In addition to Student Living & Residential Life community standards and policies, students living on campus must be familiar with and abide by Florida Poly’s Student Code of Conduct.
University policy FPU-1.0003P Alcohol Policy establishes guidelines and procedures for the legal and responsible use of alcohol on University premises. The use of alcoholic beverages by members of the University community on University premises is subject to the applicable alcoholic beverages’ laws and ordinances of the State of Florida, the City of Lakeland, and Polk County at all times. No person may sell, furnish, or give alcohol to any person under the age of twenty-one (21).
University regulation FPU-3.006 Student Code of Conduct prohibits the use, consumption, possession, manufacturing, selling or distribution of alcoholic beverages (except as expressly permitted by University policies), paraphernalia used for consumption of alcohol (e.g., kegs, bongs, etc.) or public intoxication. Alcoholic beverages may not, in any circumstance, be used by, possessed by, or distributed to any person under twenty-one (21) years of age.
In units where students are under the legal drinking age, students who are of legal drinking age may keep alcohol in their assigned bedrooms (A, B, C, D), however, alcohol may not be consumed in or kept in any of the unit’s common areas (i.e., kitchenette, living/dining space, or bathroom). When in possession of or consuming alcohol, no students under the legal drinking age may be present; in this situation, all students who are present are at risk of violating the University’s alcohol policy.
The Department of Residential Life takes seriously the illegal use and abuse of alcohol. This includes the use by individuals either under the legal age or in an inappropriate manner. As an educational institution, we place a great deal of responsibility on students who are of legal age to make responsible decisions about alcohol consumption. College students also have a great deal of independence. However, with independence comes responsibility.
The responsible student will:
Students are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior within the community of the residence halls. Inappropriate behavior includes any activity that disrupts, endangers, or interferes with the educational environment of the residence hall community. Residential Life staff have discretion to determine what constitutes inappropriate behavior.
Students may store their bicycles in their unit or bedroom as long as they are not dirty, do not cause a fire hazard, and do not inconvenience other students within the same unit or bedroom. Hanging bicycles from the ceiling or fire sprinkler pipes is prohibited. The only proper place to store a bicycle is a bicycle rack or bedroom. Do not lock bicycles to trees, signs, stair-rails, etc. Bicycles racks are provided outside of the residence halls and around campus for your convenience.
The use and burning of candles, incense, or kerosene lamps/heaters is prohibited within the residence halls.
It is the student’s responsibility to keep their unit and bedroom clean at all times. It is also the student’s responsibility to purchase their own cleaning supplies (i.e., vacuums, brooms, wipes/sprays, etc.) to maintain the cleanliness of their unit and bedroom.
Personal hygiene is also very important in a close community environment. Students are responsible for cleaning up any mess made in the common area kitchens or other common areas.
All trash and garbage must be placed in the trash chute located on each floor in each residence hall. Students needs to place trash inside of trash chute door, not in the surrounding area. No trash should be left in the units, bedrooms, common areas, hallways, or similar areas. There will be a reasonable charge of $25.00 per item/bag for violation of this provision. Large cardboard boxes which will not fit in the trash chute should be placed inside the trash room for disposal. Baby wipes, food, or any item other than toilet paper should not be disposed of in the toilet at any time.
The common areas, lounges, and study rooms in the residence halls are for the enjoyment of all students living on campus. Please use common sense and be courteous when using these spaces. It is expected that students:
Student agrees to pay for any damage caused by them or their guests to their assigned unit/bedroom or residence halls common areas or amenities. When the student or individual responsible for such damage cannot be determined, all students of the particular residence hall or floor of the residence hall where the damage was sustained will be collectively responsible for the costs involved. "Common Damage" bills will be assessed to student accounts at the end of each semester and student hereby understand and agrees that they are required to pay such common damage bills. "Common Damage" is defined as damages occurring in common space areas, and those areas accessible to all the community these include but are not limited to stairwells, hallways, lobbies, study spaces, and hospitality areas.
Painting and wallpapering of any nature is strictly prohibited. Do not use double sided tape in the unit or bedroom as it is extremely damaging to drywall and other surfaces. Small finishing nails may be used to display pictures but must be kept to a maximum of eight (8) per bedroom within the unit. Mirrors are not to be affixed to the walls, doors, or any part of the premises and student will be charged for the removal of such. Dartboards are not permitted on the premises. Hanging items from the doors (i.e., bathroom caddies, pull-up bars, etc.) will cause damage to the door and/or frame and will require a charge at the end of the year. Sticky tack on walls & halogen lamps are prohibited. Student is responsible for all damages above and beyond ordinary wear and tear.
