HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES INCIDENT REVIEW PROCESS
Mission
The University of Alabama pledges to advance the intellectual and social condition of the people of the State through quality programs of teaching, research, and service.
The Incident Review Process through Housing and Residential Communities (HRC) will uphold the mission of the University as well as:
Create safe, comfortable, and well-maintained residential facilities
Supporting the education and personal development of civic-minded leaders
Help students develop the ability to make healthy choices
To ensure that these standards are met, the implementation of an Incident Review Process will guide the University and its students’ towards social responsibility. Housing and Residential Communities Incident Review proceedings may occur separately from the Judicial Affairs Office.
Capstone Creed
As a member of the University of Alabama community, I will:
Pursue knowledge;
Act with fairness, honesty and respect;
Foster civic responsibility
Strive for excellence.
Goals
The Incident Review Process is a means for HRC to teach social responsibility to its students in a timely, fair and educational manner. The Incident Review Process is our framework for initiating conversations with residents concerning alleged violations of Community Living Standards and/or guidelines within the Residents’ Rights and Responsibilities. All alleged violations are documented on an Incident Report Form by an HRC staff member, which in turn sets the basis for exploring situations of concern. Our students will meet with a professional staff member of HRC within 48 hours of the incident, they will have access to all documents concerning the incident (including the Incident Report Form), and they will have the right to an appeal process. It is our hope that this process will:
Help the student(s) assume responsibility and give them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.
Convey that it is not our intent to punish our students, but to stress the importance of self-responsibility within the realm of higher education. In turn this will provide the student with the ability to grow into a more autonomous individual.
Develop an HRC framework and expectation that all students uphold the four (4) Community Living Standards: Intellectual Environment, Facility Issues, Civility and Substance Usage. These four standards are set in place to provide a safe and secure environment for all residents. Failure to adhere to the Community Living Standards will result in appropriate disciplinary action (explained in procedure section) which may include contract termination.
Housing and Residential Communities: Community Living Standards
Intellectual Environment
You are responsible for creating an environment that promotes the academic mission of The University of Alabama including: upholding the noise and visitation policies in the residence halls and being held responsible for your visitors and guests’ behavior.
The following guidelines pertain to creating an intellectual environment conducive to growth and development of our students as responsible citizens of the community:
Loitering
Loitering is not allowed in front of any residence hall entrance or exit. Loitering in front of entrances and exits can pose potential fire hazards and safety hazards. Behaviors that are classified as loitering include, but are not limited to the following: congregating outside of the residence hall, smoking in front of entryways and exits, and sitting on steps leading to an entryway or exit of a residence hall. Violators of the loitering policy are subject to incident review proceedings.Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are established and posted in each residence hall according to community standards. Quiet hours are generally in effect from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday. All quiet hours vary depending on the individual residence hall, and/or stipulations of a particular program or living-learning community. In addition, residents are expected to show courtesy for others at all times by avoiding excessive noise. During Dead Week and Finals Week, quiet hours will be in effect 24 hours a day system-wide to maximize study time.
Facility Issues
You are responsible for promoting a clean and well-maintained living environment.
It is expected that students will not damage or vandalize university property or remove property from its designated location in the residence halls.
You are responsible for promoting and maintaining a safe and secure environment in the residence halls.
It is expected that you will not prop open doors or allow unescorted guests into the residence halls and adhere to fire safety guidelines.
