Community Standards

“Resident” means First-Year Students and Upper-Class Students living or assigned in a Residential Facility, as defined below.

“First-Year Student” means incoming students who have earned less than 24 post-high school credit hours while enrolled at a college or university and who are otherwise not exempted from the University’s on campus living requirements.

“Upper-Class Student” means any student that is not a “First-Year Student”.

“You” or “Your” means the Resident residing in a Residential Facility operated by the University of Oklahoma.

“Housing Contract” refers to the Terms and Conditions of the Incoming Freshman Housing and Food Services Contract, as well as the Terms and Conditions of the Upper-class Housing and Food Services Contract.

“Residential Facility” means facilities operated by the University of Oklahoma for the purpose of providing student housing to enrolled University students, including but not limited to Apartments and Residence Halls.

“Unit” is the room, or suite that You are assigned to by the University in a Residential Facility.

“Apartment” is the apartment or space that You agree to live in according to your Housing Contract in a Residential Facility. A current list of apartment-style facilities is maintained on the OU Housing and Residence Life website.

“Residence Hall” is the residence hall room or space that You agree to live in according to your Housing Contract in a Residential Facility. A current list of residence hall-style facilities is maintained on the OU Housing and Residence Life website.

“University Official” means any person who is employed by the University in an administrative or support role and has the authority to enforce University policies and procedures.

“Guest” means any Student, Resident, or non-Resident not assigned to reside in a Unit in a Residential Facility.

“Student” is anyone enrolled at the University of Oklahoma.

This policy applies to all Students who are living on campus in a Residential Facility operated by the University of Oklahoma.

The Vice President of Student Affairs will be responsible for this policy.

It is the policy of OU to foster a safe, respectful, and supportive living environment for all Residents residing in Residential Facilities. The University requires Residents to adhere to community living standards that promote academic success, personal responsibility, and mutual respect among peers. These policies ensure that all Residents can enjoy a conducive atmosphere for learning and personal growth while maintaining compliance with University policies and state and federal laws.

You are responsible for creating an environment that promotes the academic mission of the University. This includes, among other things, upholding the policies in the Residential Facilities, as well as the Roommate Bill of Rights.

Noise: Creating excessive noise in a Residential Facility or failing to comply with courtesy and quiet hours is prohibited. A Resident or University Official may, at any time, respectfully request that noise levels be reduced. These requests must be honored to maintain community standards and support an environment conducive to academic success. If a request made by a Resident is not honored, the Resident should notify a University Official.

Courtesy Hours: Courtesy Hours are the hours when you may play your music or TV a little louder, open your door and talk to friends and participate in other activities or practices that do not disturb others in the community. During Courtesy Hours, noise heard more than two (2) doors down is unacceptable. Courtesy Hours in Residential Facilities will be announced at the beginning of the academic year and posted on the OU Housing and Food Website.

Quiet Hours: All Residents and their Guests must abide by the Quiet Hours while living in the Residential Facility. During quiet hours, noise heard outside of a Resident’s door is considered too loud. Quiet Hours will be announced at the beginning of the academic year and posted on the OU Housing and Food Website. 24-hour Quiet Hours are observed and strictly enforced in Residential Facilities during the final two (2) weeks of the semester. 

Instruments and Speakers: Placement of sound equipment in Units, windows, or common areas of a Residential Facility without the express permission of a University Official is prohibited. Instruments and sound equipment may only be used in designated areas of the Residential Facility.

Interference with Housing Processes: Any action that interferes with or disrupts Housing processes or a student’s ability to occupy their assigned Unit is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, rejecting or refusing assigned roommates, coercing Residents to move from their Unit, spreading personal belongings or furniture in a way that prevents another Resident from moving into the Unit, or obstructing entry by a University Official. Residents must maintain their Unit in a manner that allows assigned Residents to access and occupy the space and allows University Officials to enter when necessary. OU Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to charge a Resident a fine for interference with the Housing Contract.

You are responsible for contributing to a community that is safe and respectful. Guests may be allowed to visit Residential Facilities. You and your Guest are responsible for following the Community Living Standards. A failure to follow these standards may result in the Resident being held accountable. Guests may also be held accountable if they are a Student or member of the OU community.

Guests: Residents are responsible for the behavior of their Guests. While in Residential Facilities and on campus, Guests are expected to comply with all applicable laws and University policies, including, but not limited to, the Community Living Standards, Title IX & Sexual Misconduct Policy, the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code of Conduct, and the Alcohol and Other Drug Policy.

