Content
COMMUNITY STANDARDS
Concerning Conduct
Living in a university residence hall requires students to possess the life skills that are needed to live independently and to interact with other residents in mature, civil, respectful, and healthy ways. It also requires students
to recognize, understand, and appreciate that a room, floor, and building is a community. A community consists of more than a common physical space and time together, though these are important. It is also a
collection of diverse people with interests and needs that are fulfilled by sharing resources according to fair rules and expectations about how to treat one another while using those shared resources to achieve individual educational goals. When you signed your University Housing Contract, you indicated you would follow the rules established by that contract, the University of Nebraska Student Code of Conduct, and the Community Living Guide. You are responsible to know what the rules and expectations are and what you must do to follow them. If you are not sure, please ask your resident assistant (RA) or the Residence Life Manager.
NCTA Housing reserves the right to deny or cancel a housing application or contract if NCTA Housing, in its reasonable discretion, determines that a student’s past/current behavior or a student’s criminal convictions indicate a possible risk to the safety, health, or life of any person, or a possible risk to the safety and security of any property, or presents a serious disruption to the NCTA Housing community or living-learning environment.
The Residence Life staff is responsible for maintaining the integrity of residence hall communities. They do this by providing residents with education about policies and procedures that create behavioral standards and expectations for students in the residence halls. Additionally, they also assist in the enforcement of policies by carefully monitoring the living environment, addressing concerns when they see them, and documenting situations or conditions that indicate a policy may have been violated. When Residence Life staff observe or learn of residents acting in ways that are inconsistent with the housing contract or Community Living Guide, they will address it directly with the resident. Some of the “lesser” violations that Residence Life staff will respond to can include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Making an inordinate amount of noise during quiet hours
• Using appliances, devices, or decorations that are prohibited or misusing permissible items in ways that they were not intended to be used
• Removing or altering university provided furniture, appliances, fixtures, décor, or similar items
• Failing to keep your residence hall, room, or apartment sufficiently clean
• Keeping animals in your room or apartment without proper authorization or, if properly authorized, failing to care for them in a way that causes a nuisance or hazard for the animal or others
These concerns, if left unaddressed, could unnecessarily interfere with other residents’ use and enjoyment of the residence hall or cause conditions that are unsafe, unhealthy, and/or unsanitary. If an RA, Residence Life Manager, custodian, or other University staff member asks you to do something or stop doing something, like the things listed above, you should do so immediately. If you do not, you will be referred to the Office of Residence Life for failing to comply with the reasonable direction of a staff member.
When Residence Life staff observe or learn about residents acting in ways that are inconsistent with the University of Nebraska Student Code of Conduct, both lesser violations like those listed above and major violations, they will respond by confronting and documenting the situation or condition. Once they have completed their incident report, it will be sent to the Residence Life Manager. Residents will then be contacted and an informal meeting will be scheduled and held. Residents will receive notice of the scheduled meeting in their University email account.
Some of the more serious University of Nebraska Code of Conduct violations that can be referred to the Residence Life Manager are:
• Possessing, using, or distributing alcohol or drugs
• Arson or tampering with fire safety equipment
• Threats, harassment, or physical violence directed at others
• Possessing or using fireworks or other explosives or incendiary devices
• Possessing, displaying, or using a weapon (including imitations or replicas) in a campus residence regardless of permit status
• Theft or damaging property
• Trespassing or interfering with another person’s reasonable expectation of privacy
If you or your roommates are contacted by the Residence Life Manager regarding an alleged violation of the University of Nebraska Student Code of Conduct, you should listen carefully to their requests and follow them. If you do not, you may be engaging in additional violations of the University of Nebraska Student Code of Conduct. These will be reported to the Associate Dean’s Office for future conduct review.
