Room Privacy
The right to student privacy is of paramount importance. However, the entry into and/or search of the living quarters of a student may be conducted by the following people for the purposes and following the procedures below:
- By law enforcement officers in the performance of statutory duties in accordance with legally defined procedures governing search and seizure.
- By authorized College officials when there is probable cause to believe a violation of College or civil regulations is being committed, and that the delay required in procuring permission would endanger the health and safety of residents or result in the probable destruction of the evidence of the violation.
- By authorized College personnel in emergencies to protect the health and welfare of residents or to make emergency repairs to protect damages to the property of the students or the College.
- By authorized College personnel or agents to make improvements and repairs. The College shall give at least 24 hours’ notice of such entry when possible. When a student requests maintenance or repairs, no notice is necessary.
- By authorized College personnel to conduct room inspections to ensure that fire, health, and safety regulations are maintained or to search for missing student or College property. The College shall give at least 24 hours’ notice of such entry when possible.
- By authorized College personnel during vacations to ensure that health, fire, and safety regulations are maintained.
- By authorized College personnel out of consideration for neighboring residents when an unattended persistent annoying noise (such as an alarm clock) is occurring in the room.
- By authorized College personnel when invited in.
- When it is necessary for authorized College personnel or their agents to enter an unoccupied room, there should be two people present whenever possible. Students are responsible for what occurs in their rooms and may be held responsible for activities that occur in his or her room, even though that student may not be present or involved in the policy violation. Students are responsible for their guests.
Violations of College regulations observed while entering a student room will be reported and forwarded for possible disciplinary action. The Office of Residence Life and Campus Security staff have the authority to request that students open closets, drawers, backpacks, refrigerators, or other personal property if they have reason to believe they contain illegal or prohibited items (such as alcoholic beverages, etc.) or if they have reason to believe a violation of College or civil regulations is being committed.