All students must always wear upper and lower garments and shoes or sandals in all interior public common areas of the residence halls. This includes but is not limited to stairwells, hallways, lobbies, study spaces, and hospitality areas. The pool area, defined as the fenced in area around the pool, has an amended dress code.
The following electrical appliances are approved for use in student’s units and bedrooms:
The following electrical appliances are not permitted to be stored or used in student’s units and bedrooms per fire code:
Cooking in units and bedrooms is limited to approved and provided appliances only. All other cooking must be performed in the designated common kitchen areas, using the existing appliances in those areas.
We do not allow 3D printers, soldering irons, or any other engineering-based equipment in the residence halls, as this equipment is considered a fire hazard and requires proper safety training to operate. There are several labs around campus that students can use for all printing and engineering-based work and project needs.
Students must not tamper with or ride the top of any elevator at any time. Passengers must maintain orderly conduct. This also includes utilizing alarm buttons in the elevator for anything but their intended purpose. Additionally, state and local laws pertaining to tampering with fire safety must be adhered to.
Per your lease agreement, Student Living and the Department of Residential Life staff have the right and may enter your unit and bedroom at any time for the protection or preservation of the premises, in the case of an emergency, or if you unreasonably withhold consent. If you, your roommate/suitemate(s), or guest is present in the unit and/or bedroom, then staff may peacefully enter the bedroom or unit at reasonable times. If nobody is in the bedroom or unit, then such persons may enter peacefully and at reasonable times by master key. Please review your lease agreement for more information regarding the right to enter.
In the event a residence hall is evacuated because of an emergency, only those students deemed eligible by the University will be permitted to occupy space in an on-campus shelter. Students will not be permitted to re-enter the residence halls until the emergency has passed and the facilities are deemed safe. The re-opening of residence halls may or may not coincide with the re-opening of campus. No refunds of rental fees will be issued for the time residence halls are closed due to a federal, state, or Board of Governors mandate, natural disaster, or act of God, including public health emergencies, or any other force majeure event.
University regulation FPU-3.006 Student Code of Conduct prohibits students failure to comply with directions of University officials or law enforcement officers acting in performance of their duties and/or failure to identify oneself to such persons when requested to do so.
In the event of a fire or any emergency, please dial 911 immediately. For any fire emergency, evacuate the building immediately.
Fire drills must be performed once per semester. This is a scheduled drill, run by Residential Life and Student Living in coordination with the University and local fire department. Prior notice will not be given to all students living on campus. Fire drills are conducted once a semester to familiarize students with emergency evacuation procedures. All students must evacuate immediately in the event of a fire drill. Residential Life and Student Living staff members will enter units and bedrooms to ensure cooperation during drills. Students needing special assistance during fire alarms or emergencies are requested to notify Student Living in the beginning of the academic year.
State and local laws pertaining to tampering with fire safety must be adhered to. Students who violate such laws may incur fines. Students are responsible for restitution of any damage to personal property, facilities or grounds owned by VC FPU HOUSING I LTD & VC FPU HOUSING II LTD. In the interest of fire prevention, electrical outlets must not be overloaded. No devices for cooking including Foreman-type grills, are allowed in the residence hall units or bedrooms, with the exception of blenders, can openers, rice cookers, slow-cookers, & juicers. This also includes items with "open" heating sources. No heat guns or soldering irons are allowed on the premises.
Flammable liquids, flammable vapors, and other dangerous substances, as well as any containers holding (storing) such substances, constitute a serious danger and are prohibited in the residence halls. Reasonable provision will be made for aerosol hairsprays, deodorants, and such, but these are potentially hazardous and should not be stored in the halls in large quantities.
University regulation FPU-3.006 Student Code of Conduct prohibits causing or attempting to cause a fire or explosion; falsely reporting a fire, explosion, or an explosive device; tampering with fire safety equipment; or failure to evacuate University buildings during a fire alarm. Tampering with fire equipment (i.e., smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, fire pull stations, etc.) or failure to evacuate will result in a fine and may result in termination of the lease contract.
Students may have overnight guests with prior authorization from the roommate/suitemates and the person whose bed might be used. Guests will not be allowed in a unit and bedroom unless all occupants in that unit and bedroom agree. Residents should tell their Resident Assistant (RA) when they are having overnight guests. All guests are subject to University regulations and residence hall policies. Students are responsible for the actions of their guest(s), including financial responsibilities for property damage. In addition, guests should always be accompanied by the student hosting the guest. Guests are permitted to stay no more than three (3) consecutive days in a seven (7) day period. Guests are limited to three (3) total days a semester. Non-approved guests will be fined $100.00 per occurrence.
Sports activities inside the residence halls are not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, Frisbee, football, soccer, volleyball, baseball, golf, rollerblading, having water fights, bicycle riding, skateboarding, scootering, rough housing, and playing pranks which may affect the safety and security of community members.