Guest Supervision: Guests must always be escorted by their host Resident while in any Residential Facility and on campus if their Guest is not a Student.

Roommates and Guests: Residents must notify their Unit roommate(s) at least 24 hours in advance of an overnight Guest in the Unit, and all roommate(s)/suitemate(s) must agree the Guest may stay overnight.

Overnight Guests: An overnight Guest may not stay more than 72 consecutive hours in a Residential Facility while visiting a Resident. Residents may not host overnight Guests in their assigned Unit for more than a total of nine (9) days per semester.

Cohabitation: The continual residence of any Guest or Resident not assigned to the Unit in a manner that suggests occupancy is prohibited.

Overnight Use of Unit: Guests or Residents may not occupy a bed or bedroom within a Unit without the permission of the Resident(s) to whom the space is assigned.

Overnight Use of Residential Facility: Overnight Guests may not sleep in lounges or other public areas of a Residential Facility.

Occupancy Regulations: Having more than three (3) times the designed occupancy in a Unit is prohibited.

Guest Access: Residents may not provide Guests with keys, access cards, mobile credentials, or any other means of independent access to a Residential Facility or Unit.

You are responsible for promoting a clean and well-maintained living environment.

Damage or Defacement of Property: Damage, destruction, or defacing of property of another person, group, or the University is prohibited. Damage to Residential Facility decorations or postings is prohibited. Damage to interior or exterior surfaces of any space in a Residential Facility is prohibited.

Altering of Internal Space: Installation or addition of any non-approved items, painting a Unit, and installing wallpaper or LED strip lights in any part of a Residential Facility is prohibited. The use or installation of interior or exterior cameras, or any recording devices positioned to monitor spaces within or around a Unit or Residential Facility, is prohibited. You are not permitted to remove any University owned furniture from the Unit. Residential Facility chairs may be removed only upon submission and approval of a work order through OU Housing Operations.

Window and Balcony Safety: Hanging from windows or balconies, removing window screens, or throwing or projecting objects from windows or balconies of a Residential Facility is prohibited.

Displaying Items from Windows: Hanging items in and out of any Residential Facility window or in any other manner that obstructs the windows is prohibited, including, but not limited to, flags, banners, and signs.

Trash: Residents must dispose of trash in designated areas.

Noxious Odors: Causing noxious or offensive odors or fumes (e.g. drugs, incense, cigarettes, clove cigarette, candles, trash buildup, etc.) are prohibited in a Residential Facility.

Pets: Possession of animals in a Residential Facility, other than fish as defined below, is prohibited regardless of the length of stay or visit, unless it is an Assistance Animal under section 8 below. If an unapproved animal is present, the Resident will be notified and required to remove the animal within 24 hours. Failure to comply may result in a fine of $200 per day until the animal is removed. 

• Fish may be maintained as pets in the Unit, provided they are kept in tanks no larger than ten (10) gallons. Residents are responsible for the care and maintenance of the tank and for any damage caused by the fish or the tank. 
• Any costs associated with the presence of an unapproved animal, or damages caused by any animal, including Service or Emotional Support Animals, may be charged to the responsible Resident(s) or to all Residents assigned to the Unit (e.g., damaged furniture or carpet, cleaning, pest control)

Assistance Animals: Only Service Animals and approved Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are permitted in Residential Facilities. Emotional Support Animals must be approved through the Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and registered through the Housing and Residence Life Assistance Animal Registration process in the housing portal prior to being brought into a Residential Facility. Residents approved for a ESA must comply with all applicable University policies, including the Animal Owner Responsibilities, for the animal to remain in the Residential Facility. Failure to comply may result in removal of the animal and/or conduct action.

Gambling: Gambling, raffles, betting pools, or operation of any form of gambling business or related activity in or adjacent to any Residential Facility is prohibited.

Business: Operating a business from any Residential Facility or your assigned Unit is prohibited.

Loitering: Loitering is not allowed in front of any Residential Facility entrance or exit.

Solicitation: Residential Facilities may not be used for commercial or non-commercial solicitation. This includes, but is not limited to, door-to-door solicitation and the distribution of materials. Residents and University-affiliated groups may reserve designated spaces within Residential Facilities through OU Reserve for approved activities.

