The University Housing Resident Behavior Process is a part of community development within the residence halls and apartments at UWM. Members of a community have both rights and responsibilities. Inherent to the success of the University Housing Resident Behavior Process is an awareness of all residents of the need to acknowledge their responsibility for their behavior and how it affects the community in which they live.
Primary emphasis is placed on the educational and developmental progress of the resident and is part of the educational mission of the University. Increased understanding of self and others has the strongest potential for educational impact. This process is designed, in part, to determine responsibility or lack thereof, for violations of the University Housing Rules and Regulations— not guilt or innocence relative to criminal matters.
The University Housing Resident Behavior Process is not equivalent to, nor does it conform to criminal law processes. The University Housing Resident Behavior Process is informal in nature so as to provide substantial justice, fair proceedings, and educational and developmental outcomes. It is not bound by legal jargon, court-like proceedings, or legal definitions. The technical rules of evidence applicable in civil and criminal cases do not apply.
Due Process Rights
In all University Housing Behavior matters, residents have the due process rights to:
- A presumption of innocence, unless responsibility can be established by preponderance of evidence
- A behavior meeting with a Residence Life professional staff member within a timely manner
- Review the written report that describes allegations of the policy violation
- Present evidence and witnesses
- Be notified of the decision resulting from the behavior meeting
- Request an appeal
How The Behavior Process Works
When a hall staff member, resident, guest, or any person observes or is made aware of what they believe is a violation of University Housing policy occurring in University Housing facilities or a University Housing sponsored event, he/she is asked to provide information for or to complete an Incident Report (IR) describing the alleged violation. If involved, University Housing staff members will identify themselves, request identification from all participants, communicate what policy/ policies have allegedly been violated, and ensure that inappropriate behavior has ceased. A Residence Life professional staff member will review the IR within a timely manner, and decide upon appropriate action.
Meeting Deemed Necessary
A meeting is deemed necessary to discuss an incident. The Residence Life professional staff member determines that the situation, as documented in the IR, warrants a meeting with the resident. A letter (containing information regarding the alleged policy violation) is generated and emailed to the resident’s university email account, outlining the procedures for scheduling a meeting to discuss the matter (residents must schedule this meeting within four (4) business days of the letter being emailed).
When appropriate University Housing may also refer residents to the Community Review Board (which consists of University Housing residents). The Community Review Board (CRB) consists of residents of University Housing, whose role is to uphold community standards and University Housing policies, increase basic participatory skills of students, and develop in students an understanding of community living, democratic values and social responsibility.
All members receive training and are prepared to effectively facilitate meetings, mediate conflicts, and make fair decisions. The CRB only conducts meetings that are related to possible community violations (i.e. vandalism, guests, pets, sports, smoking, and noise) The Community Review Board will not conduct meetings that are in any way related to alcohol, drug use, harassment, domestic violence, harm to self, sexual misconduct, Serious Rule Violations and weapons.
Meeting Deemed Unnecessary
A meeting is not deemed necessary, but action is required of the resident.
There are certain incidents where it is clear (based on the documentation) that a resident violated a policy or was present during a policy violation, but that the policy is one that is relatively minor and the sanction assigned is minor in nature (and does not involve Contract Action). In those instances, the Residence Life professional staff member may assign an automatic sanction based solely on the information provided within an Incident Report.
In cases where an automatic sanction is required, instructions for completing the sanction and the possible consequences for not complying with the items required will be included in a letter generated and emailed to the resident’s university email account.
As a matter of due process, residents have a right to speak with a Residence Life professional staff member about an incident at any point, and are encouraged to do so if they feel they were assigned an automatic sanction without cause.
No Action Needed
A meeting is not deemed necessary and no further action needs to be taken on the part of the resident.
The Residence Life professional staff member determines that the situation, as documented in the IR, does not warrant a meeting with the resident. A letter is generated and emailed to the resident’s university email account, explaining general information about the incident and the Behavior Process.
Behavior Meetings
During a behavior meeting, the resident will have the opportunity to:
- Hear the specific allegations and review the Incident Report(s).
- Present a description of the incident in question and supply additional information.
- Ask questions relevant to the incident and/or Behavior Process.
The University Housing administrator will determine the resident’s involvement based on the Incident Reports, relevant information from the behavior meeting, and, if needed, the outcome of any further investigation.
After the behavior meeting, the resident will receive a letter that will contain:
- The specific policy/policies from the Rules and Regulations that were violated.
- Any behavioral sanctions issued in response to the violation(s) of the Rules and Regulations.
- Instruction regarding how to appeal any University housing sanctions and the deadline for filing an appeal.