These guidelines refer to behaviors that will improve the promotion of a well-maintained living environment:
Common Areas/Study Lounges
Common Areas and Study lounges are equipped with tables and chairs and are available in each residence hall. These facilities provide a private area to study or socialize anytime during the day or night and are large enough to accommodate several students. So that all residents may benefit from the study areas, lounge furniture is not to be removed from the study lounges. You are also responsible assisting in the maintenance of a clean environment for the common areas in your residence hall.Damages/Vandalism
All students are responsible for the condition of their assigned room furnishings and shall reimburse the University for all damages, cleaning costs, and/or other losses incurred. Residents are also responsible for the accuracy and thoroughness of their Room Inventory Form (RIF) upon completion of the check-in and check-out process. The RIF serves as written documentation of room condition upon move-in and check-out and it is the responsibility of each resident of an assigned space to document any discrepancies in room condition on this form. Each student will also be required to share equally with other hall, floor, wing, and/or well residents in the expense of repair or replacement of any University property (in common areas of residence halls such as hallways, study rooms, and lounges) when HRC determines that it is unable to place liabilities for such expense upon an individual. HRC at its sole discretion shall make determination of the amount of such losses or damage. Student accounts will be billed for all damages. The intentional or reckless destruction of any University property or equipment may result in judicial proceedings.Electrical Appliances
The capabilities of the electrical system in the residence halls are limited. Overloading these systems can present fire and safety hazards.Radios, stereos, VCRs, lamps, computers, and small televisions are permitted, provided the total combined amperage of the appliances does not exceed 15 amps, and the equipment is kept in safe operating condition. Refrigerators that are no larger than 4 cubic feet with maximum amperage of 1.5 or 180 watts are permitted. Small microwaves, which do not exceed 4 cubic feet or 700 watts, are permitted.
The following are not permitted: "open element" appliances (i.e. coffee pots, hot plates, George Foreman type grills, broilers, space heaters, immersion heaters, ovens, fry daddys, or kerosene heaters), open flames (i.e. candles, incense burners, Bunsen burners, etc.), sun lamps, outside antennae, drop cords of multi-service receptacles, and halogen lamps.
These items will be confiscated when found. A receipt for each item will be issued and the item will be returned at the close of the semester (except for candles, which will be disposed of upon confiscation). Failure to retrieve confiscated items at the end of the semester will result in items being disposed of or donated to charity.
Firearms/Fireworks
Firearms, dangerous and lethal weapons, (including martial arts equipment), explosives, air and/or blow guns, tasers, bow and arrows, swords, stun guns, paintball guns, BB guns, knives, and fireworks are not permitted in Residence halls. The University Police provides storage facilities for students with hunting equipment who wish to bring firearms and ammunition with them.Fireworks are a violation of the state of Alabama, city of Tuscaloosa, and University regulations and will be disposed of upon confiscation. Violators of this policy will be fined and subject to incident review proceedings and contract termination from residence facilities.
Fire Safety
Any substances, which have the potential to cause fire or explosions, are not permitted inside the residence halls. Natural Christmas trees are not allowed. Tampering with fire extinguishers, fire alarms, and other safety equipment is a violation of local and state ordinances and may lead to contract termination.A fire drill is conducted at least once a semester for each residence hall. The purpose of the drill is to acquaint residents with a rapid and orderly means of exit during an emergency. All persons in or residing in residential facilities are required to participate in the fire drills and evacuate the building through the exit routes that are posted on each floor. Students who fail to evacuate during a fire drill or alarm will be sanctioned through the Incident Review Process and can be fined by the Fire Department.
Fire safety is a serious matter, any violation of these regulations can lead to fines, disciplinary action, contract termination, arrest, and charges pressed against the individual.
Hall/Elevator Codes
Selected residence halls operate and have additional safety and security measures in place on lobby elevators and stairwell doors. Hall/Elevator codes may be given to residents of a specific community for use in accessing certain hallways or areas. These codes are only authorized information for registered students of that particular hall. Communicating and/or giving out codes to students who are not residents of the halls, friends, or family members can result in serious disciplinary action. Students who violate this guideline will participate in the Incident Review Process.Hallways/Stairwells
The hallways and stairwells are public thoroughfares and emergency exits. Hallways and stairwells should not be blocked with trash, furniture, bikes, or other personal belongings. Any items left in the hallways are a fire hazard and/or a health hazard. University furniture left in hallways and/or stairwells will be confiscated and once the room it came from is discovered, the occupants will be charged for the replacement. All trash and garbage should be bagged in trash bags and taken to the trash room or garbage dumpster. A noxious odor is any repeated aroma of such intensity that it becomes apparent to other parties and it is not allowed anywhere in the residence hall. Any personal items found in a hallway will also be discarded immediately.Health and Safety Inspection
Scheduled health and safety inspections of residence hall spaces are performed by a University staff member during break periods. Rooms that are in violation will receive a written list of concerns and be given a specified amount of time to correct the problems. If a problem continues to exist, the residents will be referred and will participate in the Incident Review Process.Residents will be billed for damages found during inspection. Prohibited electrical appliances found during an inspection will be confiscated. If stolen property or prohibited substances are found, proper action will be taken. In addition, the Health and Safety Department routinely sprays the halls for insects and University Facilities will inspect buildings, campus wide, for wear/tear and general upkeep.