Residence Life Staff Response
Residents can expect the Residence Life staff to be calm and courteous when they approach residents about alleged policy violations. The staff may do any of the following to effectively respond to concerning conduct, and residents will be expected to follow directions:
1. Ask residents and guests to identify themselves and provide confirmation of identity by presenting their NCard or Driver’s License;
2. Make reasonable requests to remedy a concerning condition or situation (e.g. request you turn down a stereo, computer, or television; open or close a door; surrender possession of prohibited items, dispose of prohibited items, etc.);
3. Invite residents to explain what is happening or has happened, or ask residents to patiently wait while other staff or police are contacted to assist in resolving the concerning situation or condition
Student Conduct & Community Standards Response
When residents’ alleged conduct is inconsistent with the University of Nebraska Student Code of Conduct (Code), the process to resolve the allegations is established by the Code.
The following steps will be used by the Office of Residence Life to work with residents who have been accused:
- Incident Report Reviewed: Residence Life staff create an ‘Incident Report’ following an interaction with resident(s) that is indicative of a policy violation. Residence Life carefully reads the report to determine if the information supports the accusation of a policy violation.
- Request for Informal Meeting: Residence Life will send an electronic letter to the resident inviting them to attend an ‘Informal Meeting.’
The letter will include (a) that the Residence Life Manager intends to address an alleged violation(s) of the Code; (b) what the alleged violation(s) is; (c) that the resident is not required to discuss the alleged violation(s) with the Residence Life Manager; (d) that the resident has the right to be accompanied by an advisor to the meeting; (e) that the resident may choose anyone to accompany them, including an attorney, but the resident is responsible for any fees that the advisor may charge; and (f) deadlines for rescheduling. - Informal meeting with Residence Life Manager:
- Talk with you about information that has been eived suggesting you may have violated campus policy
- Explain the policy that is at issue.
- Ask you about the situation you experienced that may have violated the policy.
- Clarify statements or concerns about ambiguous or vague information or statements.
- Discuss recommendations for how you can be accountable for choices that are inconsistent with University standards and values.
- Each person has their own style and approach to working with students, but you can expect your Residence Life staff member to be calm, polite, knowledgeable, and impartial.
- Proposed Administrative Resolution
- If the Residence Life Manager determines that it is more likely than not that a resident violated a policy, they will prepare an Administrative Resolution. This document identifies the policy violation and outlines the outcomes the resident must complete to take responsibility and learn from the incident.
- Outcomes may include a period of probation, community service, or an educational activity related to the violation. For example, a resident who violated the alcohol policy may be required to complete an alcohol education course focused on risk awareness.
- The resident may accept or decline the proposed resolution. If they accept it, they must complete the outcomes by the stated deadlines. If they decline it, the case will be forwarded to the Office of the Associate Dean. If they do not respond by the stated decision deadline, the resolution will be considered accepted.
- Follow up on Deadlines: If a resident does not complete the required outcomes by the stated deadlines, a registration hold may be placed on their account, and they may face an additional policy violation.
The Informal Meeting
Student conduct meetings are administrative. Each student involved meets individually with a Conduct Officer. During the meeting:
- The resident and Conduct Officer review the process, the incident report, and the policies involved.
- The Conduct Officer listens to the resident’s explanation and asks questions before making a decision.
- The Conduct Officer may clarify misunderstandings about the policies, the student’s role in the community, and the incident’s impact on the community.
Informal meetings are not legal proceedings. Students are expected to:
- Cooperate and speak honestly about the situation.
- Take responsibility for their behavior and that of their guests.
- Respond to the Conduct Officer promptly and meet all communicated deadlines.
Email is the primary way Conduct Officers communicate with students during this process. Correspondence will be sent to the student’s NCTA email address.
Following the meeting, the student may receive an Administrative Resolution by email. It may include:
- A summary of the student’s involvement in the incident, based on the incident report, the conversation with the student, and any additional investigation.
- A list of any University of Nebraska Student Code of Conduct, Housing Community Living Guide, or other written policies found to have been violated.
