and Colorado College policies. 

Expectations 

Students are prohibited from using, possessing, distributing, or being under the influence of illegal drugs or controlled substances. This includes compliance with all college policies and applicable federal, state, and local laws. 

Prohibited Substances and Behaviors 

The following are prohibited in all residential areas and as part of the college community: 

• Use, possession, or distribution of illicit drugs  

• Misuse or distribution of prescription medications  

• Being under the influence of drugs in a manner that impacts the community  

• Possession of drug paraphernalia associated with prohibited substances  

Students involved in the distribution of prescription or illicit drugs may be subject to both college disciplinary action and criminal investigation, which may result in fines or imprisonment. 

Marijuana Policy 

Although marijuana may be permitted under Colorado state law, it is prohibited at Colorado College. 

• Marijuana use, possession, distribution, or cultivation is not permitted on or off campus  

• Medical marijuana is not permitted on campus 

• This policy applies to students, staff, faculty, and guests  

Colorado College enforces this policy in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act. Failure to comply with federal requirements could impact the college’s eligibility for federal funding and financial aid programs. 

Fire Safety/Hazardous Materials 

Purpose 

To protect life and property from fire hazards. 

Expectations 

Students must follow all fire safety guidelines and use equipment appropriately. 

Prohibited Behaviors 

• Tampering with fire equipment 

• Creating false alarms 

• Blocking exits or safety equipment 

Restrictions 

• No candles, incense, hookahs, or open flames 

• No flammable substances such as propane, gasoline, or paint thinner 

• No unattended cooking 

Safety Guidelines 

• Keep exits and hallways clear 

• Do not block fire exits 

• Maintain distance from heating sources 

• Do not hang items near sprinklers or detectors 

• Fire Equipment
  1. Fire equipment includes all items designed to limit a fire, prevent a fire, or assist in extinguishing fires or evacuating buildings. This includes lighted exit signs, fire extinguishers, sirens, emergency lighting, sprinkler systems, and door closers.
  2. Never tamper with smoke detectors. If there is a question about whether or not a detector is working properly, immediately consult a residential life staff member or campus safety. If a smoke detector starts beeping and there is no apparent heat or smoke source, it probably needs a new battery. Contact the front desk or staff member on duty. NEVER REMOVE A SMOKE DETECTOR!
  3. Do not tamper with or spray fire extinguishers. This will cause the release of a chemical that can set off the building's fire alarm.
  4. Fire exit doors must remain closed when they are not being used as an exit in an emergency.
  5. Door closer mechanisms must remain on doors at all times.
  6. No doors (interior or exterior) may be propped open.
  7. Fireplaces in residential spaces are not permitted for use by residents unless approved ahead of time for a college event by the assistant director of housing operations.
• Personal Belongings
  1. Keep hallways, windows, and stairwells free of trash and personal items in case they need to be used as exit routes.
  2. Do not block lights, sprinklers or smoke detectors by hanging items near them or stacking furniture near them.
  3. Do not burn any flammable items.
  4. Do not use or store flammable substances, such as gasoline, propane, sterno, and cleaning fluids on or near campus residential life areas.
  5. Flammable decorations, such as live or excessive greenery, excessive amounts of paper, and large paper decorations are prohibited.
  6. Keep all items at least three feet away from heating units.
  7. Remove trash/items that may be flammable or may impede an exit route.
  8. No lofts may be built or used in student housing, other than those provided.
• Restricted Spaces/Roof Access
  For safety and operational reasons, access to some areas on campus and in campus buildings is restricted. These areas include mechanical rooms, maintenance closets, utility tunnels, telecommunications closets, crawlspaces, ledges, roofs without decks, balconies, electrical rooms and any other space so marked. In addition, climbing and scaling walls of any college building is prohibited to protect student safety and privacy and to maintain the condition of the buildings.

Guests/Cohabitation

Purpose 

To balance visitation with respect for residential communities. 

Expectations 

Hosts are responsible for their guests at all times. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Ensuring guests follow policies 

• Escorting guests 

• Respecting roommates and community 

Limitations 

Guests may not stay for extended periods or create a cohabitation situation. 

Capacity 

Rooms must maintain safe occupancy based on available space. 

Residential rooms and apartments are designed for regular student use by the student(s) assigned to that space. If students want to have a large number of guests in their rooms, they must work with their RLC to determine how many people are appropriate to have inside a room/apartment at a time and be within fire codes. There must be at least 7.5 square feet of empty floor space per person. A typical double room is 12x12 feet. With furniture in the room, the average available floor space is about 75 square feet, which means that 10 people maximum may be in the average double room at a time.