Keys
Residents receive one room key for the residence halls. If a key is lost or stolen, the resident should report it to his/her Resident Advisor. He/she will be issued a new key and charged. Residence hall/apartment keys may not be duplicated under any circumstances. If a duplicate key is collected at check-out, the student will be charged the cost for a core lock change. A resident must return his/her key through the proper check-out procedure. Otherwise, the key will be considered lost and the student charged accordingly.Lockouts
A resident should contact a staff member in the event that he/she gets locked out of his/her room. You will be required to show proof of identification (picture ID) so that your residence in the room can be verified. There may be charges depending on the circumstances of the lockout.Pets
Pets are not permitted, with the exception of fish kept in aquariums (20 gallons or less) and animals necessary for persons with physical disabilities. This includes all common areas and lobbies as well. When the residence hall closes, residents must take fish home with them and empty the aquarium.Room Entry
The University of Alabama recognizes and respects the rights of its students to have privacy with respect to their individual freedom and their personal belongings. The University also recognizes the responsibility to preserve the wholesome living and learning environment on campus. These fundamental assumptions are embodied in the following commitments and procedures concerning the entry or search of student rooms/apartments or other assigned storage spaces.The University reserves the right to enter University rooms and apartments under any of the following circumstances:
When there exists an immediate or possible threat to health or safety of the occupants or University property.
With permission of the resident
With a search warrant
With permission of the President (or designee), or the Vice-President of Student Affairs (or designee), or when there is sufficient reason to suspect infractions of University regulations or local, state, and federal laws.
By Physical Plant/Facilities personnel and their designated agents only for repair, replacement, or inspection of University property.
By a residence hall staff member or official of Residential Life on official business.
When it is necessary for a University agent or employee to enter a student's room without a court issued search warrant, the person will knock, pause for a reasonable and courteous time, knock a second time, pause, and then announce his or her name and purpose before entering the room. Whenever a search of student living quarters is commenced by University personnel, the person(s) making the search will leave a list for the occupants of the room detailing any items confiscated. At least two University employees will be present during any search of student living quarters by University personnel. When maintenance personnel enter a student's room or apartment in the absence of the resident, they will leave a visible note indicating the nature of the work done.
Room Personalization
Beds in some residence hall rooms may be lofted, but you must buy/build lofts, which incorporate the bed frame into the lift system. Cinder blocks are not allowed. Shelving must be freestanding and cannot damage walls. HRC cannot store bed frames or other furniture from your residence hall room, and when you check out of your room, all items must be intact. For more information on loft guidelines, see a staff member.Furniture may not be removed or moved between rooms and apartments. You will be charged if an item is missing at checkout.
Residents should not attach decals, bumper stickers, nails, screws, or other objects, which may mar and damage the surface of the walls, ceiling, room door, or other items in the room. Residents will be charged for those damages.
