Forms, Policies and Conduct

You: Each and every student is a member of our residence community by choosing to live here.

Other Students: You can expect the community you are living in to be shared by many other students. Some of these students will have similar interests and lifestyles to you while other may not.

Residence Life Staff (RLS): There are over 200 upper-year students who work and/or live in residence to help ensure your experience is the best it can be. Learn more about specific roles on our website.

Residence Life Management Team: These are the professional staff who help build community. They include Residence Life Managers in Training (RLMiTs – South Area), Residence Life Managers (RLMs – East and North Areas), Area Coordinators (ACs) and more.

Desk Services Staff: Professional staff and student employees who work in our Residence Service Desks located in Prairie Hall, Dundas Hall, L/A, Gordon Hall, and West. To access RLS on-call, report damages, or ask for help for any issue you may be having, contact your Residence Service Desk:

• Call: 519-824-4120
  • North Desk Ext. 58122 | Open 8 a.m. until 12 a.m. (midnight)
  • South Desk Ext. 58123 | Open 8 a.m. until 12 a.m. (midnight)
  • East Desk Ext. 58124 | Open 8 a.m. until 12 a.m. (midnight)
  • Gordon Desk Ext. 55081 | Open 24 hours
  • West Desk Ext. 58120 | TBD

Facilities Staff: Custodians and trades staff work alongside you to help keep our buildings and communities safe and clean.

Interhall Council (IHC): Represent you as your Residence student government. All residence halls will have a President, Vice-President, Social Coordinator, and Public Relations Officer and host weekly hall council meetings to help bring residents together. Learn more on the IHC website.

Campus Safety Office (CSO): You may find our friendly CSO Officers walking through the halls as well. Sometimes they are there to attend to issues in the community but most of the time they just want to say hi and get to know you. If you ever encounter an emergency, contact the Campus Safety Office at 519-840-5000.

Alcohol

Alcohol Consumption - Orientation Week: Residence is alcohol free throughout Orientation Week. All residence students are not permitted to be in possession of, consume, or be under the influence of alcohol.

• This year, Orientation Week will be running from Friday, September 4 and ending on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Alcohol Paraphernalia: Drinking accessories such as funnels, brewing equipment and drinking hats are not permitted in residence.

Beer Bottles: Beer Bottles is defined as a glass container that contains any alcoholic beverage considered to be a beer, lager, malt liquor, cider, or ale. Beer Bottles have proven to be a safety hazard in residence due to broken glass, and are therefore prohibited in residence.

Open Alcohol *: Residence students of legal age may consume alcohol in private and designated areas only. Alcohol consumption is prohibited on street level, residence desk areas, lobbies, foyers, elevators, stairwells, hallways, washrooms and common rooms/lounges. Alcohol must be transported in a closed container.

Promotion of Alcohol Culture: Drinking games, including waterpong, and other activities that result in the swift or high-volume consumption of alcohol are prohibited in residence. Possession or consumption from common source alcohol or large volume alcohol container is also prohibited. Large volume container is defined as a container holding more than 500ml of beer in a single container or more than 750ml/26 ounces of any other type of alcohol, including, but not limited to wines and spirits.

Parties or Social Gatherings: Residents are not permitted to host or advertise an organized or spontaneous party in residence. A party is defined as any social gathering over and above the maximum capacity of a residence room or more than 7 people that meets one or both of the following criteria:

• Alcohol is being consumed as one of the primary activities;
• Music is a major part of the atmosphere and is too loud to be considered background music.

Underage Drinking *: Students must abide by all Federal, Provincial legislation and University policies. The legal drinking age is 19 years of age.

Learn More: Alcohol Policy

Cannabis

Cannabis Consumption - Orientation Week: Residence is cannabis free during orientation week. All residence students are not permitted to be in possession of, consume, or be under the influence of cannabis.

• This year, Orientation Week will be running from Friday, September 4 and ending on Monday, September 14, 2026.

Unconcealed Cannabis: The possession of cannabis is restricted to bedrooms and suites. Cannabis is not permitted on street level, residence desk areas, lobbies, foyers, elevators, stairwells, hallways, washrooms and common rooms/lounges. Cannabis must be stored in its original packaging or an air-tight container. The scent of cannabis must not be noticeable.