- Any outcomes assigned in response to the policy violation.
Residence Hall Sanctions
Residents are encouraged to tell Residence Life staff when they believe their safety or rights have been affected or when they observe inappropriate behavior.
The student conduct process is intended to help students understand how their behavior affects others in the residence hall community. Students who violate NCTA or housing policies may be referred to the Residence Life Manager or the Office of the Associate Dean.
A sanction is an educational measure assigned by a Conduct Officer or University Conduct Board. It is intended to address the behavior, help the student understand its impact, and support their responsibilities as a member of the residence hall community. Possible sanctions include:
- Written warning
- Educational requirement
- Suspension
- Restitution
- Probation for a specified period
- Contract relocation
- Expulsion
- Contract termination (regular cancellation fees will apply).
While we hope you will not find yourself involved in such a situation or in a meeting with (a) conduct officer(s), should you need more information, refer to the University of Nebraska Student Code of Conduct, which addresses sanctions and the appeal process.
Serious Violations
Residence hall regulations help protect the rights and safety of all community members. Serious violations may result in immediate termination of the residence hall contract, relocation to another hall, referral to the Office of the Associate Dean, or referral to law enforcement, as appropriate. Regular cancellation fees apply if a residence hall contract is terminated.
Serious violations include, but are not limited to:
- Possessing, using, or selling drugs, including marijuana or narcotics; possessing or using prescription drugs intended for another person; or possessing, using, or selling alcohol
- Arson or tampering with fire safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, alarms, exit signs, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, speaker systems, and strobe lights
- Physical or verbal abuse or battery of a resident or staff member
- Possessing firearms, other weapons, explosives, or fireworks
- Throwing or dropping objects out of windows
- Trespassing in residence halls, residence hall rooms, or opposite-sex bathrooms
- Possessing stolen property
- Tampering with mail or mailboxes
- Other inappropriate behavior as determined by Housing personnel
Alcohol Policy
State law and University regulations prohibit the possession or consumption of alcohol in any University residence hall, regardless of a student’s age. Being in a room where alcohol is present is also a violation of NCTA policy.
Examples of violations include:
- Being in a campus room where alcohol is present
- Possessing or displaying containers with alcoholic beverage residue, or containers intended to hold alcoholic beverages
- Secondary hosting, which means knowing about a gathering with alcohol in another resident’s room and taking no steps to discourage it
- Alcohol related conduct that interferes with others’ right to a quiet, orderly living environment or puts anyone in danger. This includes being intoxicated in the residence halls, even when alcohol is not present.
The Frontier County Sheriff’s Office and residence hall staff reserve the right to dispose of alcohol.
Residents who violate this policy may be required to attend an alcohol education class and may receive a conduct warning or probation. Other possible outcomes include an alcohol evaluation, relocation, contract cancellation with full cancellation fees, suspension, expulsion, arrest, or prosecution.
University Housing staff may contact the parents or guardians of a resident who is transported to detox or a hospital for acute alcohol intoxication.
Guests are subject to this policy. Residents may be held accountable for their guests’ actions.
See “Exception for Seeking Emergency Help” below for information about disciplinary exceptions.
Drug Policy
State law and University regulations prohibit the possession, use, or distribution of illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, and controlled substances, including marijuana, narcotics, and prescription drugs intended for another person, in any University residence hall. Being under the influence of these substances in a residence hall, including the common areas, is also prohibited. It is a violation of University Housing policy to be in a room where drugs are present or being used.
Conduct Officers use the more likely than not standard when deciding whether a policy violation occurred. Evidence they may consider includes:
- The smell of marijuana or other illegal drugs identified by law enforcement or another credible person
- Actions that may indicate an attempt to conceal drug use, such as covering a smoke detector, using a fan to blow air out a window, placing a barrier under the door, burning incense or candles, or using air freshener
- Comments overheard from people in the room about drug possession, use, or concealment
- Drug paraphernalia, such as glass pipes, bongs, tobacco pipes, or rolling papers
- Signed incident reports from third parties, such as roommates or floormates
Residents who violate this policy may be required to attend a drug education class and may receive conduct probation. Other possible outcomes include a drug use evaluation, relocation, contract cancellation with full cancellation fees, suspension, expulsion, arrest, or prosecution.