Smoking
All residence halls are non-smoking facilities. All student rooms, common areas, hallways, and stairwells are smoke-free. Smoking is permitted only outside of the residence halls in designated areas.Solicitation
Solicitation, and/or selling within the residence halls lobbies, common areas, or door to door is not permitted. The Community Director must approve any student or student organizational flyers distributed in the residence halls. Solicitors should be reported to the Hall Staff or to University of Alabama Police Department.Sports
The playing of sports and/or other outdoor recreational activities is not permitted within the residence halls. These activities increase the potential for personal injury and/or damage to property and create disturbances in the residence community.Student Property
Residents should remember to lock their doors whenever they are not in their room. Although precautions are taken to maintain adequate security, Housing and Residential Communities cannot be held responsible for any articles that are lost, stolen, damaged, misplaced, or abandoned. Security must begin with the student. You are encouraged to purchase rental insurance for your belongings as HRC cannot be liable for student property. Any case of theft should be reported to The University of Alabama Police Department.Tornado Watches/Warnings
March through October is "tornado season" in Alabama. The following terms are used by media and emergency agencies when referring to tornadoes: 1.) Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted in the area; or 2.) Tornado Watch: Conditions are favorable for a tornado to form. When a tornado warning is in effect, follow instructions of staff and safety officers on scene. If no staff members are visible, it is important to move to areas of the lowest floor without windows, such as a hallway.
Unauthorized Entry/Use of University Facilities
No student shall make unauthorized entry into any University facility, building, office, attic, roof, storage area, or other area designated as off-limits unless accompanied by an authorized staff member.Windows/Screens
Items may not be thrown through, nor hung externally from windows. Screens should not be removed. Entering or exiting any residence hall through windows is prohibited. Throwing items out of windows could result contract termination.
Civility
You are responsible for respecting the rights of all others in the residence hall community, and to act with civility at all times.
Fighting, threats and intimidation of any person for any reason will not be tolerated.
You are responsible for developing and maintaining an atmosphere that promotes social awareness, social appreciation and acceptance of those who may be different from you.
It is an expectation that you actively participate in conflict resolution.
Please note the following guidelines to be followed in ensuring proper civility and respect within each residence hall:
Gambling/Student Businesses
Gambling and/or the running of any advertised business that receives customers out of a student room is prohibited in all residential facilities. Residents may not use their rooms, apartments, or any of the building facilities for commercial purposes.Harassment
Harassment, both verbal and non-verbal, of other students, HRC personnel, or other University officials will not be tolerated. All residents are expected to adhere to the University of Alabama harassment and sexual assault policy. Offenders will be subject to contract termination.Sleep/Study Atmosphere
In order to promote the academic goals of University of Alabama students, Housing and Residential Communities and its staff promote and uphold a quiet environment. We strongly believe that, above all else, a resident has the right to study and sleep in their room/suite/apartment/house without disruption. We do, however, realize that community living also involves socializing and that at times there will be noise. It is the Dual Responsibility of staff and residents to monitor the level of noise, keeping it at an appropriate level at all times. A staff member or resident has the right at any time to request that the noise level be decreased. Students should be advised that unacceptable noise levels can be documented and addressed through the Incident Review Process.Visitation
The University of Alabama encourages prospective students and friends of current students to visit the campus. Depending on availability, guest housing in Rose Towers can be rented from HRC. Students are responsible for their guests’ conduct in the residence halls, including any financial charges that result from damages or clean-up due to the guest.
In all residence halls, unless otherwise agreed to through community standards, visitation hours are:
Sunday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Friday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.In co-educational residence halls, residents of that hall may visit at any time as long as it does not interfere with the rights of the roommate. Co-habitation, or the continual residing of two students who are not roommates, is prohibited.
In order to maintain the safety of all students, a guest must be escorted by a resident at all times, and the host/hostess has responsibility for the conduct of the guest at all times.
Substance Usage
You are responsible for upholding federal, state and local laws dealing with alcohol, tobacco (smoking is not permitted in any residence hall) and other drugs.
Alcohol is not permitted for students less than 21 years of age, and illegal drugs are not permitted by anyone within the residence halls.
