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Community Policies

Compliance with Applicable Laws and College Policies

Students are required to comply with all federal, state, and local laws as well as all rules and regulations established by the College and Residential Life & Housing including (but not limited to):

  • Rules contained in the Barnard College Catalogue, Barnard Student Handbook, and Barnard Student Conduct Code;
  • Rules concerning sanitary conditions, recycling programs, prevention of fires, and protection of the safety of other residents and guests;
  • Rules concerning the conditions under which areas in the residence halls may be visited by student-residents or by others; and
  • Applicable policies and procedures of the Dean of Studies, the Bursar, the Registrar, and Residential Life & Housing.

Such policies and procedures are available from the appropriate College offices and students are responsible for informing themselves of those policies and procedures.  Rules and regulations are subject to periodic change.  Students are to abide by the policies and procedures as noted below.

The College provides in its residence halls supervision under the direction of the Office of Residential Life & Housing.  College housing by its communal nature requires residents to respect differing life-styles and at the same time imposes certain restrictions on individual freedom which other living accommodations may not.  Therefore, all community members will comply with the rules and regulations relating to appropriate conduct established by the College and/or the Residential Life staff. 

Violation of these terms and conditions or any other applicable rules, policies or procedures incorporated by reference herein, may subject the student to fines and/or disciplinary action including (but not limited to) loss of ability to participate in the spring room selection process, termination of the student's residence hall assignment and/or suspension or expulsion from the College.  Students who fail to follow the rules and regulations for the residence halls are subject to judicial action including (but not limited to) mandatory attendance at workshops, fines, written warning, mandatory room change, probation, suspension, or termination from housing.  Alleged violations of these rules will be referred to the Associate Director for hearing and appropriate disciplinary action.  Students who have been cited for a violation must meet with their Associate Director within four business days of the violation.  Appeals of decisions may be made to the Associate Dean of Campus and Residential Life.  The College also upholds all city, state, and federal laws, and alleged violations will be referred to the proper authorities.  Important rules and regulations that you need to know about include:

Alcohol and Drug Policy

Barnard College is committed to creating an environment for its students, faculty, and staff that strongly discourages the abuse of alcohol and other drugs.  The College prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol by any student who is not 21 years of age or older.  All responsible students will be subject to disciplinary action.

Drugs

Students who are prescribed medications are the only individuals permitted to use them, as prescribed, and are responsible for monitoring and securing their own medications. The use of synthetic substances or other items ingested for intoxication effect is also prohibited. Any paraphernalia designed or used to ingest illegal drugs, including (but not limited to) bongs, roach clips, hookahs, vaporizers or pipes are not permitted in the residence halls. If found these items will be confiscated and not returned to the student. Providing illicit drugs, prescription medication, or other intoxicant to another, whether sharing, selling or trading, constitutes distribution, is unlawful and subject to disciplinary action, with sanctions up to or including expulsion.

Alcohol

Students are only allowed to purchase, possess, consume and serve alcoholic beverages in accordance with New York State laws (21 years of age or older) and the guidelines set forth in Barnard College Policy.  Public intoxication is a violation of residence hall policy, regardless of age.  Alcohol or alcoholic beverage containers (even when empty) may not be kept in any room whose residents are under the age of 21.

Residents age 21 or older may possess and consume alcoholic beverages (referred herein “alcohol”) within residence halls in accordance with the following:

  • Students of legal drinking age who bring alcohol into or possess alcohol in a residence hall are responsible for its legal use. This includes taking reasonable precautions to prevent the possession of alcohol by underage students and guests.
  • Alcohol may be consumed only within assigned rooms or suites. Open containers of alcohol are prohibited in common spaces such as hallways and lounges, in public areas such as lobbies, or in outdoor areas adjacent to residence halls, except as outlined in the College's alcohol policy.
  • Students, regardless of age, may not have alcohol delivered to their building or Barnard mailing address.
  • Common source beverage containers (e.g. kegs, beer balls, punch bowls) and/or excessive amounts of alcohol are not permitted in residence halls, nor are any empty alcohol containers. Devices or mechanisms that facilitate rapid consumption (funnel bongs, etc.) are also prohibited. If found these items will be confiscated and not returned to the student.
  • Participation in activities that facilitate or promote the rapid, dangerous, and/or forced consumption of alcohol (i.e. drinking games) is prohibited. Alcohol may not be sold or distributed in the residence halls. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to: cash bars; events to which admission tickets are sold or fees are charged; and parties at which alcoholic beverages are served and for which contribution or donations to offset the costs of the party are sought.
  • Students found to be excessively intoxicated in a residence hall or who receive emergency medical attention (e.g., CU EMT or FDNY) for excessive intoxication may be subject to mandatory medical or psychological assessment as well as appropriate student conduct follow-up per the Responsible Community Action Policy.