All documentation (IRs, copies of letters, etc.) related to a resident’s involvement in the Behavior Process is stored digitally in the resident’s electronic filing cabinet. Individuals with concerns about confidentiality are encouraged to read our FERPA statement and speak with a member of the Residence Life professional staff.
Appeal Process
Residents have the right to appeal a decision made within the Behavior Process if there are concerns that:
- There was not substantial evidence to support the conclusions reached.
- A substantial error in due process was made where the resident did not receive adequate notice of the behavior meeting or standard University and University Housing procedures were not followed.
- There is new evidence of a substantive nature that came to light after the original behavior meeting
All appeals must be received within seven (7) calendar days of the sanction being issued. In order for a hearing of appeal to be granted, the resident is expected to follow the guidelines included on the Behavior Appeal Form (links below). The administrator who hears the appeal will contact the resident and inform him/her of the decision regarding the appeal. The administrator hearing the appeal may decide to uphold the original decision, change the original decision to a less severe sanction, or overturn the original decision.
Sanctions
The University Housing Behavior Process directly connects to the University Housing Contract signed by each resident.
The list that follows covers a wide range of sanctions and Contract Action that may result when a resident is found responsible of having violated a policy as outlined in the Rules and Regulations. It is important for residents to note that sanctions do not always occur in a step-by-step or linear progression (e.g., a resident may be place on Contract Probation or have his/her contract terminated on the first violation, when appropriate). The list is not all-inclusive (e.g, the Residence Life professional staff member or other administrator may determine a more appropriate sanction).
WARNING STATUS
Resident has been found in clear violation of the University Housing Rules and Regulations. A written statement from a Residence Life staff member expresses disapproval of conduct, and the warning will serve as notification that continued behavior of this kind may result in further contract action.
CONTRACT PROBATION
Resident has been found in violation of the University Housing Rules and Regulations. This results in a conditional retention of resident status for a specified period of time. During the probationary period, the resident may be excluded from participating as a representative of University Housing through employment. Contract probation status is not considered “in good standing” and may be reported to prospective landlords and employers as such.
DEFERRED CONTRACT TERMINATION
Resident has been found in violation of the University Housing Rules and Regulations and is in danger of having their University Housing Contract terminated. The resident’s University Housing Contract is at non-renewal status (meaning the resident will not be allowed to live in University Housing minimally one year from the end date of their University Housing Contract and banned as a guest for one year from the end date of their University Housing Contract). During the time the resident is at the deferred contract termination level, the resident may be excluded from participating as a representative of University Housing through employment. Deferred contract termination is a sanction reserved for serious or repeated policy violations. Deferred contract termination status is not considered “in good standing” and may be reported to prospective landlords and employers as such.
CONTRACT TERMINATION
Resident has been found in violation of the University Housing Rules and Regulations. This sanction will result in a permanent exclusion from University Housing facilities. A record of the termination is maintained in University Housing as a permanent record. The resident will no longer be allowed in any University Housing property and will not be permitted to enter or use residence hall property. Should the resident appear in any areas heretofore mentioned, they will be subject to arrest. Contract termination is a sanction reserved for serious or repeated policy violations, especially those related to the Serious Rule Violations. Contract termination status is not considered “in good standing” and may be reported to prospective landlords and employers as such.
WRITTEN REPRIMAND
A resident is sent a letter that that serves as a “written reprimand.” This generally occurs when a University Housing staff member encounters a prohibited item within a room (like an appliance or candle, etc.) or for behavior in an incident that the administrator determines does not call for a meeting, but does warrant a letter that addresses the behavior. Residents who believe this written reprimand to be in error have the right to contact a Residence Life staff member.
EDUCATIONAL SANCTION
An educational sanction is an activity designed to educate residents about the issues involved in the policies they violate. Each sanction takes an average of 30 minutes to complete. A student successfully completes the sanction by passing a test, writing an essay, or preparing another assignment. A written statement from a Residence Life professional staff member outlines the process for completing the assigned sanction(s).
MANDATORY ATTENDANCE AT A C.A.R.D. CLASS (CHOICES ABOUT RESPONSIBLE DRINKING)
In cases in which a resident is involved in a first-time or low-severity alcohol violation, they are mandated to attend the Choices About Responsible Drinking class (C.A.R.D.). Residents sent to C.A.R.D. will be assessed a charge of $45 on their PAWS account for the costs related to conducting the class. A written statement from a Residence Life professional staff member outlines the process for class attendance and that failure to attend this class may result in further contract action. Residents may reschedule their C.A.R.D. session due to a conflict with a regularly scheduled UWM class. However, residents may reschedule only once and must do so no later than 72 hours in advance of their assigned C.A.R.D. session.