Alcohol
No one under the age of 21 is allowed to possess or consume alcohol. Since the vast majority of students who live in our residence halls are underage, alcohol is not permitted in any public area (i.e. hallways, lobbies, stairwells, etc.). Students age 21 or older are allowed to consume alcohol in the privacy of their room with other persons who are legal age only.Illegal Drugs
Students are not allowed to be in possession or under the influence of a narcotic or controlled substance. Possession and/or use of drug-related paraphernalia are strictly prohibited. The possession of illegal drugs in campus residential facilities is a violation of Federal and State law, University Code of Student Conduct, and HRC Community Living Standards, Residents’ Rights & Responsibilities, and other expressed rules & regulations of that particular community. A student possessing an illegal substance will be subject to disciplinary action, eviction, and will be turned in to the University Police. Illegal substances will be confiscated by a University official and turned over to the appropriate authorities of the University of Alabama Police Department.Resident Rights
As a member of the campus housing community, you have the right to:
Read, study and sleep without interference, unreasonable noise or other distractions.
Have personal privacy within your room.
Live in a clean environment.
Have guests with the understanding that guests honor the rights of others.
Be free from intimidation, physical and emotional harm.
Expect that your personal belongings and property will be respected.
To express themselves freely within established guidelines.
To enjoy individual freedoms regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, national origin, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.
Resident Responsibilities
As a member of the campus housing community, you have the responsibility to:
Respect other residents’ rights and expectations as listed above.
Get along with your roommates, suitemates and other residents of your community.
Abide by federal, state and local laws.
Adhere to University rules and regulations (Code of Student Conduct, etc.)
Adhere to the Community Living Standards established by HRC.
Understand and agree to comply with all information and policies provided on the HRC website http:housing.ua.edu/ and other University websites and publications.
Assume responsibility for the actions of your guests.
Comply with reasonable requests of HRC staff.
Report Housing and Residential Communities and University policy violations to appropriate staff.
Report to HRC staff any facility problems, repairs, or damages needing attention within the communities.
Procedure
Rationale
Students are continuously making decisions about their behavior. It is an expectation that students assume responsibility for their behavior and abide by the laws of the State of Alabama and the rules and regulations as stated in the Code of Student Conduct of The University of Alabama, including the Housing and Residential Communities (HRC) Community Living Standards and the Residents’ Rights and Responsibilities. A student who is in violation of these Standards and Responsibilities will be subject to administrative action through the Incident Review Process. Incident Review procedures are designed to serve and protect the rights of all students and the institution through an educational process.Documentation of Incident
If a resident violates a Housing and Residential Communities Community Living Standards and/or Residents’ Responsibilities, it is likely that the resident will addressed by one of our staff members. The staff member could be a Resident Advisor, Community Director, or Assistant Director. The staff member will document the situation on an Incident Report Form and that documentation will go to the CD of the residence hall where the incident took place. The CD will meet with the resident to determine the facts of the incident, whether the resident is responsible for the violation and finally the appropriate action will be taken and sanctions may be assigned.Review of Incident
Housing and Residential Communities (HRC) has established an the Incident Review Process to discuss any alleged violation of HRC Community Living Standards, the UA Code of Student Conduct, and/or Residents’ Responsibilities Standards which specifically pertain to either residence halls and apartment complexes are detailed in this guide and apply to all residents. Claiming ignorance of a standard or hall/apartment violation does not excuse the violation.
HRC staff follows the guidelines of the Incident Review Process when dealing with alleged violations. The appointed CD or ACD/HD will discuss the incident with the resident. The CD or ACD/HD will want to hear the resident’s point of view on the incident and will compare it to the information presented on the Incident Report. After all the information has been presented, the CD or ACD/HD will make a decision on the resident’s involvement in the incident. If the resident is found not responsible, the procedure is complete. If the resident is found responsible, the CD or ACD/HD will select an appropriate sanction.