University Housing staff may contact the parents or guardians of a resident who is transported to detox or a hospital for drug use health concerns.
Guests are also subject to this policy, and residents may be held accountable for their guests’ actions. See “Step-by-Step Process of the Behavioral, Alcohol, and Drug Intervention Plan” and “Exception for Seeking Emergency Help” for more information.
Exception for Seeking Emergency Help
This section is taken directly from the University of Nebraska Student Code of Conduct, Section II.C
(version effective August 8, 2024).
Students should seek emergency help for themselves or other individuals if they have been drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs and suffer a physical injury or have problems functioning.
Those problems include difficulty walking, talking, breathing, or staying conscious. They also include being mentally confused, having a seizure, or being cold or pale. Students have died from alcohol poisoning and drug overdoses. Students should seek emergency assistance by contacting 911.
The University will not take disciplinary action against students for using or possessing alcohol, if the use or possession was part of the incident for which they received emergency help or sought emergency help for another person, or if they were involved in the care of that person. The University will not take disciplinary action against students for using or possessing illegal drugs or unauthorized prescription drugs if the use or possession was part of the incident for which they received emergency help or sought emergency help for another person, or they were in the immediate vicinity of that person.
The Conduct Officer will determine if the student is eligible for this exception after meeting with the student. Students may still be charged by law enforcement officials for violations of federal, state, or local laws. Additionally, the policy is not a means to excuse students from other violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
As a condition of not taking action against them, however, the University may require students to meet with a Conduct Officer and to participate in an alcohol or drug educational program that is designed to help increase their awareness of their alcohol or drug-related behavior.
Tobacco Policy
NCTA is a tobacco-free campus. We abide by the University of Nebraska’s Tobacco Free Policy
(https://bf.unl.edu/policies/tobacco-free-campus-policy). Thus, all locations on campus (including all buildings, structures, grounds, parking structures, parking lots, and vehicles [on or off campus] owned, leased, occupied, operated maintained, or otherwise controlled by the University) are tobacco free. This means that all forms of tobacco products are prohibited (including but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes [hookah], electronic cigarettes and similar devices, and smokeless tobacco products. It also includes any product intended to mimic tobacco products, contain tobacco flavoring or deliver nicotine. FDA approved nicotine replacement therapy products, when used for the purpose of cessation, are not considered “Tobacco Products” under this policy.). Thus, all residence halls are also smoke/tobacco free. Keep in mind that the legal age to smoke or use tobacco in any form in Nebraska is 21 years of age (LB1064). It is against NCTA policy to use, possess, or knowingly be in the presence of tobacco products as defined in this policy.
Self-Destructive Behavior Policy
NCTA has a clear and distinct interest in maintaining a safe and educational environment in the residence halls. Residential communities and individual residents are greatly affected by self-destructive behavior. Among the most disruptive forms of misconduct are intentional attempts or threats to seriously injure
oneself, and reckless behavior which puts oneself or others in physical danger. Students who become incapacitated as a result of their own actions, and students who deliberately injure themselves, are in violation of NCTA policy.
NCTA desires the safety of all of its residents. Individuals affected by mental health issues, struggling with self-harm, or other similar challenges are encouraged to utilize counseling resources provided
to students free of charge. Residents interested in learning more about referral resources available on the NCTA webpage or by contacting the Residence Life Manager. You can also contact the National
Suicide Hotline at by dialing 988 and emergency responders by calling 911.
When a severe act of self-destructive behavior or an apparent threat of serious harm occurs, NCTA Housing reserves the right to notify the resident’s parent or guardian.