REFERRAL TO BASICS I
The goal of BASICS Level 1 is to reduce harmful consumption and associated problems in students who use alcohol or marijuana. This evidence-based program provides students the opportunity to examine their use of alcohol or other drugs in a confidential and non-judgmental setting. It is specifically tailored for college students and combines cognitive behavioral skills with motivational enhancement. BASICS Level 1 includes two sessions, including a two-hour group session and a one-hour individual personalized feedback session with a trained graduate student facilitator. The facilitator will provide the student with personalized feedback about their substance use based on information shared by the student through discussion, reflection activities and survey questions. A range of options about ways to reduce risks for harm will be explored and, if the student is interested, a plan will be developed. If indicated, efforts are made to connect students with on- or off-campus resources for additional support. The program does not provide a diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence. Goodfaith participation is expected during the program. The fee for students mandated to BASICS Level 1 is $75. The program is free for voluntary UWM students. Registration information is at: uwm.edu/basics. For more information, contact the Student Health and Wellness Center Office of Health Promotion & Advocacy at AODresources@uwm.edu.
REFERRAL TO BASICS II
The goal of BASICS Level 2 is to reduce harmful consumption and associated problems in students who use alcohol or marijuana. More intensive than BASICS Level 1, BASICS Level 2 includes two to three one-hour individual sessions with the Campus Alcohol & Other Drug Coordinator. BASICS Level 1 is a prerequisite and is used as a foundation from which the student will engage in further examination of their use of and experiences with alcohol or other drugs within the context of personal goals and values. Students will be asked to commit to experiential learning activities and to debrief those experiences. Similar to BASICS Level 1, this evidence based program is conducted in a confidential, non-judgmental setting and combines cognitive-behavioral skills with motivational enhancement. Motivation for change will be explored and a plan for reducing risks will be developed accordingly. If indicated, efforts are made to connect students with on- or off-campus resources for additional support. The program does not provide a diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence. Good-faith participation is expected. The fee for students mandated to BASICS Level 2 is $140. The program is free for voluntary UWM students. Registration information is at: uwm.edu/basics. For more information, contact the Student Health and Wellness Center Office of Health Promotion & Advocacy at AODresources@uwm.edu.
REFERRAL TO STUDENT HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER COUNSELING SERVICES
In cases in which a resident has exhibited behavior that is cause for concern, such as talk of self-destructive behavior, the University Housing staff may refer the resident to the Student Health and Wellness Center for further evaluation or possible counseling. Refusal by a resident to cooperate with the reasonable requests of the staff regarding their disruptive and potentially dangerous behavior could result in contract action.
REVOKE HOST PRIVILEGES
While University Housing encourages residents to utilize the guest registration process and host guests, they must do so in a manner that meets expectations established by the University Housing Rules and Regulations and those shared by their roommates and suitemates. Residents are not guaranteed the ability to host guests. Because a resident is responsible for their guest(s), policy violations by guests can impact a resident’s ability to host guests, and University Housing can revoke a resident’s ability to host guests for an established time period.
ADMINISTRATIVE MOVE
This sanction is used most often for, but not limited to, instances where a resident’s behavior has adversely affected community members or when a negative community atmosphere may be contributing to the resident’s behavior. This sanction is also imposed when a resident has violated an official roommate or suitemate agreement (a roommate/ suitemate agreement is considered official when a University Housing staff member was present to assist in its development). Should the resident choose to continue in disruptive behavior, further contract action may be imposed.
LOSS OF PRIVILEGES—GENERAL
A loss of privileges can include restricted access to certain areas, programs, etc. University Housing can also prohibit a resident from having contact of any sort with another member of the University Housing community.
CONFISCATION OF ITEMS INVOLVED IN VIOLATIONS
This can include: stereo and/or musical instruments for cases in which behavior has disrupted community, alcohol for cases in which resident is under 21, and other prohibited items (see the “Fire Safety” section in the Rules and Regulations).
RESTITUTION TO THE UNIVERSITY
The resident may be charged for any damages, lost property, or unnecessary service costs caused by them or their guests to University Housing property, whether due to intent, accident, or neglect.
COMMON AREA DAMAGE (CAD)
Lounges and other common areas (elevators, suite hallways, kitchenettes, public restrooms, storage areas, stairwells, etc.) are inventoried for damage prior to occupancy for the Fall Semester. Damage (e.g. furniture damage/loss, extensive housekeeping) to common areas may be billed to the resident housing accounts of the members of the house, floor, wing, tower, or residence hall equally unless the person(s) responsible can be identified.