When a violation of any Community Living Standard, Residents’ Responsibilities, or additional policy is recorded on an Incident Report Form, keep in mind that the initial discussion will take place between the CD or ACD/HD of the specific area and the resident. Based on the findings of the review, a resident may be assigned sanctions (disciplinary measures). These sanctions are imposed based on the outcome of the review. Specific infractions or repeat infractions may also be forwarded to the Peer Review Board or an Assistant Director of University Housing.Taxonomy of Review and Appeal
Alcohol (Posession)
1st incident – CD of Area reviews the case with the resident. Appeal is reviewed by the Assistant Director from North or South Campus (opposite AD: incident in North is heard by Southern AD, incident in South is heard by Northern AD).
2nd incident – CD of Area has discretion to hear case or refer to Peer Review Board. Appeal is reviewed by opposite AD.
3rd incident – CD of Area has discretion to review the case or refer to Judicial Affairs office. Appeal is reviewed by opposite AD.
4th incident – referred to Judicial Affairs.Alcohol (Intoxication)
Any incident will have Campus Police involvement and will be referred to Judicial Affairs.Drugs (Substance Usage)
1st incident – CD of Area reviews the case with the resident. Appeal is reviewed by AD of that Area and or the Director of Housing and Residential Communities. The incident will also be sent to Judicial Affairs.Violence (Civility)
1st incident – CD of Area reviews the case with the resident. Appeal is reviewed by AD of that Area and or the Director of Housing and Residential Communities. If physical abuse occurs, the incident will also be sent to Judicial Affairs.
2nd incident – referred to Judicial Affairs.Weapons (Facility Issues)
1st incident – Police involvement. CD of Area reviews the case with the resident. Appeal is reviewed by opposite AD.
2nd incident – referred to Judicial Affairs.Harassment (Civility)
1st incident - CD of Area reviews the case with the resident. Appeal is reviewed by opposite AD.
2nd incident – referred to Judicial Affairs.Noise/Conflict (Civility/Intellectual Environment)
1st incident – CD of Area reviews the case with the resident. Appeal is reviewed by the AD.
2nd incident - CD of Area reviews the case with the resident. Appeal is reviewed by the AD.
3rd incident – CD refers the case to the PRB. Appeal is reviewed by the AD.
4th incident – AD reviews the case with the resident.Damage (Facilities Issues)
1st incident – CD of Area reviews the case with the resident or refers the case to the Hall Council Damage Board (Managing Environments Through Students).
2nd incident – CD of Area refers the case to the PRB. Appeal is heard by the AD.
3rd incident – AD reviews the case with the resident.Academic Integrity (Intellectual Environment)
Each University of Alabama student adheres to the Capstone Creed and as such is bound by this in and out of the classroom. If a violation of the creed occurs within the residence hall Housing and Residential Communities will work with our academic partners to resolve the issue in a manner that keeps with our overall University mission.
On-Site Administrators (CD or ACD/HDCommunity Directors and/or Assistant Community Directors/ Hall Directors act as on-site administrators for their specific area in the event of a violation of the HRC Community Standards. They conduct all initial hearings for alleged Community Standards and/or Residents’ Rights and Responsibilities violations unless one of the following takes place:
The CD or ACD/HD feels they cannot be purely objective in hearing the case.
The infraction involves a personal attack on the CD or ACD/HD in the manner of personal possessions, property, or physical being.
The result of the hearing can lead to a student’s suspension or expulsion from HRC. In these cases, the CD or ACD/HD must refer the case to the Assistant Director of Residence Education only with recommendations of the desired outcome.
Assistant Director of Residence Education (Appeals and Recommendations of Contract Release)
The Assistant Director of Residence Education serves as the review channel for an Incident Review Process that has requested an appeal or incidents where a recommendation of contract release has been issued. Other matters deemed of a necessary or sensitive nature would also be discussed with an Assistant Director. In the event of the following circumstances, incidents will be forwarded to the Assistant Director of Residence Education for the opposite area:
The resident is involved in a situation in which immediate contract termination from HRC is necessary or recommended.
The use of Administrative Process was invoked due to the sensitivity or nature of the incident, requiring the attention of the Assistant Director of Residence Education.