Firearms/Weapons
Firearms, ammunition, martial arts weapons, knives, explosives, and other weapons are not allowed in the halls. A locked storage area is provided in the Frontier Co. Sheriff’s Office.
Harassment
The Housing staff is committed to creating an environment in which each student feels safe living in the residence halls and is free from harm and unreasonable interference. Therefore, students who engage in acts or communications that are intended
to threaten, intimidate, or harass a particular student and to cause that student to fear for their safety are in violation of the harassment policy and will be subject to severe disciplinary action.
Gambling
Gambling, involving any exchange of money or anything of value, is not permitted.
Noise
Residents must keep noise at a level that does not disturb others, both inside the residence halls and on adjacent property. Some floors and study areas may have additional noise restrictions.
Do not play music or other audio through residence hall windows. If electronic equipment creates a noise problem, the owner may be required to remove it from the residence hall and may be responsible for the cost of having it boxed and shipped off campus. Drums and amplified guitars may not be played in on-campus housing.
If noise is a problem, first speak with the resident creating it. If it continues, contact your Resident Assistant (RA). If your RA is unavailable, contact the Residence Life Manager.
Courtesy Hours
Courtesy hours apply at all times. Noise should not be audible on another floor or outside the building. Residents may ask others to reduce their noise at any time, and residents must comply with those requests.
Quiet Hours
During quiet hours, noise from a resident’s room, lounge, apartment, or bathroom must not be audible in another resident’s room or in another floor, section, or building. Residents and guests must also keep hallway noise to a minimum. Residence Life staff may address violations even if no resident has complained.
Quiet hours are:
- Sunday through Thursday: 10:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
A 24-hour quiet period begins on the last day of classes and continues through final exams. Specific dates will be posted in the residence halls. Residents are responsible for knowing when this period is in effect.
Residents share responsibility for maintaining a quiet environment. If noise disturbs you, ask the person responsible to reduce it. Use stereos, alarms, and other electronics in a way that does not disturb others.
Hall Sports
The residence halls are not designed for athletic events or horseplay. It is important to keep hallways intact, maintain safety, and minimize disruption of the sleep/study atmosphere because of the risk of injuries, accidents, and potential property damage. Sporting activities, including, but not limited to, skateboarding, scooters, bicycle riding, soccer, playing Frisbee, golf, hockey, rollerblading, throwing or bouncing balls, etc., in the hallways or public areas of the residence halls are prohibited. In addition, sporting equipment including, but not limited to, skateboards, scooters, etc. are not allowed in the dining centers. Violations can result
in confiscation of equipment as well as disciplinary sanctions and/or restitution for damages.
Pranks
Practical jokes and pranks may damage property, injure other students, and can also increase the noise level and disturb noninvolved residents. Students who engage in practical jokes and pranks will be held responsible for damages and disciplinary action may be taken. Because of the danger to others, dropping or throwing any object out of or into the residence halls is strictly prohibited.
Violators will be referred for disciplinary action.
Reporting of Fires/Accidents/Losses Required
Residents are required to immediately report any fires, accidents, injuries, and property damage occurring in their room/suite/unit. This enables staff to promptly assist you and, in some cases, minimize the extent of damages.
Appliances in Residence Life Dorm Rooms
Only items with enclosed heating or lighting elements are permitted. Both the appliance and any cord used in connection with it must have a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved label. Examples of items not permitted for safety reasons include but are not limited to: toaster ovens, toasters, “George Foreman” -style grills, electric skillets, electric grills, halogen lamps, microwave ovens, convection ovens, and space heaters.
Refrigerators are not to exceed 4.5 cubic feet. No modification of room switches, lights or electrical outlets is allowed, including the installation of dimmer switches, ceiling fans, etc.