Posting: Posting is permitted only in designated areas within first-floor lobby spaces of Residential Facilities. Posting in non-designated areas, including residential floors, doors, windows, and other common spaces, is prohibited. All postings must comply with University policies and applicable laws. Materials must include a visible date and be removed within 24 hours after the event or posted date.

Postings that do not comply with these guidelines may be removed by Housing and Residence Life staff.

You are responsible for promoting and maintaining a safe and secure environment.

Unauthorized Access: Attempting to gain unauthorized access or trespassing in any Residential Facility is prohibited.

Tailgating: Access to Residential Facilities is restricted to authorized individuals only. All Residents must use their own access cards or designated entry methods to gain entry. Residents are prohibited from allowing non-Residents or unauthorized individuals to enter a Residential Facility behind them without proper verification of Student identification.

Blocking Egress: Hanging or placing items, including but not limited to beads, tapestries, flags, banners, or sheets, in a manner that blocks exits or escape routes within a Unit or Residential Facility is prohibited. This includes any obstruction of a path of exit from a Unit.

Evacuation Procedures: In the event of a fire alarm or fire drill, all Residents and Guests must immediately and fully evacuate the Residential Facility. Residents and Guests must remain outside in the designated gathering area until authorized to reenter by emergency personnel or University Officials. In the event of severe weather, Residents and Guests must immediately relocate to designated storm shelter areas or areas of refuge as directed by University Officials or posted emergency procedures and remain there until an all-clear is given. Failure to comply with evacuation or emergency procedures is prohibited. Balconies, hallways, and stairwells must remain clear at all times.

Fire Alarms/Fire Safety Equipment: Tampering with, damaging, covering, or disabling any fire safety equipment (including smoke detectors, pull stations, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, or related equipment), as well as initiating false alarms, silencing alarms, or failing to evacuate during an alarm, is prohibited and may violate state fire codes. Violations may result in University disciplinary action and/or legal consequences.

Illegal Use of Emergency Exits: Emergency exits in Residential Facilities are to be used during emergency evacuations only. Any misuse of emergency exits is prohibited.

Key Policy: Distribution/Loss/Lockouts: Delivering, sharing, surrendering, or otherwise providing access to keys, access cards, or any device that provides entry to a Residential Facility or Unit to anyone other than a University Official is prohibited. Unauthorized duplication or modification of keys or access devices is prohibited. Failure to report lost or stolen keys is prohibited. Repeated lockouts due to failure to carry or properly manage keys may result in administrative action.

You and your Guests are responsible for respecting the rights of all others in the Residential Facility and complying with all applicable laws and University policies, including the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code of Conduct. Fighting, threats, digital threats, harassment, and intimidation of any person for any reason will not be tolerated in a Residential Facility or on any University property. You are responsible for contributing to a community that promotes respect, awareness, accountability, and consideration for all individuals within the Residential Facility. All Residents are required to comply with the terms and conditions of their Housing Contract. Any violation of the Housing Contract is also a violation of this Community Standards policy.

Failure to Comply: Residents and Guests must comply with any lawful order or reasonable request of a clearly identifiable University Official (e.g., Housing and Residence Life Staff, OU Police Department) acting in the performance of their duties. Residents and Guests must present a valid ID upon request of a University Official.

Furnishing False Information: Residents and Guests must comply with any lawful order or reasonable request of a clearly identifiable University Official (e.g., Housing and Residence Life Staff, OU Police Department) acting in the performance of their duties. Residents and Guests must present a valid ID upon request of a University Official.

Compliance with the Law and University Policies: Residents must comply with all University policies, including the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code of Conduct, as well as all applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances. Violations may be referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

Imposition on Community: Residents are expected to maintain a living environment that supports academic success and does not interfere with the rights of others to access University education, employment, services, or privileges.

Misuse of Technology: Residents and Guests must comply with the University Acceptable Use Policy. Misuse of OU Information Systems, including, but not limited to, tampering with, disabling, or unauthorized use of technology, software, or hardware within Residential Facilities, is prohibited. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to, the creation or use of false or misleading information generated through Artificial Intelligence (AI), and interference with safety or security systems.

Implied Consent: Residents are responsible for activities occurring within their assigned Unit and are expected to take reasonable steps to prevent prohibited behavior or the presence of prohibited items within their Unit.

Passive Participation: Residents and Guests are expected to remove themselves from situations in which University policy violations are occurring and report such behavior or items to a University Official. Failure to remove oneself or report violations may result in conduct action.