University regulation FPU-1.0036P Drug Free Environment prohibits the unlawful manufacture, alteration, possession, use, distribution, or dispensation of a controlled substances or use of any illicit drugs by the University community on its property, or as part of any University-sponsored activity.
The use or possession of marijuana, even if prescribed by a medial professional, is not permitted in the residence halls as marijuana remains illegal under federal law. The federal Controlled Substances Act lists marijuana as a Schedule 1 illegal drug and contains no "medical necessity” exception.
University regulation FPU-3.006 Student Code of Conduct prohibits the use, possession, manufacturing, selling or distribution of marijuana, heroin, narcotics, or other controlled substances, except as expressly permitted by law. This includes the misuse of prescription drugs, paraphernalia used for drugs (e.g., bongs, glass pipes, etc.) and the un-prescribed use, inhalation, or ingestion of a substance (e.g., nitrous oxide, glue, paint, etc.) that could alter a person’s mental state.
Students will be given a key for their bedroom on move-in day. There is a $35.00 fee for lock changes requested by the student while residing in the unit and bedroom. The lockout fee is $25.00 after the first lockout. There is a $15.00 charge to replace the bedroom and mailbox key. Damaged, lost, or stolen Florida Poly Cards used to access the building and main unit door are replaced by the University’s Auxiliary Enterprise Center per their fee schedule. Should you have questions about your Florida Poly Card or replacement fees please contact Auxiliary Enterprises.
University regulation FPU-3.006 Student Code of Conduct prohibits the unauthorized possession, duplication or use of keys to any University property or unauthorized entry into or use of University property.
A noxious odor is any aroma of such intensity that it becomes apparent to others. Any odor can become noxious or offensive when it is too strong. Some examples are perfume, trash, dirty laundry, or the smell of cigarette or marijuana smoke. When a noxious odor can be localized to a unit and/or bedroom, the student(s) and/or guests of that unit or bedroom may be required to meet with the Student Living or their designee.
Students shall not permit any pet or animal, without prior written consent from the Office of Disability Services, Department of Residential Life, and Student Living, to be anywhere in the premises or residence halls. If students are found to have a pet in the premises at any time, for any length of time, without approval, the student will automatically be charged a $100.00 pet fine, per day, per animal, and per occurrence and the animal must be removed immediately or the student will be subject to termination of their lease agreement. Students are responsible for any damages to carpet, furniture, and overall premises and any necessary pest control service as a result of an approved pet/animal.
If you need an accommodation relating to your housing on campus, please contact the Office of Disability Services to being the process. Once your intake has been completed and approved by the Office of Disability Services, you will begin working with the Department of Residential Life regarding your housing need(s) and accommodation(s).
Swimming in the residence hall pool is limited to students living on campus and their guest(s). No lifeguard is on duty at any time and swimming is at each person's own risk. Pool use hours are 8:00 AM to dusk each day except during Residential Life or University sponsored events that must end by quiet hours. Portable swimming pools are prohibited in all residence halls. No diving, no glass containers, or unruly behavior allowed in the confines of the pool. All pool furniture must remain in the pool area. No sexual acts are allowed in or around the pool area and no entering the pool area after hours. All housing policies are always in effect.
Anyone that would like to display a poster, bulletin, or anything conveying information in public common areas of the residence halls must have each display item approved and signed by the Department of Residential Life before it can be displayed. The Department of Residential Life has the right to not approve or remove displayed items at any point in time.
University regulation FPU-3.006 Student Code of Conduct prohibits unauthorized posting of commercial advertising or engaging in commercial activity ad described in University polices.
The following items are prohibited in the residence halls:
Quiet hours are in effect Sunday – Thursday from 10:00 PM – 10:00 AM and Friday and Saturday from 1:00 AM – 10:00 AM, unless otherwise determined by Residential Life. During the quiet hour periods, TVs, stereos, voices, etc. must be lowered until inaudible in neighboring units/rooms and hallways. Furthermore, students will refrain from loud and discourteous behavior in the hallways, stairwells, bathrooms, lounges, lobbies, and any common area in or around (outside) of the residence halls. These hours extend to the pool area as well.
Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours a day. Excessive loud disturbing noise or behavior at any time during the day or night will not be tolerated. These hours extend to the pool area as well.
During the last week of classes, Reading Days, and final exam week each semester, quiet hours will be in effect 24 hours a day. These hours will be posted, and violations of these quiet hours may result disciplinary action.
Students are not permitted on the residence hall roofs, canopies, on top of elevators, or any other designated areas deemed unsafe by Residential Life and Student Living staff at any point in time.