Health Concerns

Purpose 

To maintain a healthy living environment. 

Expectations 

Students must maintain reasonable cleanliness. 

Examples 

• Regular trash removal 

• Cleaning shared surfaces 

• Keeping pathways clear 

• Report maintenance concerns in a timely manner 

Restrictions 

• Infested or hazardous items are not permitted 

• Window screens may not be removed 

College Action 

If health standards are not maintained, cleaning services may be required at the student’s expense. 

Keys

Purpose 

To maintain building security. 

Expectations 

Students are responsible for their assigned keys. 

Restrictions 

Keys may not be shared or duplicated. 

Procedures 

Lost keys will result in a lock change at the student’s expense. 

Noise/Quiet Hours

Purpose 

To support academic success and wellbeing. 

Expectations 

Students must respect 24-hour courtesy hours. 

Quiet Hours 

• Sunday to Thursday: 11 pm to 8 am  

• Friday to Saturday: 12 am to 9 am  

Violations 

Noise may be considered disruptive if it: 

• Can be heard in neighboring rooms  

• Travels down hallways  

• Is audible outside the building 

Room Assignments and Changes

Purpose 

To manage housing assignments effectively. 

Expectations 

Students must follow all room assignment and change procedures. 

Guidelines 

• Rooms are assigned per term  

• Unauthorized occupancy is prohibited  

• Room changes must follow procedures 

Students who take an extended leave of absence that requires them to move out of their room no longer have ownership of that space once they check out. 

Room Care

Room Care 

Purpose 

To protect facilities and maintain safe living spaces. 

Expectations 

Students must care for their assigned space. 

Guidelines 

• Furniture must remain in rooms  
• Students cannot bring outside furniture
• Decorations must not cause damage  
• Walls, furniture, and other room components may not be permanently altered, including dyeing draperies or painting walls.

• Students may not splice electrical wires or remove any outlet plates or light switches.
• All screens must remain in place.
• False walls, lofts, and other potentially hazardous items may not be constructed or brought into rooms or apartments.
• Maintenance issues and damages must be reported  

Restrictions 

• No structural modifications  

• No hazardous furniture  

• No electrical tampering 

Smoking and Tobacco Use 

Purpose 

To promote a healthy living environment and comply with Colorado College policies related to smoking and tobacco use. 

Expectations 

Students must follow all college policies related to smoking, tobacco, and nicotine use. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted in residential facilities. 

Prohibited Use in Residential Areas 

The use of smoking or tobacco products is prohibited in all residential buildings, including but not limited to: 

• Residence halls  

• Apartments  

• Common areas  

• Bathrooms  

• Hallways  

• Lounges  

• Balconies and porches attached to residential buildings  

Covered Products 

This policy applies to all forms of smoking and nicotine delivery systems, including: 

• Cigarettes  

• Cigars  

• Pipes  

• Electronic cigarettes or vapes  

• Hookahs  

• Vaporizers  

• Smokeless tobacco products, including pouches such as Zyn  

• Any emerging or future nicotine or tobacco products  

Additional Guidelines 

Students may not use, store, or charge devices in a manner that creates a safety risk, including devices that produce heat, vapor, or smoke. 

Community Impact 

Smoking or tobacco use that affects others through secondhand smoke, odor, or residue may be addressed as a community impact concern. 

Compliance 

Students are expected to comply with all requests from college officials regarding smoking and tobacco use. Violations may result in disciplinary action in accordance with college policies. 

Solicitation/Posting/Business Operations

Purpose 

To regulate use of residential spaces. 

Expectations 

Solicitation is not permitted in residential areas. 

Posting 

Posting is limited to designated areas and processes. Up to 60 fliers/small posters may be dropped off at the office of Residential Experience on the first three Mondays of every block. These will be posted in the residential communities in common bulletin boards or other areas.

Restrictions 

Students may not operate businesses or generate income from residential spaces. 

Residential experience staff reserve the right to remove anything that is not posted in accordance with the above. Student organizations and students may request to staff an informational table in the lounge area during specific hours. Requests should be made to the RLC one week in advance.

Storage 

Purpose 

To clarify storage limitations. 

Expectations 

The college does not provide student storage. 

Students are responsible for securing off-campus storage if needed.