Please note that the electrical system in NCTA Housing has finite abilities. Overloading these systems can present fire and safety hazards. Surge protectors, heavy duty power strips, and heavy-duty extension cords are recommended.
Small Appliances Policy
These guidelines help protect residents and facilities and reflect the electrical capacity of the residence halls:
- Appliances with an open heating element or flame are prohibited.
- Appliances that release grease, grease-laden vapor, smoke, or steam, or that shoot water, are prohibited in residence hall rooms.
- Permitted appliances must be UL approved and use 800 watts or less.
- Appliances that produce grease or limited smoke or steam may be used only in designated kitchens.
Candles
Candles, incense, and other flame-emitting items are prohibited in University Housing. Candle warmers and potpourri burners are allowed only if they have an enclosed heating element and an automatic shutoff.
Cars, Bicycles, Etc.
Contact the NCTA Facilities Office in Room 22 on the second floor of Ag Hall, or call (308) 367-5277, to obtain an on-campus parking permit.
Bicycle racks are located near each hall. You may also store your bicycle in your room; a bicycle lock is recommended. Mopeds, motorcycles, and gasoline-powered scooters may not be stored in residence hall rooms or buildings.
Hoverboards & Electric Propulsion Devices
The use of hoverboards and other electric propulsion devices is not permitted in any NCTA residence hall, dining facility, or apartment building. Electric propulsion devices may be stored in your room/suite/unit but must be UL2272 approved. Any device deemed unsafe inside University Housing buildings is subject to removal or confiscation.
Windows & Doors
For safety reasons, do not obstruct windows or doorways or run cords or wiring through them. The following rules also apply:
- Do not display or attach cans, bottles, neon signs, flags, posters, personal messages, images, aluminum foil, solicitation materials, or other items to room windows. These items could obstruct an emergency exit.
- Curtains are permitted, but they may not display visible images or messages.
- Do not throw, pour, or drop anything, including keys, from windows, balconies, ledges, or landings.
- Residents and guests may not enter roof, ledge, or French balcony areas; place objects in those areas; or climb through windows. Climbing on exterior walls or similar structures is prohibited. Objects found on ledges will be removed. For this policy, “ledge areas” include the exterior sides of the building.
- Do not tamper with, open, or remove window screens. Residents may be charged for damage if Housing and Residence Life staff must replace a screen.
- Do not apply reflective film or other materials to windows or patio doors, where applicable.
- Do not leave windows or doors open during inclement weather.
Window and door blinds are provided for shade and privacy and may not be removed.
Elevators
Residents and their guests are prohibited from tampering with, jumping/jostling within, or riding on
top of an elevator at any time. Ringing the elevator bell or call button in nonemergency situations is also prohibited.
Residents and their guests are prohibited from riding on any elevator designated as FREIGHT ONLY.
Extension Cords
All extension cords must be UL approved (safety tested). Multiple outlet plugs must be in good working order and contain a circuit breaker or surge protector.
Windows Screens
All dorm rooms will have window screens in the windows. Removing and/or tampering with the window screens is against NCTA policy and will result in a fine.
Computer/Network
The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is committed to providing the best network and service connections possible to all residence hall students. Students connecting their personal computer to the University network are responsible for following all of the guidelines and regulations of the University Computer Use Policies.
Personally-owned wireless routers are not permitted in the residence halls. If a student is found to be in violation of any University Computer Use Policies, or fails to provide reasonable security precautions, updated anti-virus protection, or required system patches, his/her room computer port may be deactivated. Information Services staff (support@ne.edu) is available to provide assistance by answering technical questions and making recommendations for personal computer maintenance.
Abandoned Property
If personal property left on NCTA premises has an estimated value of $250 or more, NCTA Housing will take the following steps:
- Mail a notice to the student’s most recent address on record. Housing staff will also attempt to call the student at the phone number they provided.
- Send the notice within one week after the student’s housing contract ends.