You and your Guests are responsible for upholding all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Alcohol is not permitted for Residents, Guests, or Students under the age of 21, in Residential Facilities, or surrounding areas. Illegal drugs are prohibited for all individuals. For additional information, please refer to the Student Alcohol Policy.

Alcohol Paraphernalia: Unless a Resident is 21 years or older and lives in campus apartments, possession of alcohol paraphernalia including, but not limited to, funnels, drinking game paraphernalia, such as beer pong tables, and empty alcohol cans and containers is prohibited.

Residents of the Legal Drinking Age: Alcohol may be permitted in Apartments in the Residential Facilities if the Resident is the age of 21 or older. Bulk or common source alcohol containers (kegs, etc.) are not allowed in Residential Facilities. All Residents and Guests in the Apartment must be of legal drinking age to possess the alcohol out in common space areas. If not everyone who resides in the Apartment is of legal age, the alcohol must be stored in the bedroom of a Resident who is the age of 21 or older.

Tobacco and Nicotine: Possession or use of nicotine or tobacco is prohibited in the Residential Facilities. This includes but is not limited to, any lighted or heated cigar, cigarette, water pipe (hookah), E-cigarette, vaporized inhalants or vape, pipe, or smokeless tobacco product.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited on the University of Oklahoma campus, including within all Residential Facilities.

Drug Paraphernalia: Possession of paraphernalia used or intended for controlled substances, or items containing illegal drug residue, is prohibited in Residential Facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, devices or materials used to prepare, consume, or conceal drug use.

Medical Marijuana: The University of Oklahoma complies with federal law, which prohibits the use, possession, or distribution of marijuana on campus or at University-sponsored activities. Residents and Guests are prohibited from consuming, smoking, or possessing marijuana in Residential Facilities, including those with a valid medical marijuana license, card, or prescription.

You are responsible for promoting and maintaining a safe and secure environment in Residential Facilities. Items that are prohibited from being brought into or stored in any Residential Facilities are listed below. Housing and Residence Life Staff have the right to request the removal of any prohibited item.

Appliances:

• Personal Appliances: Personal Appliances, including but not limited to a personal air conditioner, space heater, ceiling fan, bidet, or fog/smoke machine are prohibited. Appliances already installed in Residential Facility are permitted to remain.
• Kitchen Appliances: Cooking tools that pose a fire hazard are prohibited, including but not limited to: Air fryer, deep fat fryer, electric griddle, electric grill, electric sandwich makers or presses, electric waffle iron, electric wok, hot oil popcorn popper, hot plate, indoor grill or boiler, toaster oven, crock pots, or any cooking tool that does not have an automatic shut off feature. Kitchen appliances are permitted in Apartments that are already installed in the Residential Facility. Kitchen appliances are permitted in Apartment Units as long as appliances have an automatic shut-off feature.
• Microwaves: Microwaves larger than 4-cubit feet, use more than three (3) amps per hour of electricity, or have a power outside of 500-750 watts are prohibited.
• Mini-Fridges: Mini-Fridges larger than 4-cubit feet or that use power outside of 150-350 watts are prohibited, unless they are provided by the University.
• Permitted Appliances: One refrigerator and one microwave are allowed per Unit. Each appliance may not exceed 4 cubic feet in capacity.
• Residents must remain present while cooking or heating food and actively monitor appliances in

Fire Hazards:

• Flammable Materials: Items covering one-third or more of a door or wall surface within a Unit are prohibited, including but not limited to posters, canvas art, t-shirts, flyers, flags, blankets, or tapestries.
• Fire Hazards: Items with an open flame or flammable liquid are prohibited, including but not limited to oil lamps, candles, candle warmers without automatic shut-off, hookah pipes, incense, or halogen lamps.
• Flammable Hazards: Items that may serve as fuel for fire are prohibited, including but not limited to charcoal, extension cords, natural cut trees, branches, or greens. Surge protectors are permitted.
• Storing & Utilizing Vehicles: Parking, riding, or storing bikes, motorcycles, scooters, electric bicycles, hoverboards, mopeds, or similar devices in unauthorized areas, including Units, stairwells, hallways, lounges, balconies, or exterior fixtures, is prohibited.
• Electronic Vehicles: Electric personal vehicles with lithium-ion batteries, including but not limited to electric scooters, bikes, hoverboards, and skateboards, may not be stored or charged inside any Residential Facility or University building.
• Personal Furniture: Self-constructed furniture is prohibited in Residential Facilities, including lofted beds, personal desks or tables, couches, mattresses, or unapproved lofting materials such as bed risers. Items that obstruct entryways, including hallway rugs, are also prohibited.