Underage Cannabis Possession/Use: Students must abide by all Federal, Provincial legislation and University policies. The legal age to possess or use cannabis and any by-products is 19 years of age. The following is not permitted in residence:

• The smoking of cannabis in residence or on University of Guelph property.
• The possession of cannabis seeds or plants.
• Making edibles in residence. You may possess and use edibles if they are acquired legally and you are of legal age.
• Possessing more than 30g of legally acquired dried cannabis, or the equivalent in oils or edibles.

Learn More: Cannabis Policy

Illegal Drugs & Substances *

Students are prohibited from possessing, using, or trafficking drugs in residence which are in contravention of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act. Illegal drug paraphernalia is not permitted in residence.

Learn More: Illegal Drug & Substance Policy

Not Cooperating with Staff: Failing to follow the directions or instructions of Residence Life Staff or University employees who are acting within the scope of their position (e.g., compliance with verbal/written requests, providing proper ID and providing information to staff) is not permitted.

Gambling: Participating in and/or running gaming-related events (when there is an exchange of money) is not permitted in residence. This includes but is not limited to, poker nights, hockey pools, and raffles/draws/bingo.

Noise: An individual’s right to reasonable quiet supersedes another’s desire to make noise. Unless otherwise advised, Quiet Hours are observed in residence at minimum from:

• Sunday to Thursday: 11 p.m. to 8 a.m.
• Friday & Saturday Evenings: 1 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• Final Exam Periods: 23 hours a day (9 p.m. to 10 p.m. being the exception)
  • Fall Term Final Exam Season: December 4 at 12 p.m. (noon)
  • Winter Term Final Exam Season: April 12 at 12 p.m. (noon)

Residents are expected to modify use of an area (e.g., outdoor basketball court, lounges, crossroads) during quiet hours to avoid study interference. High levels of bass, music, and other sounds from speakers, musical instruments, or other equipment is prohibited at all times. Weekend Quiet Hours may be adjusted in relation to major midterms. Consideration Hours refer to being considerate of noise levels, and are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Physically Active Games or Activities in Residence: Students are not permitted to participate in potentially destructive activities that may cause higher noise levels, personal injury and/or property damage (e.g., sports played indoors, using inline skates, bicycles, skateboards, or hoverboards within residence or running in the hallways).

Responsible Behaviour: Actions that adversely affect oneself or others, or have the potential to, as a result of not adhering to the RCLS. This includes failing to remove yourself from a situation that contravenes the RCLS or violating a condition from a previous breach (e.g., guest probation, posting, etc.).

Pranks: Initiating, supporting, or participating in pranks that are inappropriate, disruptive, offensive, and/or damaging are prohibited.

Failure to Evacuate: All students and guests are required to evacuate the building immediately after a fire alarm sounds.

Flammable Materials: Participating in and/or running gaming-related events (when there is an exchange of money) is not permitted in residence. This includes but is not limited to, poker nights, hockey pools, and raffles/draws/bingo.

Fire Safety Equipment & Fires *: Discharging, tampering with or operating any fire prevention or detection equipment for any purpose other than the control of fire is strictly prohibited. Such equipment includes fire extinguishers, pull stations, alarms and smoke, and heat detectors.

Smoking *: Our campus community is tobacco and smoke-free. Use of e-cigarettes, vaping, or use of any tobacco products (e.g., chew, dip, shisha, etc.) is not permitted in residence or on campus. We encourage all residents to read the Smoke-Free U of G Policy.

Door Propping & Inappropriate Use: Any attempt to prop exterior residence doors or tamper with perimeter equipment doors is not permitted. Students are expected to abide by the access hours/restricted use signs posted on exterior residence doors and use main doors for entry and exit.

Restricted or Unauthorized Areas: Residents are not permitted in restricted or unauthorized areas (except in emergencies). Examples of unauthorized areas include roofs, restricted balconies, tunnels, attics, an unassigned residence room, or another resident’s room without their permission.

Unauthorized Key Possession/Use: Residents are not permitted to copy, lend or be in the possession of unauthorized keys, fobs, or student IDs.

