Residence Handbook – Community Standards

3.0 Community Standards

3.1 Community Standards Process

When an incident occurs, an incident report is written by College staff and/or Security and those involved in the incident are interviewed by an individual appointed by RRC Polytech.

During the meeting the involved person(s) are given the opportunity to give a statement, ask questions, and are informed of relevant information regarding the report. The Manager is responsible for specifying and communicating any Sanction(s) to the participants by email/letter.

3.2 Acceptable Computer Use Policy

The Resident must abide by the terms of the Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources policy.

3.3 Advertising/Solicitation

All advertisements in Common Areas must be approved by Campus Living. Posters not previously approved by Campus Living will be taken down by Campus Living Staff or RA’s.

Under no circumstances are any advertisements to be distributed to Residents under the doors without written permission from Campus Living.
Advertising will not be accepted for liquor functions.
Poster content and images must not be offensive in nature. This includes any image visible from the Resident Suite window or doorway.
Door-to-door selling or soliciting is in Residence is prohibited.
Hosting personal business events or promotions in Residence without the written permission of Campus Living is prohibited.

3.4 Pornography

Pornography is prohibited from being displayed, distributed, or made available for public viewing in any area of the Residence. This includes photos, posters, videos, and other media.

3.5 Appliance Policy

Microwaves and fridges are provided in every Suite. Ovens, induction cook tops, and other small appliances are provided in the Communal Kitchen.

Appliances which meet the following safety standards may be brought into Residence:

CSA approved
grounded plugs
good working order
original and undamaged cords (cannot be frayed, taped, or altered in any way)

Residents must:

use appliances in a suitable location and not overload the circuits
operate appliances in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
not leave appliances unattended
not use extension cords (CSA approved power bars may be used if necessary)
unplug or shut down appliances when not in use

Any appliance with an open heat source such as hot plates, toasters, toaster ovens, deep fryers, griddles, waffle makers, slow cookers, Instant Pots, air fryers, space heaters, etc. are strictly prohibited unless supplied by Campus Living in the Communal Kitchen.

Window air conditioners, portable washing machines, and portable dishwashers are not permitted in Residence.

Examples of permitted appliances are electric kettles (with shut-off switches), rice cookers, blenders, food processors, single-serve coffee makers.

3.6 Room Alterations

Any room alterations or decorations which result in damage to the Residence or necessitate additional cleaning may result in Additional Fees and/or eviction.

3.6A. Walls and Windows

Residents may not:

paint walls, wallpaper, or hang artwork with nails or any items that damage the wall. Only non-marking white sticky tack may be used to affix items to walls.
cover more than 20% of the wall and ceiling space.
display or hang anything outside the windows, on the exterior surfaces of the Residence building, or outside the Suites.
hang curtains or other materials on the inside of windows.
obstruct the windows in any way.
leave windows open while unattended.
cover vents in any way that block air circulation
Residents with window screens are responsible for ensuring that the screen remains undamaged and that it is not removed from the window.

3.6B. Furnishings

Residents may not:

move or remove furniture or other property of Campus Living from Residence rooms or Common Areas.
bring mattresses, waterbeds, or beanbag chairs into the Residence.
bring any wooden furniture into the Residence or replace any existing furniture.

3.7 Cleanliness

Campus Living Staff and/or RA’s will perform health and safety inspections each term. Each Resident is expected to maintain the cleanliness of their Suite and washroom, store personal possessions in Suites and not in the Common Areas, and participate in the general cleaning of Common Areas and required cleaning of the Residence Kitchen. Residents are required to dispose of all garbage and recycling at the designated areas in the elevator lobby of each Residence floor. Any Resident found to be leaving garbage, recycling, and/or belongings in any other space may be charged Additional Fees for removal.

3.8 Guests

Any person found in Residence who is not a Guest of a Resident must be reported immediately to an RA or Security. Any Resident who facilitates access for a stranger, “un-hosted” person, or banned person (e.g., by opening a locked door) is considered to be the host of that person and is responsible for their behaviour. Salespersons, canvassers, or agents are not allowed in Residence.

The Resident must meet their Guest at the front entrance of PGI. 5 guests per Resident allowed.
The Resident and Guest must follow appropriate sign-in and sign-out procedures. Each Guest must provide valid identification and sign-in/sign-out with Security every time they enter or exit Residence.
The Resident must accompany their Guest at all times and is responsible for their Guests’ actions while the Guest is on Residence property.
Residents may have one overnight Guest for no more than two (2) consecutive nights, and four (4) total nights per month.
Guest privileges may be revoked if Campus Living determines that the Resident has abused their privileges through excessive use or inappropriate behaviour.

3.9 Obligation of Resident to Roommate

In double-Suites both Residents have the right to use the shared spaces (kitchenette and washroom) and each has the responsibility to maintain the cleanliness of these shared spaces. Roommates should consult with/inform one another before inviting Guests into the Suite.

Residents can complete a Roommate Agreement Form at the in eRezLife if interested.

3.10 Keys

Residents are prohibited from lending keys to anyone and are charged a Fee of $35 for every lost or damaged key. Lost keys must be reported to Campus Living immediately for the safety of all Residents.