The resident has reason to appeal the results of the Peer Review Board decision based on one of the appeals stipulations (see Appeals Process).
The CD or ACD/HD or the Peer Board felt that they would not remain impartial in deciding the outcome of the incident.
Incident Review Rights
All residents that have been documented with a violation of the Community Living Standards are made aware of their Incident Review Rights at the beginning of the review. Those rights are as follows:
You have the right to have your hearing held within a reasonable amount of time.
You have the right to an objective and impartial hearing.
You have the right to review the Incident Report regarding the charges against you. This review may take place at the beginning of the hearing, if not before.
It is presumed that you are not in violation at this time, and will remain so until evidence of your involvement in the violation of the Community Living Standards is proven.
You have the right to present witnesses or evidence on your behalf during the incident review process.
You have the right to appeal this decision.
Sanctions
The intent of the sanction is to educate the resident as to why their actions were inappropriate, as well as to make the resident aware of and sensitive to all the possible consequences of their behavior. It is not the intent of HRC to punish the student as much as provide him/her with a learning experience in a valuable lesson that can be learned.Sanctions will be determined on three main criteria:
How serious the offense is;
The sanction that has been assigned to the offense in the past;
The resident’s previous conduct history, as well as their attitude throughout the conduct process.
In some instances, one of these criteria may outweigh the others in degree of importance.
Possible HRC sanctions may include but are not limited to:
A Written Warning
Residence Hall Probation
Relocation to Another Residence Hall
Termination of the Resident’s Housing Contract
Community Service
Educational Task Assignment
Completion of Alcohol Education Sanction
See Appendix A for Sanction details.
Reviews
Every resident of UA Housing and Residential Communities deserves and is afforded certain rights in reference to alleged incidents involving Community Living Standards, the UA Student Code of Conduct, and/or Residents’ Rights and Responsibilities. Outlined below, you will find the HRC procedures in reference to the appeals process. Please pay close attention to these guidelines and use this as a reference throughout your stay in Housing and Residential Communities.
Residents of University Housing and Residence Life may appeal any decision made by the AD, CD, ACD/HD, or Peer Review Board. A Letter of Appeal must be submitted within 48 hours of the original decision to Housing and Residential Communities in Mary Burke East. All Letters of Appeal must be type-written (no exceptions). The Letter of Appeal must state the basis for the appeal and will be accepted only if it is received in a timely manner and the student has followed the appropriate incident review steps prior to requesting an appeal.
It is important that residents submit copies of all pertinent information regarding the appeal with the Letter of Appeal. In the event of an appeal, the student will follow one of two paths:
1) If the appeal is regarding a contract termination granted by an AD, the appeal will be heard by the AD from the opposite side of campus. Any appeal involving contract termination must be sent in writing to the appropriate AD and the student must personally contact the AD to set up a meeting. If these two steps are not taken, the appeal will not be heard. A meeting between both AD’s must occur before the appeal takes place. No further appeals regarding this incident will be granted after being reviewed by both AD’s.2) If the appeal is regarding a sanction granted by a CD the review will then be heard by the Peer Review Board (PRB) or the AD.
3) Code of Conduct cases will follow the Code for reviewing appeals.
Peer Review Board (PRB)
The PRB is in place to hear appeal cases with the exception of those involving contract terminations. Reviews that the PRB will be expected to hear, but are not limited to include:
Repeat offenders – students who have been written up for the same incident more than two (2) times
Subsequent offenders – students who have been written up for various incidents within their community or other communities three (3) times or more
Appeals from the CD – any appeal that comes from a decision made by the Community Director
Failure to complete sanctions – students with uncompleted sanctions will be heard by the PRB
Special cases – any case that the Community Director sees necessary for the PRB to hear
The PRB can recommend contract terminations which will then be referred to the AD.