Theft *: Possession of another person’s or University property without permission is prohibited.

Weapons *: Firearms or any other weapons or items that are created or intended to cause harm, could be seen as intimidating, or mistaken for a weapon are strictly prohibited. Examples include, but are not limited to, restricted weapons, fencing foils, ceremonial or decorative swords, airsoft guns and paintball guns.

Civility: Residents must not intimidate, interfere with, threaten or otherwise obstruct any person, including Residence Life Staff.

Discrimination *: Any conduct that results in the adverse treatment of an individual or group based on race, sex, gender, origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, ability or other human right protected grounds, is strictly prohibited.

Hate Activity *: Any comments or actions against a person or group motivated by bias, prejudice or hate based on any individual right or protection (e.g., race, ancestry, religion, sex, gender, age, marital status, etc.) is prohibited within residence. This includes but is not limited to, hate crime, hate propaganda, telephone/electronic communications between students promoting hate, and the display of hate through any notice, poster, sign, symbol or emblem.

Harassment *: Any attention or conduct (e.g., oral, written, virtual, or physical) by an individual/group who knows or ought to reasonably know that such attention or conduct is unwelcome, unwanted, offensive or intimidating is not permitted. This includes but is not limited to bullying or hazing.

Graphic Materials *: Displaying pornographic or graphic material in public areas, common areas, or where it is visible to the residence community or public is prohibited.

Sexual Violence *: Sexual Violence is any sexual act targeting a person’s sexuality, gender identity or gender expression, whether the act is physical or psychological in nature, that is committed, threatened or attempted against a person without the person’s consent, and includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, indecent exposure, voyeurism, and sexual exploitation. Any form of Sexual Violence will not be tolerated within residence and can face severe consequences such as eviction.

Violence *: Physical aggression (consensual or not) will not be tolerated. Residents are strongly encouraged to vacate the premises and call for assistance when encountering violent situations. Any student who engages in physically aggressive behaviour, regardless of the intention, can face severe consequences such as eviction.

Cleanliness Standards: Students are expected to keep their rooms/units and shared living areas clean and at a standard acceptable to Student Housing Services to avoid issues such as pests, bed bugs, and irritants to others. Removing garbage in a timely fashion in the proper receptacle and cleaning up after oneself is expected.

Equipment Storage: Students are not to store any personal belongings or room property in common/shared living areas (e.g., bicycles, hockey equipment, musical instruments or items of furniture).

Pets: Pets are not permitted in residence with the exception of non-dangerous fish in small aquaria (less than 4 litres) and service animals that have been approved by the Director of Residence Life. More information about service animals in residence.

Postering & Decorating: Residents are permitted to poster/decorate in designated areas provided it is in accordance with the Student Housing Services Advertising & Poster Policy.

Property Damage *: Intentional or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property. Acts of vandalism or altering any part of a physical space are prohibited in residence. Students are encouraged to report any accidental or intentional damage to property to a Residence Service Desk.

Prohibited Items & Use: Items that are known to cause damage to facilities or increase the risk of harm to others are not permitted. Examples include, but are not limited to, lit candles/incense, air conditioning units, hoverboards, halogen lamps, strip lights directly affixed to walls, inflatable pools, etc. Electrical or other cooking appliances (e.g., toasters, hot plates, kettles, coffee machines, etc.) are permitted only in areas with approved kitchen facilities. Prohibited items may be confiscated. More information about moving in and packing rules.

Removal of Student Housing Property *: Removing, unbolting, and/or relocating furniture or other items from lounges, residence rooms, dining areas and other common living areas is not permitted.

Solicitation: Residents are not permitted to use any space or service in residence for commercial purposes (e.g., profit-driven activities, promoting goods or services and/or hosting events which are intended to promote/sell goods).

Telecommunications & Piracy: Students are to comply with the University’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) and the ResNet Computing Agreement. Residents shall not run or install personal routers, wires, cables or other electronic connections between rooms, in hallways, between windows, or outside buildings.