3.11 Noise

Noise levels must not infringe on other Resident’s reasonable expectations. Quiet hour periods are times when any noise beyond that of the necessary day-to-day activities of a Resident is prohibited. Quiet hours are from 11:00pm – 8:00am Sunday through Thursday, and 12:00 midnight – 8:00am Friday through Saturday. During the Fall and Winter exam periods Campus Living enforces a 24/hour quiet hour policy which all residents must abide by.

3.12 Pets

Residents are prohibited from keeping animals of any kind in the Residence building. This includes fish.

3.13 Alcohol

Minors: Alcohol may not be possessed or consumed by any person under the legal drinking age of eighteen (18) in the Province of Manitoba.

Prohibited Areas for Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol may not be consumed in Common Areas (except lounges)

Consumption of Alcohol: Possession of open liquor is permitted only within the Resident’s Suite and Residence lounges.

Transport of Alcohol: Alcohol must be transported in a closed container.

Over-consumption of alcohol: Consuming alcohol to the point where one is extreme intoxication, becomes a burden on others, or is a danger to themselves or the community is prohibited.

Drinking Games: Participating in games which promote excessive drinking is prohibited. Campus Living reserves the right to confiscate paraphernalia deemed to be associated with drinking games and/or mass consumption of alcohol.

Large Groups: When alcohol is being consumed, Suites and lounges may not exceed more than ten (10) people at any time. A Resident wishing to have more than ten (10) people in their Suite/lounge must submit a request to Campus Living at least two (2) days in advance (see section 3.14 – Events).

3.14 Events

An event is any gathering of ten (10) or more persons in the Residence building. Any Resident wishing to host and event must abide by the following regulations:

If alcohol is being consumed there must be a designated host(s) for the event and the event location must be booked at minimum two (2) business days prior to the event by meeting with Campus Living. There must be at least one host for every ten (10) Guests at the event.
Hosts must assume responsibility for all persons attending the event, be present at the event and available the entire time, and are not permitted to consume alcohol.
Hosts are responsible for all cleaning. Cleaning must be completed within one (1) hour of the event ending.
Charging admission and/or selling alcohol is prohibited.
Any noise from the event must be limited to inside the event location and adhere to Residence quiet hours. See section 3.11 – Noise.
Campus Living Staff and/or RA’s may call for a floor meeting before the event and have full authority to cancel the event at any time.
Campus Living Staff, Security, and/or RA’s may visit any event to ensure that these rules and conditions are being observed.
Any infraction of the Community Standards will result in disciplinary action.

3.15 Drugs

Residents and Guests are prohibited from possessing, using, and/or trafficking any illegal drugs in Residence.

Evidence of illegal drugs including drug paraphernalia, trace amounts of a drug, or the smell of a drug on Residence property is treated as conclusive evidence of use and/or possession.

Campus Living Management and Security reserve the right to confiscate and dispose of all illegal drug-related paraphernalia. Residents found to be using, possessing, and/or trafficking illegal drugs will receive a minimum fine of $50, be put on Residence probation, and may be reported to the police.

3.15A. Cannabis/Marijuana

Cannabis includes any product or substance defined as such in the Cannabis Act. A ‘cannabis product’ is any substance that contains cannabis, including, without limitation, marijuana, seeds, hashish, and their derivatives (for example, edible products, oils, lotions, tinctures, topicals, etc.) that contain cannabis.

Cannabis equipment is any equipment or device used to prepare or consume cannabis products. For example, bongs, vaporizers, scales, and grinders.

Residents/Guests are bound by Federal and Provincial laws surrounding cannabis, cannabis products, and cannabis for medical purposes. Where the terms of the Residence Contract, are more restrictive than Federal and Provincial laws, Contract terms apply.
Residents/Guests age 19 years and older may possess up to the legal limit of cannabis for personal use but may not provide any amount to Residents under age 19.
Residents/Guests under age 19 may not possess or consume cannabis or cannabis products.
Residents/Guests may not bake or prepare edible cannabis products in Residence. They may consume legally obtained edible cannabis products in their Suites.
Cannabis, cannabis products, and related equipment must be stored in Residence Suites in air-tight sealed containers that ensure the smell is undetectable. Containers must be clearly labelled indicating they contain or are used to prepare or consume cannabis.

The following are prohibited anywhere on College property, including Residence:

Smoking, vaping, bong use, or any other form of cannabis inhalation; this extends to cannabis for medical purposes.
Cooking, baking, and other forms of cannabis preparation for edible consumption.
Possession or cultivation of cannabis plants.
The sale and distribution of cannabis or cannabis products.

3.16 Theft

Theft or possession of stolen property is prohibited and may result in eviction and/or referral to the police. Removing furniture or property from the Residence without permission of Campus Living is considered theft.

3.17 Discrimination and Harassment Policy

Red River College Polytechnic is committed to a workplace and learning environment free from discrimination and harassment and adheres to the Discrimination and Harassment policy as may be amended from time to time. This policy applies to all Residents.

