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).

Contract Status Sanctions

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.

 

Other Sanctions

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.