OTHER
Examples of other sanctions that may also be required (determined by the relevant administrator, including but not limited to: the Residential Review Board, Residence Life professional staff member, Associate Director, or Director):
- Community service
- Making signs or bulletin boards
- Assisting staff with a project
- Participation in a UWM program
- Going to a campus office, etc.
BANNED GUEST
A banned guest is a non-resident or previous resident deemed disruptive to the population of the residence halls and apartments. Guests are not guaranteed access to University Housing facilities and can lose their ability to visit designated areas (or all University Housing property) if it is determined that they have violated University Housing Rules and Regulations. The person is not allowed to enter University Housing facilities for either a specified time or indefinitely and will receive a written statement (sent to the email provided during guest registration) from an administrator regarding their status. Because it is officially considered trespassing, should the person appear in the residence halls or apartments, they will be subject to arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
You signed a Contract to live in University Housing stating that you agreed to all the rules and regulations of University Housing. You were also emailed a Resident Handbook upon your move-in date which goes in to explicit detail of all of the policies. If you’d like a hard copy of the Resident Handbook, please visit the nearest Residence Life Office (RLO), located in Sandburg C120 and Cambridge CC144.
The RLO stands for the Residence Life Office which is located in C120 of Sandburg (across from the mailboxes) and CC144 in Cambridge Commons. The Residence Life Coordinators (RLCs), work out of the RLO and oversee all University Housing buildings including Cambridge Commons, Kenilworth Square Apartments, Purin Hall, RiverView Residence Hall and Sandburg Hall. These individuals supervise your Resident Assistants in addition to having other University responsibilities. The RLO also processes any incident reports that are written within University Housing.
For the current University Housing Staff Directory, visit: https://uwm.edu/housing/our-team/.
A student always has the right to schedule a meeting with their Residence Life Coordinator (RLC). If you were documented within University Housing you will be receiving a letter via email in the following business days. If after that letter is sent you still have questions or action on your part was required in the letter, please call or stop by the office so that we may assist you.
If you received a letter from the RLO, you, your roommate, or your suitemates, were documented by a University Housing staff member. It is possible that you were not present during the incident, but you are being informed of what happened and any follow up that is needed.
It is important that you comply with all letters from the RLO, in addition to other University offices. If you do not respond within a timely manner to letters sent to you, you may face additional sanctioning.
A Residence Life Coordinator (RLC) is available by appointment only and must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. To schedule an appointment with your RLC, visit University Housing Office, located in Sandburg C100, or contact our office at 414-229-4065. The University Housing office is open Monday through Friday, 8 AM-4:30 PM.
If you have an emergency, please contact Security personnel located at the Service Desk of each University Housing building. Phone numbers for each of the Service Desks are:
- Cambridge Commons: (414) 251-7891
- Kenilworth Square Apartments: (414) 229-0512
- RiverView Residence Hall: (414) 251-8323
- Sandburg Hall: (414) 229-6123
It is in your Resident Handbook that University Housing and USPS will deliver items to your mailbox, and it is your responsibility to regularly check it. If you are having difficulty with your lock combination, please see the Service Desk for assistance.
First, check to see that you are using Internet Explorer. If you do not have Internet Explorer please utilize a Computer Lab (there are labs located on the main floors of Cambridge Commons and RiverView, as well as the 3rd floor of Sandburg). Second, make sure that all of your pop-up blockers are disabled. If after that time you are still having difficulty, contact the Residence Life Office at (414) 229-5712.
Every year conflicts and disagreements may arise in your assigned room/suite. There is a detailed process in place to assist residents in such situations. A resident must first speak with their Resident Assistant so that the process can start. After that conversation, the Resident Assistant may refer a resident to a different person/place in the process.
*Special Note: If you are in fear of your immediate safety please contact the RLO during business hours or Security after hours so that you may be assisted.
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. 1232b; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of resident education records. Additional details can be found here.
In accordance with FERPA guidelines, University Housing administrators will not share any resident information, other than directory information, with anyone outside the University system. This includes, but is not limited to, information about a resident’s grades, behavioral history and action, health concerns, current whereabouts, and financial information. (If the person requesting information is a guarantor on the resident’s housing contract, certain financial information can be given.)
Exceptions to this Act, regardless of age, will be made in life-threatening situations. University administrators within the University system may decide to share information about residents on a need-to-know basis.
Residents who choose to waive their rights to privacy may complete a Student Information Release on their PAWS Account, under the Personal Information tab.