Moderate to high doses of alcohol cause marked impairments in higher mental functions, severely altering a person's ability to learn and remember information. Very high doses, which vary greatly for different people, can cause respiratory depression and death. If combined with other depressants of the central nervous system, much lower doses of alcohol will produce the effects just described. All members of the community are encouraged to seek assistance for any member of the community who demonstrates symptoms of excessive substance use. Contact an RA, Residential Life staff, or Public Safety for assistance.

Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy

Barnard College is guided by the precept that in no aspect of its employment practices or educational programs should there be disparate treatment of persons because of improper considerations of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability.  While Barnard College has long had an express policy against improper discrimination, it is to be understood that policy affords both rights and responsibilities to explicitly encompass the goal that faculty, staff and students are to be able to work and study free from harassment by any member of the College community. 

Residential Life is committed to fostering a healthy and safe living and learning environment.  Students will not engage in any form of harassment, intimidation, threat, or abuse (whether verbal or written, physical or psychological, direct or implied) which is intended for a specific member or group within the community.  This includes (but is not limited to) harassment in person, via telephone or voicemail, postal mail, forms of electronic communication (e.g. email, Facebook, other web communities), or having someone else do so on your behalf.  Such behavior or actions, whether done intentionally or with reckless disregard, are not permitted in the residence halls.  "It was just a joke" or “I was intoxicated” are not acceptable excuses.  Students are responsible for their behavior and that of their guest(s) at all times.

Barnard College does not tolerate and specifically prohibits any and all harassment against any person by a member of the College community.  Appropriate disciplinary action may be taken against those found to have committed harassment, up to and including dismissal.  Complete policy and procedures related to discrimination and harassment, including sexual and gender based misconduct can be found online at http://barnard.edu/doc/titleiX/nondiscrimination. 

Babysitting In the Residence Halls

Students may not use the residence halls in order to provide babysitting services.  Please see the section regarding Minors in the Residence Halls.  If residents of Cathedral Gardens are providing babysitting service for a live-in faculty member, they must do so within the faculty member's apartment.

Bias-Related Actions

Students will not participate in any behavior, which includes language, images, and/or other behaviors, that demonstrate bias against another person or persons because of, (but not limited to) others’ actual or perceived color, disability, ethnicity, gender, national origin, physical appearance, race, religion, and/or sexual orientation. Bias-related violations are especially intolerable in view of the College’s commitment to demonstrate respect and support for all members of our campus community. By its very nature, bias will be deemed an aggravating circumstance to any violation of residence hall policies, regardless of the nature of the policy. Consequently, when sanctioning, the offensiveness should be measured by its gravity, whether or not it is intended to be offensive and disrespectful, whether it is repeated even after the student engaging in the behavior has been clearly told or it has been otherwise indicated that it is offensive to another, and by the effect the behavior has on the community and the student or students to whom it is directed. Bias-related incidents may be referred to the Community Conduct Director if the nature of the behavior may also constitute a violation of the College Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment. See also: http://barnard.edu/doc/titleiX/nondiscrimination

Campus Safety

Campus safety information and statistics can be found online at barnard.edu/publicsafety. All residents are encouraged to program the public safety phone number, (212) 854-3362, into their phones.