Restorative Approach: Our primary goal is to help you learn from behaviour that has had an impact on others (e.g., harms) and to make things right by repairing harms and rebuilding trust within the community. RLS will always try, through their conversations, to understand what harms may have been created and how things can be mended or made right. Ultimately, we want students to learn and for communities to grow. A restorative approach is only possible with your active participation.

Community Resolutions (CR): A Community Resolution (CR) is a type of documentation that Residence Life Staff will complete when a breach of the RCLS occurs that is easily resolvable. For a CR to be completed, the following must take place: the situation is easily resolvable, you take responsibility for the behaviour involved, and are not overly intoxicated. The CR is then e-mailed to you to identify the RCLS breach and summarize the interaction with RLS. Any breach that compromises the health and safety of others is not eligible for a CR. Students who have received multiple CRs in an academic year will have all future incidents documented as an Incident Report. If you wish to speak about the CR you received, please contact a member of the Residence Life Management Team.

Incident Reports (IR): There are, of course, situations that the Residence Life Staff cannot resolve quickly as they require more time, information, or support. For these incidents, the Residence Life Staff will document the facts in an Incident Report. You will be sent an e-mail with a copy of any Incident Reports received and will be given the opportunity to meet with a member of the Residence Life Management Team, to share your perspective on what took place.

Meeting With a Manager: Receiving an IR does not automatically mean you are responsible for the behaviour listed. Upon reviewing the facts documented in an Incident Report, a meeting may be requested (by either party), or further information may be gathered. You are always encouraged to express your point of view. A meeting is typically used to discuss what happened, fact find any discrepancies, and talk about who was impacted and how to move forward.

Your Opinion Matters: It is important you have the opportunity to have a voice in the conduct process and feel heard. We encourage all students to attend meetings about their behaviour in residence. However, if you choose not to share your perspective then a decision will be made about your involvement and potential outcomes without your input.

Temporary Conditions (Interim Measures): Temporary Conditions are implemented while a more permanent solution is being developed. These are used to address immediate concerns or disruptions that pose a risk to a community. Temporary Conditions may be required in various situations, such as conduct fact finding, conflict resolution, or safety concerns in the community, and can appear in various forms including, but not limited to, postings, no-contact directions, suspension, or outlining other expectations while living in residence. Residents may request a review of Temporary Conditions by reaching out to the decision maker.

Apology: An expression of remorse for an action or behaviour that includes a commitment to make amends. An apology may be delivered verbally or in a written format.

Confiscation of Property: Items which do not comply with the Residence Community Living Standards may be confiscated or destroyed as per the Confiscation of Property Policy.

Educational Opportunity: An opportunity to learn, develop, reflect or make amends (e.g., projects, interactive seminar, online workshop or reflective assignment).

Eviction: The termination of a student’s Residence Contract requiring them to vacate residence by a specific date or immediately, if deemed necessary by Student Housing Services. Other conditions including posting may apply.

Fines: Fines and conditional fines can be placed on a resident’s account. These range from $25 to $500.

Loss of Privileges: Specific privileges may be suspended or revoked for a given time period (e.g., access to lounges, hosting a guest, consuming alcohol in residence). A loss of privilege may also be associated with a probation period in which any subsequent incidents or breach of restricted privileges may result in further action.

On Notice: A status to inform students that their behaviour or conduct history is unacceptable. Generally used for less serious incidents or for students who have prior Community Resolutions or Incident Reports. If a student is on notice and there is subsequent behaviour contrary to the RCLS, the student may be placed on residence probation.

Posting: A student is banned from a residence area or residence building.

Probation: Is a formal status, typically imposed for one or more semesters. During the probation period, privileges (e.g., alcohol, guests, etc.) may be lost and any subsequent breaches may result in further action, including eviction or outcomes from the Office of Student Accountability.

Restitution & Community Billing: Is a monetary reimbursement for actual damages or loss to the University.

Restorative Agreement: An agreement made with a resident to outline specific goals or expectations as a means to repair harm and rebuild trust.

Suspension: A period of time where a student is temporarily prohibited from residing in residence. During this time a student is responsible for the full cost of the residence space and is restricted from entering all other residences.

Transfer: When a resident is required to relocate to an alternative residence or room (any additional room costs will be applied).