The following information from the Discrimination and Harassment Policy is especially relevant to Residence.

RRC Polytech does not condone behaviour that is likely to undermine the dignity or productivity of any of its members, and prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment, whether it occurs on College property or in conjunction with College related activities. RRC Polytech and all members of RRC Polytech community, particularly those in leadership roles, share the responsibility of establishing and maintaining a climate of respect within this community and of addressing any situation(s) in which respect is lacking.

In addition, RRC Polytech is committed to meeting its obligations as an employer under both the Manitoba Human Rights Code and the Workplace Safety and Health Act, and will ensure, so far as it is reasonably practicable, that no member of RRC Polytech community is subject to human rights discrimination or any form of harassment as defined at law and the Red River College Polytechnic Harassment and Discrimination Office.

RRC Polytech will endeavour to ensure that any individual who believes that they have been subjected to harassment or discrimination are able to express concerns and register complaints without fear of retaliation or reprisal. RRC Polytech will act promptly and efficiently to deal with incidents of harassment and/or discrimination, and take corrective action respecting any member of RRC Polytech community who breaches this Policy.

Any allegation of discrimination or harassment should be addressed by RRC Polytech’s Discrimination and Harassment Office which may result in an informal resolution, an investigation, and/or a determination (at which point discipline may be imposed). Campus Living will work with the Discrimination and Harassment Office to protect the safety and well-being of both the complainant and the respondent, which may include the temporary removal of one or both parties from Residence.

3.18 Dangerous Behaviour and Forbidden Items

The following are prohibited in Residence. Violations may result in Fines and/or eviction.

Any behaviour that threatens the integrity of the Residence community;
Entering another Resident’s Suite without permission or disturbing another Resident’s property;
Using another Resident’s property without permission;
Hazing, raids, and pranks (friendly or otherwise);
Violent behaviour towards staff, Residents, Guests, or property;
Participating in dangerous behaviour (e.g., sitting on window sills, being on the Residence roof, throwing or dropping items from windows, playing sports in Residence hallways, wrestling/ horseplay, breaking glass)
Participating in potentially destructive activities that may cause personal injuries or property damage;
Possession and/or use of real or replica weapons of any kind is prohibited. See section 3.19 – Weapons.
Possession and/or use of dangerous/explosive materials such as fireworks, hazardous chemicals, gasoline, and propane tanks.

3.19 Weapons

Residents and Guests are not permitted to bring any of the following weapons on to the Residence property.

real or replica projectile weapons such as firearms, cross-bows, archery equipment, sling shots, paint- ball guns, and air guns (including BB guns);
blades including bayonets, hunting knives, throwing knives, and blades used in martial arts;
any form of ammunition
any other weapons associated with martial arts or other forms of combat training

Wielding any object in a threatening or aggressive manner may result in immediate eviction.

See section 3.18 – Dangerous Behaviour and Forbidden Items.

3.20 Threats to Health, Life, Property, or RRC Polytech’s General Welfare

Where RRC Polytech believes that the continued presence of a Resident constitutes a threat of danger to their own or others’ health, life, property, and/or affects RRC Polytech adversely, RRC Polytech may take disciplinary action and the Resident may be evicted from Residence immediately.

Examples of such behaviour include but are not limited to:

physical acts or threats of violence, coercion, intimidation, or any form of harassment
verbal and non-verbal aggression
sexual violence
illegal sale, purchase, or use of drugs and/or alcohol;
use or possession of explosives, firearms, or weapons;
use or possession of flammable and dangerous substances;
violation of College policy and Federal or Provincial law;
damage, destruction, or theft of Residents’ and/or College property;
tampering with or misusing elevators;
tampering with or misusing fire equipment/apparatus.

3.21 Elevator/Security Equipment Tampering

Tampering with, or misuse of, any elevator, alarm, or surveillance system in Residence is a serious safety issue. It is grounds for a $500 Fine and eviction from Residence.

3.22 Fire Safety

When notified of fire in the building, all Residents must immediately evacuate the building and remain outside until permission has been granted by Red River College Polytechnic staff, fire personnel, or the police to re-enter.

The discharging, tampering, or operating of any fire prevention or detection apparatus for any purpose other than the control of fire is strictly prohibited. Tampering with fire equipment is considered a serious infraction and may result in a fine of $500 and/or eviction from Residence.
Propping open fire doors and any action that impedes access or egress through fire doors puts all members of the community at risk and is prohibited.
Smoking is not permitted in Residence. Tampering with or modifying smoke alarms may result in Sanction(s) and/or eviction.
The use of any smoking paraphernalia including hookah/shisha pipes and electronic cigarettes is prohibited in all areas of Residence.
The use of open heat sources such as candles, hot plates, and incense, and the storage of flammable solvents or explosive materials is prohibited.
Residents are not permitted to keep bicycles or large personal items in any stairwell, hallway, Common Area, or Suite. See section 1.32 -Transportation.

Residence Muster Points

Bijou Park (The Cube) – Spring/Summer/Fall
Roblin Center (P107) – Winter and Inclement Weather