Should the College be notified by a parent, family member, or friend that a Barnard student has not been seen or heard from, the College will follow established procedure and conduct a follow-up investigation within 24 hours of the original notification. If the student cannot be located after 24 hours (or sooner if circumstances warrant), the College will call the student provided designated contact person. To update your designated contact person, please visit the Res Life Web Portal (barnardreslife.org). Students are encouraged to let someone else in their residence hall or suite know if they are going to be away for any period of time.

Missing Student Notification Policy and Procedures

Care for Self & Premises

All residents are expected to maintain acceptable standards of personal hygiene, self-care, and room cleanliness to a level that does not interfere with the general comfort, safety, security, health or welfare of a member or members of the residence hall community. Students are expected to act responsibly and not to interfere with the comfort or safety of their roommates/suitemates or other residence hall students.

Common Areas

For the purpose of this policy, common areas include (but are not limited to) all residence hall kitchens, bathrooms, lounges, hallways, stairwells, restrooms, and laundry facilities. Common areas are accessible to all residents, as well as some staff members. Common area lounges are not to be reserved for private functions, nor have any furniture removed for any reason. No student or student guest may sleep in, engage in sexual contact in, or consume alcohol or other drugs in any common area. While facilities staff members regularly clean lounges and common areas in the residence halls, it is the responsibility of all residents and guests to dispose properly of their own trash or recycling, and to keep these spaces clean and in order.

Community Safety Policies

Community Safety policies are designed to create a safe environment in our residence hall community.  Students are expected to act responsibly and not to interfere with the comfort or safety of their roommates/suitemates or of other residence hall students.  Community Safety Inspections (CSIs) will be conducted by Residential Life & Housing staff at least once each semester.  Prohibited items will be confiscated and either discarded or donated to a local charity after 5 working days.  Specifically, students will not partake in negligent behavior and/or to engage in hazardous behavior(s) as noted below. 

Bed Bugs

If a student believes they have bed bugs, they should inform Residential Life & Housing staff immediately.  Residential Life & Housing staff will make arrangements with Facilities Services to have an exterminator inspect the room and suite.  If the exterminator determines that a room has bed bugs, the affected student(s) will be given complete instructions for removal and laundering of their personal items.  The task of laundering clothing & linens is the responsibility of the student(s).  This is a community health issue; therefore students must comply with all guidelines provided by Residential Life & Housing staff within 24 hours.

Bicycles

Bicycles must be kept in student bedrooms or suite room areas. They may not be stored or left in lounges, stairwells or other residence hall spaces. Alternately, students are welcome to utilize any campus bike racks in order to secure their bicycles. Students who store their bike within their residence hall space are responsible for cleaning any dirt or mud their bike may bring into the building. If a student fails to do so, they may be billed for the cleaning cost.

Candles, Incense and Open Flames

The most frequent cause of residence hall fires is candles and/or other open flames.  Candles (including decorative & religious candles or candles with the wick removed) are prohibited in the halls.  Incense, oil lamps, alcohol lamps, and open flame burners are also prohibited in the residence halls.  The use of candles and incense for religious observances is not permitted in student rooms and/or suites.  Students wishing to burn candles for religious observance may only do so in monitored public areas with the permission of Residential Life & Housing.

Cinder Blocks

Cinder blocks may damage residence hall floors and furniture, and as such, are NOT permitted in any Barnard residence hall.  Students will be held responsible for their removal and any subsequent repairs (both monetarily and via the conduct process).

Electrical Equipment and Appliances

All permissible electrical equipment and appliances must be UL approved and in good working order.  The College recommends that appliances with an automatic on/off feature be used. 

Items that are prohibited include halogen lamps, lava lamps, ultraviolet/infrared lamps, window and/or portable air conditioners, window fans, space heaters, charcoal or electric grills, any type of deep fryer and appliances that have exposed heating elements (e.g. toaster ovens, toasters, hot plates), extension cords, and/or multi-receptacle outlet adapters.  Students may only use UL listed power strips with a surge protector. 

Appliances used for the purpose of cooking foods may not be kept or used in individual student bedrooms except for coffee makers, popcorn poppers, hot pots, and refrigerators of 3.5 cubic feet or less. 

Approved cooking appliances which may only be used in kitchens (which does not include the 2nd-8th floor Sulzberger kitchen lounges) include microwaves, rice cookers, woks, Foreman-type grills, and waffle makers.