Prohibited Weapons:

• Non-Lethal Handheld Items: Non-lethal handheld items are prohibited from being used in any Residential Facilities, including but not limited to: Tasers, stun guns, pepper spray, or mace.
• Flammables and Combustibles: All explosives, combustibles, ammunition and fireworks are prohibited, including but not limited to: Gasoline, propane, lighter fluid, bullets, BB bullets, sparklers, or firecrackers.
• Knives and Blades: Kitchen knives used for cooking are permitted. Pocket knives with blades 2.5 inches or less are permitted. All other knives and blades, including throwing stars, hunting knives, and throwing knives, are prohibited.
• Guns and Gun Replicas: Firearms, toy guns, replicas, Nerf guns, water guns, BB guns, and similar items are prohibited.

• To keep your door locked.
• To observe quiet hours, keep your music, TV, etc., and voice at a reasonable volume, and communicate to others that you expect the same of them.
• To let your roommate know of your wishes and preferences for hours of sleep, study, and guest visitation and to work through any differences you may have in a peaceful manner.
• For you and your guests to respect your roommate’s preferences of the space so that all students in the space can have a successful dorm experience.
• To listen to your roommate’s wishes and respond appropriately.
• To read and follow the rules and regulations established to support the educational purposes of the University (provided for you by the Community Living Standards) and to sustain a safe and comfortable living community in the residence halls and apartments.
• To examine your own behavior when confronted by another and work toward resolving conflicts.
• To interact with others and not be threatening or aggressive.
• To notify a staff member of problems or violations of rules that happen in the living community.
• The right to seek help with the roommate relationship from Residence Life staff and to cooperate with the staff as they work with you to resolve your problem.
• To participate in community meetings and to adhere to and enforce community policies and guidelines.
• To be a positive member and influence in your community.
• To recognize that community cannot exist if any individual is excluded; any action, direct or covert, that discriminates on the basis of race, gender, religion, handicap, national origin, age, or sexual orientation or identity cannot be tolerated in a community based on mutual respect and cooperation.

When you are living with a roommate, clear and honest communication is essential. You have the responsibility to contribute to the function and success of the room so that all students in the space can have a successful dorm experience. Here are some ways you can try to help develop a successful dorm environment between yourself and your roommates and suitemates:

• If you or your roommates/suitemates struggle with managing shared expectations in the dorm or apartment, come up with a schedule together to divvy up tasks.
• If you or your roommates/suitemates do not communicate well, plan to meet with each other in-person to intentionally discuss a problem you share.
• If you or your roommates/suitemates have not gone through a conflict together, sit down together and build a plan for how you all want to resolve future conflicts. Make sure everyone in the group shares ideas for an actual plan you all can follow in the future.
• If you or your roommates/suitemates want to practice communication, try listening to each other actively without interrupting each other, talk to each other instead of posting complaints on social media, and make yourself slightly uncomfortable so that your roommate/suitemate has the space to share their own concerns.

Conflict is almost always uncomfortable, but so long as you are trying to communicate sincerely with your roommates/suitemates and given them the space to communicate and respond, conflict can feel a lot more approachable.

“Student” Anyone enrolled at the University of Oklahoma.

“Resident” First-Year Students and Upper-Class Students contracted with University of Oklahoma Housing and Residence Life.

“Residential Facility” Facilities operated by the University of Oklahoma for the purpose of providing student housing to enrolled University students.

“Residence Life Staff” A staff member in the Department of Housing and Residence Life authorized to administer the Community Standards Procedures.

 “Day” A University business day.

“Case(s)” A formal process to review an alleged violation of policy.

“Advisor” An individual chosen by the student to support them during the Community Standards Procedures.

“Incident(s)” A reported situation involving a potential violation of the Community Living Policies.

“Alleged/Allegations” A claim that a student may have violated the Community Living Policies.

“Charge(s)” The specific policy or policies the student is alleged to have violated.

“Appeal” A formal request to review the outcome of a Residence Life case.