Two (2) boards will be in place; one to represent North Campus and the other to represent South Campus. The PRB will consist of five (5) members who will serve for one (1) academic year. Four (4) members are students, one from each residential community and the fifth member will be a member of RHA from the opposite side of campus. One (1) CD or ACD/HD will also be present during PRB sessions to serve as a professional staff member partaking in the role of a mediator, only when needed. The CD or ACD/HD member will not have a vote but can offer advice and does not need to remain constant, but must be from the opposite side of campus, similar to that of the RHA member. The inclusion of the CD or ACD/HD will allow all appropriate HRC staff members the opportunity to oversee a PRB review.
Selection will be conducted by the CD and ACD through an appointment process. The CD and ACD will choose a member based on self-interest, leadership experience and character of the individual.
Criteria for PRB members:
Must be in good academic standing with the University of Alabama
Must not have any prior incidents on their student record
Must be able to adhere to the Statement of Confidentiality (Appendix B)
Must be able to attend PRB Training session (Appendix C)
Outcomes
After having gone through the Incident Review Process, the student(s) should be more aware that their actions can affect themselves, their community, and the university at large. In conjunction with the First-Year Experience (FYE), the Incident Review Process will also challenge our students to be Involved, Savvy and Inspired in their interactions on campus and their community. In order to shape students into future leaders Housing and Residential Communities places at the core of their actions the desire to provide a positive learning environment for every resident to grow. By adhering to our principles of an educational learning process in dealing with incidents and issues, we will:
Contact and review the incident with the resident in a timely manner.
Share all documentation related to the incident with the resident during the incident review.
Give the resident the ability to appeal sanctions related to the incident we provide an atmosphere for the student where longitudinal learning can occur.
We want to build communities within the greater campus community that can function in a manner that gives residents opportunities to learn and grow as a result of residing in our residence halls. The Incident Review Process seeks to create safe and comfortable environments offering our students the skills to become accountable to themselves and the University. Through the Incident Review Process (which is driven by an educational purpose) and sanctions, we feel that our students will have the opportunity to hold each other responsible. The growth of responsibility characteristics will foster the development and evolution of students into civic minded leaders. Allowing HRC professional staff members who are trained and concerned about educating students will give them opportunity to work with our students and advise them in making healthy choices, which can positively impact their future decisions. The Incident Review Process along with adhering to the Community Living Standards and Residents’ Rights and Responsibilities will help students gain a better perspective on the journey of civility and becoming socially responsible for their actions.
Definitions
Appeal
A rebuttal for a sanction that was previously given.Assistant Community Director (ACD)
The Assistant Community Director (ACD), a paraprofessional staff member within HRC, will hear various incident reviews.Assistant Director (AD)
The Assistant Director (AD), a professional staff member within HRC, will hear cases regarding contract termination and/or as a part of the appeal process.Chair of Peer Review Board (PRB)
An elected member of the PRB to serve as the facilitator during PRB sessions.Community Director (CD)
The Community Director (CD), a professional staff member within HRC will hear all reviews regarding incidents dealing with the Community Living Standards and the Students’ Rights and Responsibilities. After hearing the review, the CD will provide a sanction for the incident if found appropriate. The CD can also make a recommendation of contract termination to the AD.
Community Oriented Police Officer (COP)
Community oriented police officers are empowered with the autonomy and freedom to act as needed in order to implement and participate in community-based problem solving efforts.Hall Director (HD)
The Hall Director (HD), a paraprofessional staff member within HRC, will hear various incident reviews.Incident Review Rights
A list of rights that every resident is allowed to exercise during a review process.Peer Review Board (PRB)
Composed of four (4) resident students, one (1) RHA member and one Community Director (CD). Two (2) boards are to represent the North and South campus communities, respectively and are designed to hear appeal and cases referred by the Community Directors.Resident Advisor (RA)
Resident Advisors are students trained in counseling skills who live on the floor with residents.Review
The Community Director (CD) will discuss the incident with the resident. After all of the information has been presented the CD will make a decision on the appropriate sanction.RHA Member
A member of the Residence Hall Association (RHA) will serve as a member of the PRB.Sanction
The outcome of a review given to a resident who has been found responsible of a violation.