Facilities Requests

When a student living space is in need of attention or repair by the Facilities staff, the student must complete an online work request via eBear for the work to be done.  Emergency situations may be called in directly to Facilities during business hours and to Public Safety after 5pm and on weekends and/or holidays.  Facilities staff will enter student rooms to complete routine work requests after 9am.  If there is an emergency that warrants immediate attention, the staff may enter at any time they become aware of the situation.  Students may not refuse access to a Facilities staff member or attempt to re-schedule work.  Please note that students who live at 601 West 110th Street should report repair requests to the front desk.

Furniture

All College provided furnishings must remain in their designated location.  It is a violation of policy to move student room furniture to another location or into the hallway.  The College will not move student furniture from a room or suite into storage.  Furniture provided in common lounges must remain in place and may not be relocated (except when approved by the Disability Services).  If furniture is discovered in a location other than where it belongs, it will be relocated at the student’s expense.  Residents are not allowed to bring in any outside furniture to their rooms unless they can produce a receipt to prove that the furniture was purchased in new condition (i.e. was not brought in from the street).  Water beds are not allowed in the residence halls.    

Guns, Weapons, Explosives, Flammables

Possession and/or use of weapons or hazardous chemicals are strictly forbidden.  This includes (but is not limited to) propane, gasoline, paint thinner, charcoal, and lighter fluid.  Internal combustion engines and any flammable or slow burning substances are prohibited.  This includes any weapons displayed for decoration (e.g. guns, rifles, sword, knives, nunchucks). 

Holiday & Other Decorations

Live trees or other live decorations (e.g. wreath, swag, live cut pine or wood), candles, or incense are not permitted in the residence halls.  Students may only have fake trees that are fire retardant.  Students wishing to burn candles for religious observance may only do so in approved and monitored public areas with the prior permission of Residential Life & Housing.  Paper shades or any other decorations on light fixtures are not permitted.  Any electric lights used should always be plugged in through a power strip, and should never be left on while the student is not present.  Students may use indoor holiday lights, but larger holiday lights labeled as “Outdoor” lights may not be used inside of the residence halls.  No electrical lights or other holiday decorations may be used or displayed outside of a student’s room or suite.

While students are encouraged to personalize their living space, they may not alter the physical space of the room, drill or nail holes into any surface, or affix tapestries and similar decorations to the ceiling, light fixtures, or doorways.  Painting any part of the living space or college supplied furniture is also prohibited.

Keys and Student IDs

Students are not permitted to give their room key or Student ID to any other person to access their room or residence hall, nor are they permitted to punch holes in or place stickers or other decorations on their key(s) or Student ID other than those provided by the College or University.  Students will be charged $25 for any lost key.

Obstruction

It is extremely dangerous and a violation of both fire codes and College policy to obstruct entrance to or egress from any room.  This includes (but is not limited to) altering a room lock, "pennying" a door shut, etc.  It is also a dangerous violation of policy to arrange any furniture inside of a bedroom or suite room so that it obstructs, in any way, the entrance to or exit from the space.

Pets

Keeping or caring for pets or animals in any residence hall is prohibited except as described here.  Service and Support Animals may be permitted with approval from the Disability Housing Request process, and as described in such accommodation.  Support Animals may not be brought to housing without prior approval.  Approved Support Animals are only permitted within the student’s on‐campus housing assignment. 

The only pets permitted in the residence halls are fish that can be kept in a tabletop aquarium not larger than five gallons.  Residents must have consent of all roommates/suitemates before they bring a fish to a residence hall.  The residence halls are not able to accommodate "pet visitors."  Students are responsible for notifying any guests that their pets must be left at home.

Recycling

Recycling is required by New York City law.  All students must adhere to recycling guidelines in their residential area.  Information is posted on each floor with the specific details for your location.  Residents within the first-year area are expected to utilize and maintain the recycle container provided in their room.

Religious Practices

Some religious practices are covered by specific residence hall policies (e.g. Sabbath guidelines, holiday decorations).  If a student participates in a religious practice that is in violation of residence hall policy, they should contact the Residential Life & Housing in order to attempt to make the observance/participation feasible in the residence halls.  Residential Life & Housing will not make housing assignments or room changes based on religious observances or practices.