Individuals and organizations can submit reports of alleged violations of the Community Living Policies using the Residence Life Incident Report Form. The Assistant Director of Residence Life or designee (“AD or designee”) shall review the report and determine whether to initiate the Community Standards Procedures. If the AD or designee determines that, even if true, the alleged behavior in the report does not constitute a violation of the Community Living Policies, the matter shall be concluded and the report resolved. If the AD or designee determines that the alleged behavior, if true, could constitute a violation of the Community Living Policies,  the AD or designee shall notify the student of the allegations and afford the student an opportunity to be heard by initiating the Community Standards Procedures, as set forth below. 

Residence Life maintains jurisdiction over all incidents that occur within or directly impacting the residential facilities. Incidents that involve potential violations of the Community Living Policies will be addressed through the Community Standards Procedures.

In some situations, Residence Life may address the matter with a written or verbal warning outside of the formal Community Standards Procedures. This approach is intended to resolve issues quickly while reinforcing expectations and supporting community well-being. 

However, if an incident also involves or is determined to involve violations of the Student Code of Conduct, the matter may be referred to the University’s Office of Student Conduct. In these cases, the University’s broader student conduct process, as outlined in the University's Student Rights and Responsibilities Procedures, will apply.

If a report initially appears to involve only Community Living Policy violations but later reveals behavior that additionally or alternatively violates the Student Code of Conduct, the case will be held in conjunction with the University’s Office of Student Conduct for further review and resolution. 

Additionally, any allegations of sexual misconduct, discrimination, or harassment that fall under the University’s Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, and Harassment Policy will be referred to the University’s Institutional Equity Office for appropriate investigation and response.

This meeting is intended to review the contents and accuracy of the incident report with the student and begin the Community Standards Procedures.

During the Community Standards Meeting, the Residence Life Staff will explain the Community Standards Procedures, review the allegations, and provide the student with an opportunity to respond. The student may also ask questions and present any relevant information or evidence. The Residence Life Staff will consider the allegations, the student’s response, and any supporting evidence when determining next steps. 

Students are permitted to be accompanied by one (1) advisor at the Community Standards Meeting. If a student brings an advisor to the meeting: The advisor must be listed as a FERPA Release Contact through the Housing Contract, authorizing the advisor to be present for the meeting(s), the advisor may offer support and guidance to the student, the advisor may not speak on behalf of the student or participate in the meeting with the Residence Life Staff.

The Community Standards Meeting may also be used to review and explain the relevant Community Living Policies to the student. During or after the meeting, the Residence Life Staff will evaluate the allegations, student response, and any supporting evidence in relation to those policies.

Based on this review, the Residence Life Staff may take one of the following actions: Dismiss the charges, if it is determined that no violation of the Community Living Policies occurred, reach a resolution with the student, allowing the matter to be closed with clearly outlined conditions or outcomes for the student to fulfill, issue a revised Community Standards Notice of outcome, if new information suggests that a different policy or set of charges is more appropriate based on the facts of the case. Proceed with making an outcome determination and assignment of sanctions against the student as set forth in the Community Standards Procedures.  

The student has the option to accept responsibility for the alleged behavior at any point during or after the Community Standards Meeting but no later than the time of delivery of Residence Life’s final decision. If the student acknowledges responsibility, or if the Residence Life Staff determines responsibility at the conclusion of the Community Standards Meeting, the Residence Life Staff will determine the appropriate outcome and assign sanctions based on the nature of the violation, available evidence, and context of the incident. If the student accepts responsibility and agrees to the imposition of the sanctions, the Residence Life Staff shall make a finding that the student has violated the Community Life Policies and that the student has accepted responsibility, along with the assigned sanctions, for engaging in the prohibited behavior. 

Once the Residence Life Staff’s outcome is communicated to the student via the student’s University email (“Outcome Notice”), the student is responsible for completing all assigned sanctions by the stated deadlines in the Outcome Notice. Acceptance of responsibility concludes the case unless otherwise noted and subject to the student’s timely completion of assigned sanctions.

If the student does not schedule or attend the Community Standards Meeting by the deadline provided in the Community Standards Notice or does not respond to follow up communication concerning the meeting within five (5) days of delivery of the notice, the Residence Life Staff may proceed with a decision, in the student’s absence, based on the available information.

In this situation, by failing to respond or participate, the student waives the right to participate further in the Community Standards Procedures or to provide additional context. The outcome and any resulting sanctions must be fulfilled by the student as communicated by the Residence Life Staff in the Outcome Notice.

