Although each individual has a right to privacy, at times the University must enter a living space. The University reserves the right to enter any premises to inspect; to make essential, preventative, or routine repairs or improvement; to supply necessary or agreed-upon services; to exhibit the premises to laborers or contractors; or as is otherwise necessary for the operation/protection of the premises or persons therein. Under certain circumstances, residential facility staff or University officials may enter residential facility living spaces. Such circumstances include but are not limited to the following:

● In an emergency or when it is suspected that a room occupant’s or the community’s safety is in jeopardy.

● When there is reason to believe that a University policy is being violated.

● In response to a work order, for scheduled or emergency maintenance, or for inspections.

● When other community members’ rights are being violated (e.g., an alarm clock or stereo is making sounds and no one is answering the door).

● To conduct health, safety, and welfare inspections.

Each semester, Residence Life staff inspects every room on campus—including apartments—to identify and address any health, safety, sanitation, and maintenance issues that might be present. There are several reasons for these inspections:

● To encourage residents to maintain the condition of their living environment.

● To promote a better understanding of University expectations for living on campus.

● To help prevent pest infestations, damage, and other issues that impact health and safety as well as the quality of life for all on-campus residents.

● To help maintain the condition of our residential facilities. Our department understands concerns about privacy. However, we believe these inspections are a necessary measure and prove beneficial to all current and future residents in our facilities. It is perfectly acceptable for your apartment to look “lived in''; however, staff will be looking to see that no health and safety concerns exist.

Residence Life student and professional staff—in most cases Resident Assistants (RA), Resident Directors (RD), or Coordinators —will enter each apartment after providing a minimum 48-hour notice. Staff will conduct health and safety inspections in pairs between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm.

You do not have to be present for your area’s inspection. Staff will leave documentation that they have completed your health and safety check, and your door will be locked when they leave.

Please note: Our staff will not be opening cabinets or drawers in any room; however, staff will be inspecting all Residence Life provided appliances. This includes, but is not limited to, refrigerators, microwaves, stoves/ovens, dishwashers, washers, and dryers.

If any policy violations or health and safety issues are identified, Residence Life staff will document these issues and communicate corrective measures that need to be taken. Policy violations and the like must be corrected within a time determined by staff—typically 24 to 48 hours following the room/apartment inspection.

In an attempt to prevent fire and safety hazards, Residence Life staff members conduct inspections for non-EFG units in all rooms and apartments at the beginning of winter break. This is done to prevent electrical fires, water leaks, and other safety hazards. Please set your thermostat to 72 degrees when you leave for winter break to ensure that pipes and sprinkler heads do not freeze.