Dining Services Equipment

Students will demonstrate respect for Dining Services property and not remove any non-disposable utensils from any dining service location (e.g. Hewitt Cafeteria, Diana Center).  This includes (but is not limited to) silverware, plates, bowls, cups, and trays.

Disruptive Behavior

No unlawful or disruptive conduct, including excessive noise or disregard of established quiet hours, shall be permitted in the residence hall.  Any conduct unsuitable for residence hall living, including (but not limited to) any practice that limits students' rights of equal use and access to room/suite/hall facilities, is not permitted.

Posting Policy

It is expected that all students comply with the College Posting Policy. Residential Hall bulletin boards are for the use of Residential Life & Housing staff and/or other offices as designated. Altering or damaging any materials posted within the residence halls is prohibited.

Quiet & Courtesy Hours

All residents are entitled to a residence hall environment that affords reasonable conditions in which to live, sleep, and study.  Residents must monitor their volume (e.g. voices, music) and comply with requests to maintain reasonable levels of noise within the residence halls.  Noise that can be heard outside of one’s room is considered unreasonable.  Quiet hours are established from 11pm-9am Sunday through Thursday and 1am-10am Friday and Saturday.  In order to maintain an appropriate study atmosphere, there can be no use of amplified sound instruments or equipment permitted in the residence halls.

Respect for Community

Students will respect the right of all community members to cleanliness, security, privacy, space, quiet hours for study and sleep, equal use and access to room/suite and hall facilities and generally to an environment conducive to learning and undergraduate college life

Respect for Roommate(s)/Suitemate(s)

All roommates/suitemates have the responsibility to provide and the right to expect:  1) a living space that is free of any actions or behaviors that interfere with the roommate’s privacy, study habits or sleep, 2) the ability to enter the room/suite whenever one would like unless other provisions are agreed upon in advance by all parties, 3) an environment free of physical and/or emotional harassment, 4) the ability to speak openly, 5) an environment where one is treated considerately and thoughtfully, and 6) to address problems and concerns in a mature manner.

Safety Inspections

The College reserves the right to enter and inspect any room at any time for the security and/or maintenance of the residence or for the safety and/or discipline of the residents.  These instances include specifically the right to inspect rooms to ensure compliance with rules concerning use of the room, preservation of clean and sanitary conditions, fire prevention, or personal health and safety.  Residents should expect that the RAs will perform regular inspections of each room.  In addition, an inspection will occur during the winter break period for all rooms on campus.

Smoking

The College is a smoke-free campus, which includes all residence halls.  There is no smoking in student bedrooms and suites, all common areas such as hallways, lounges, balconies, and within 25 feet of any residence hall building.  The use of electronic cigarettes (also known as e-cigarettes or personal vaporizers) is prohibited on campus, including within residence halls.  Evidence of smoking, including but not limited to ashes, cigarette butts and burnt tobacco, in the residence halls will be considered a violation of this policy. 

Soliciting

No commercial activities including (but not limited) to conducting a business or solicitation may be conducted in or from any of the residence halls including (but not limited to) student bed/suite rooms, or in any common area (as defined by this policy).  This policy stipulates that solicitation is defined as, (but not limited to) in person, from door to door, voicemail, email, US Mail, etc.

Theft or Intentional Damage Theft or Intentional Damage

Theft of or intentional damage to residence hall furnishings, college property or the property of others is prohibited and will result in disciplinary action and/or repair or replacement charges.

Weapons, Explosives, Flammable materials

Possession and/or use of weapons or hazardous chemicals are strictly forbidden.  This includes (but is not limited to) propane, gasoline, paint thinner, charcoal, and lighter fluid.  Internal combustion engines and any flammable or slow burning substances are prohibited.  This includes any weapons displayed for decoration (e.g. guns, rifles, sword, knives, nunchucks, ammunition, or realistic and/or simulated versions of weapons). 