Following the completion of the Community Standards Meeting and review of all relevant information related to the alleged behavior, including the student’s response and any supporting evidence, the Residence Life Staff will issue a formal Outcome Notice to the student. The outcome represents the final decision regarding whether the student is responsible for violating the Community Living Policies and, if applicable, outlines any assigned sanctions.

The Outcome Notice will be communicated to the student via the student’s University email and will include the following: A summary of the incident and reviewed information, a determination of whether the student is responsible for the alleged violation(s), the specific Community Living Policy or policies that were found to be violated, a description of all assigned sanctions, including deadlines for completion, instructions for how to appeal the outcome.

Once the Outcome Notice is issued, the case is considered resolved unless the student submits a timely appeal or fails to complete the assigned sanctions by the stated deadline(s). The student is responsible for completing all assigned sanctions by the stated deadlines. Failure to comply with the Outcome Notice may result in further action as stated below in Section XII, including but not limited to student account holds and/or review of the Terms and Conditions of the Housing and Food Services (“Housing Contract”)... Any review of the Housing Contract shall be made by the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs (“AVP”).

In some cases, the Outcome Notice may also include contract-related actions such as an administrative move, probation, or termination of the Housing Contract, as outlined in the Housing Contract section below.

When a student is found responsible for violating the Community Living Policies, the Residence Life Staff will assign at least one sanction to support the student’s development and reinforce community standards. Sanctions are designed to promote accountability, repair harm, and encourage positive behavior change. Sanctions may be administrative, educational, or a combination of both, depending on the nature of the violation and the context of the incident.

Administrative sanctions are intended to hold students accountable for their behavior and decision-making, discourage future violations, and support the safety and well-being of the residential community. These may include, but are not limited to: Written warning, Restitution (payment for damages), Administrative fee(s), Review or modification of the Housing Contract, Revocation of visitation privileges

.Educational sanctions are designed to help students reflect on their actions, understand the purpose of community policies, and make informed, responsible choices moving forward. These may include, but are not limited to: Written apology, Educational presentation, Reflection paper, Community service hours ,Completion of an educational course.

Students have the right to appeal the outcome of their case after receiving the Outcome Notice from the Residence Life Staff. A student can appeal the outcome based on the following: The finding of responsibility is inaccurate; The assigned sanctions are inappropriate for the violation; The charges do not accurately reflect the violation; Or any combination of the above.

Students must submit the appeal in writing to the Director of Residence Life or designee (“Director or designee”) within forty-eight (48) hours of delivery of the Outcome Notice. For the appeal to be considered by the Director or designee, the appeal must include a detailed explanation of the basis for the appeal and any supporting information or evidence for the appeal.

The Director or designee will review the appeal and issue a final decision within five (5) days of the student’s submission of the appeal. The student will be notified of the outcome of the appeal by the Director or designee via the student’s University email. If the student is found responsible, they are expected to complete all assigned sanctions by the deadlines provided in the appeal outcome notice. This decision is final and cannot be further appealed.

The Housing Contract is a binding agreement between the student and the University of Oklahoma. By signing this contract, students agree to comply with the Community Living Policies and all associated expectations of living in residential facilities.

Violations of the Community Living Policies are considered violations of the Housing Contract. The Community Standards Procedures exist to enforce the terms and conditions of the Housing Contract.

Following the Community Standards Procedures, the AVP and/or the Directors of Housing and Residence Life may impose contract-related actions if a student is found responsible for behavior that disrupts, harms, or endangers the residential facility. These actions are intended to protect the safety, well-being, and integrity of the living environment. Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to take contract-related action independently of Community Standards Procedures.

Possible actions include, but are not limited to: Administrative probation: A formal warning that continued violations may result in further consequences, including removal from residential facilities; Administrative move: Reassignment to a different space within the residential facilities; Administrative temporary move: Reassignment to a different space within the residential facilities for an amount of time, determined by the Director of Residence Life or designee; Administrative termination: Removal from University residential facilities and termination of the Housing Contract; Administrative fine: A monetary charge issued to the student account; Administrative restriction: Limits placed on a student’s access to certain privileges, services, or areas within the residential facilities;  Combination of actions: In some cases, more than one of the above may be applied.

Failure to comply with any contract-related outcome may result in additional sanctions or referral to other offices, including the University's Office of Student Conduct.