Students are responsible for their living environment. This includes monitoring who is following them into a residential area. Each student entering or leaving a residence hall should ensure that entrances are secured and locked to prevent unauthorized entry. Unauthorized entry includes holding a door for someone who does not live the residence halls or propping doors open. Students allowing non-residents to enter a residence hall will be held liable for any damages or disruptions caused from unauthorized entrants.
To ensure that the residence halls remain well maintained, Student Living has the right to perform inspections each semester. Students living on campus hereby agree that such servicepersons may enter your unit and bedroom by key, leaving notices, at reasonable times for the purposes of repair, extermination, emergency, safety and fire inspections, or maintenance inspections. Student Living will notify you of these inspections the best they can via email or flyer notices to your unit door.
If a student fails a semester inspection, the student must correct the issue within 48 hours and continuously maintain compliance from then on out. Student Conduct action may be taken with any student(s) found in possession/non-compliance with such items or requests to fix, including but not limited to semester inspection violations (cleanliness, etc.) and University policy violations.
Maintaining a campus free from sexual misconduct is important to the Florida Poly Community. The University is committed to fostering an environment that promotes prompt reporting of all types of sexual misconduct, prohibits retaliation, provides options for resolution that is timely and fair for all complaints.
Florida Polytechnic University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities. Title IX of the Higher Educations Amendments of 1972, 20 USC 1681 et seq., a Federal civil rights law, prohibits such discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking.
To be considered under the jurisdiction of Title IX, the alleged Sexual Harassment must have occurred to the person participating or attempting to participate in the University’s education program or activity within the United States.
Even if an allegation falls outside of the Title IX jurisdiction, the University may move forward following the process outlined in University policy:
Reporting:
Any member of the University community may submit a report or by disclosing to a University employee (Faculty, Staff, Resident Assistants, and University Police). Any member of the University community may seek guidance, resources, or file a complaint, in accordance with this policy, by contacting:
Michelle Disson
Title IX Coordinator
4700 Research Way, ASC East, Lakeland, FL 33805
titleixcoordinator@floridapoly.edu
863-874-8484
Confidential Employees:
Employees, vendors, and contractors working in Counseling Services, medical services, and the University Ombudsperson. These resources do not have to report any disclosure of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator.
Resources:
For more information visit the University webpage and related University Policies.
University regulation FPU-1.010 Regulation Governing Skateboarding, Skating, Scooters, Ripsticks and Other Similar Devices and High Risk Activities on University Property prohibits skateboards, longboards, skates of any type, scooters, rip sticks, or other similar devices propelling a person by means other than walking may only be used on University sidewalks and while crossing the street at crosswalks. Specifically, using such devices is prohibited in/on curbs; benches; stairs; stairwells; railings; ramps; parking lots; parking garages; wooden walkways; landscaped areas; the interior or exterior of any building, including inside and outside patios and terraces; and within 15 feet of all building entrances.
Smoking is defined by the University as is inhaling, exhaling, burning, carrying, or possessing any lighted tobacco product. This includes cigars, cigarettes, cigarillos, pipes, bidis, and hookahs. Tobacco products is defined by the University as all forms of tobacco, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipes, hookahs, electronic cigarettes, and all forms of smokeless tobacco. University premises is defined by the University as all land, buildings, facilities on the University main campus, including adjacent streets and sidewalks.
Under Florida Poly’s Smoking and Tobacco Use on University Campus (FPU-1.0035P) policy smoking is prohibited on University premises, including the residence halls, except in designated smoking areas. The use of smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes is prohibited in University buildings; smokeless tobacco and electronic cigarettes may be used in any outside area. The sale of tobacco products is prohibited on the University premises.
Designated smoking areas are areas designated by the University where smoking is permitted. All designated smoking areas will be marked with visible signs. Smoking is only permitted within 20 feet of the signs.
Recognized University clubs, organization, and offices are the only groups authorized to solicit in the residence halls. Solicitation is not permitted in the residence halls without prior written authorization from the Department of Residential Life or Student Living. Please contact the Resident Assistant (RA) on-call or University Police if solicitors do not leave the building.
University regulation FPU-3.006 Student Code of Conduct prohibits illegal or unauthorized possession of firearms, explosives, weapons, or dangerous chemicals on University property or use of such item, even if legally possessed, in a manner that harms or threatens others.
The following weapons are not permitted in the residence halls:
Throwing of any object from a window is prohibited, and no one can climb on roofs or ledges. Tampering with the windows and forcing them open further than permitted may cause undo damaged to the building and could result in charges. Additionally, window decorations are not permitted outside of blinds and curtains. Students may be asked to remove items posted in the window or items which can be readily seen from the exterior of the building by a casual observer.