Unauthorized Access

Students may not allow others to use their keys or ID, or otherwise allow access to the residence halls outside of normal operations and guest policies.  Students are not permitted to punch holes in or place stickers or other decorations on their key(s) or Student ID other than those provided by the College or University.  Students will be charged $25 for any lost key.

Windows & Window Stoppers

New York City ordinance forbids sitting and/or standing on, placing articles of any kind on the sill of an open window or outside the window, as well as throwing or projecting anything out of a window.  This includes but is not limited to allowing or causing liquids, lights or laser pointers to be projected out any window.

Window stopper devices that have been installed in residence hall windows are a required safety precaution.  Students may not remove or alter them in any way.  Students who do so will be subject to conduct sanctions as well as a charge for the repair or replacement of the window/window stopper.  Students who recognize that these devices are missing are damaged are expected to promptly report this to their RA or HD or complete a facilities work order to expedite repair/replacement.

Rights & Responsibilities

The College has delegated to Residential Life & Housing the responsibility for establishing and enforcing regulations governing conduct of students within the residence halls.  Residential Life & Housing staff may consult with other College administrators in carrying out this responsibility.  At the discretion of and in consultation with the Residential Life & Housing staff, Associate Dean, and/or the designate, a student may be subject to certain conditions for continuing residence, including (but not limited to) a change in room assignments or dismissal from College housing for disruptive behavior including (but not limited to) behavior such that a student cannot adequately take care of their own health and safety in the context of College housing or is a danger to the health and safety of others and/or the community.

The College reserves the right to enter and inspect any room when, at the discretion of staff members, it is deemed necessary for the security and/or maintenance of the residence or for the safety of the residents, including (but not limited to) the right to inspect/enter rooms to ensure compliance with rules and regulations, local, state/federal laws, preservation of clean and sanitary conditions, fire prevention, or maintenance reasons.  The College reserves the right at any time to terminate, establish, or amend any terms, conditions, policies, and procedures concerning the matters covered herein without prior notice. 

Students who are alleged to have violated policy will be subject to disciplinary action.  The residential conduct process typically occurs as follows:

A report is filed:  Residence hall student and professional staff document things that they observe, hear, smell or are otherwise brought to their attention through an information reporting process.  Any person may file a report or discuss a complaint with Residential Life & Housing staff.

Investigation:  Staff will review each report.  After review, staff will either close the case with no disciplinary action deemed necessary, identify a need to have further conversation with students or student staff, or conclude that a potential violation may have occurred and student conduct hearing is necessary.

Hearing:  If a student conduct hearing is necessary, the student will receive notice via email through the student’s Barnard email account indicating a meeting.  Notice will include the alleged violations and date of such incident, as well as the date, time, and location and with whom you will be meeting for the conduct hearing.  The meeting is an opportunity for you to learn of and respond to information that is available regarding the alleged policy violation(s), and for you to present information on your behalf.  You are welcome to bring a written statement describing your perspective on the incident.  If you choose not to attend this meeting, and do not contact the hearing officer (staff member) in advance of the meeting date to reschedule, a decision may be made based upon the information available.

If a hearing or conduct conversation is scheduled, it may be conducted by an Associate Director, the Associate Dean, or their designee.  Cases involving allegations of serious violations or repeat offenses, or other conduct at the discretion of staff, may be referred to the Community Conduct Director.  During final exam periods, students may be offered the opportunity to respond to allegations in writing as an alternative to attending a hearing.  After the hearing is complete, the charged student will be notified in writing of the outcome, including any sanctions imposed.

Sanctions that may be issued at the residence hall level include (but are not limited to):

  • Written warning
  • Educational project, program or research
  • Room reassignment
  • Restriction of privileges
  • Charge for repairs or clean up
  • Residential probation
  • Hall Persona Non Grata (banned from access to specified space)
  • Loss of room selection status
  • Dismissal from Housing
  • Counseling and/or mandatory evaluation
  • Alcohol/drug education
  • Mandatory health referral (IMPORTANT: Students failing to abide by the terms of a Mandatory Health Referral sanction may be subject to suspension from Housing)
  • Interim measures may be taken, up to or including removal from housing, pending investigation of a significant incident, or where there is potential threat to health or safety.