- Describe the property, provide a contact name and phone number, identify where the property may be claimed, and state the claim deadline. The deadline will be no later than 14 days after the notice is postmarked.
If the property is not claimed by the deadline, it will become NCTA property and be handled under the University’s surplus property policy.
For property with an estimated value of less than $250, NCTA is not required to mail a notice. Ownership transfers to NCTA after a 14-day waiting period.
Guest/Host Responsibility
In every residence hall/living unit, you are responsible for informing your guests of residence hall policies and for the behavior and actions of your guest(s), up to and including being charged for policies that your guests violate. These regulations apply to the residents of all residence halls, regardless of room type.
Definitions:
Residents are defined as those students living in the residence hall by virtue of holding a housing contract and assignment.
Guests are defined as people visiting a specific student(s)/ resident(s) who resides in the residence halls by contract assignment (e.g. someone visiting a resident in the hall, a partner who lives in the hall, etc.).
Overnight Guests are defined as anyone staying in the dormitory during the night. In addition, any guest remaining in the dorms after 12:00 a.m. on any night of the week is considered an overnight guest.
Escorting Guests:
All guests must have an escort, which means the resident host is responsible for escorting and being with the guest to and from the room, as well as any other areas in the building at all times. Guests may visit your room at any time subject to the Daytime Guest Policies and Overnight Guest Policies. Some
bathroom facilities in residence halls are designated for certain genders. It is expected that persons use the bathroom facilities that best match their own gender. There is at least one public restroom located in each residence hall.
Daytime Guest Policies:
Daytime guests are permitted in the dormitories at any time. For the safety and security of the campus community, Residence Life staff is permitted to require that all daytime visitors check in and out of the dorms when they visit. Failure to do so when such a policy is in place is a violation of NCTA policy and may result in disciplinary action. Any guest who remains in the dorms after 12:00
a.m. any night of the week will no longer be considered a Daytime Guest and, if no Overnight Visitor Form has been completed, will be in violation of NCTA policy.
Failure to comply with the above policy may lead to the limitation of guests visiting the resident(s) involved, nonresidents being charged with trespassing, and residents (both guest and host) having their housing contract status reviewed. Disciplinary action may include verbal and/or written warnings, probation, and/or contract termination. Each situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
The privilege of having guests may be revoked if the privilege is abused or residence hall or University policy violations occur involving the guests.
Overnight Guest Policies:
Residents may have overnight guests in their rooms subject to the limitations listed below:
- Overnight guests are only allowed with the consent of other roommates. Visitation or overnight guests of one roommate should not infringe on the rights or access of other roommates.
- The stay of the overnight guest(s) may not exceed four days (96 hours) in one month and such guests may not disturb roommates or other residents.
- University staff reserves the right to require a guest to leave if University policies and/or residence hall policies are violated or if complaints are received from members of the floor/hall community.
- All overnight guests must be 18 years of age or older unless prior permission is granted in unique situations by the Residence Life Manager.
- All overnight guests must be registered with the Office of Residence Life prior to their overnight visit. This includes any guest staying after 12:00 a.m. any night of the week without prior permission from the Residence Life Manager
- All roommates must consent to the guest staying overnight by signing the NCTA Overnight Visitor Form.
- NCTA Overnight Visitor Form must be turned in to the Office of Residence Life prior to the guest’s overnight visit.
- For the safety and security of the campus community, Residence Life staff is permitted to require that all overnight visitors check in and out of the dorms when they visit. Failure to do so when such a policy is in place is a violation of NCTA policy and may result in disciplinary action.
Violation of any of these policies may lead to the limitation of guests visiting the resident(s) involved, nonresidents being charged with trespassing, and residents (both guest and host) having their housing contract status reviewed. Disciplinary action may include verbal and/or written warnings, probation, and/or contract termination. Each situation will be handled on a case-by-case basis. The privilege of having guests may be revoked if the privilege is abused or residence hall or University policy violations occur involving the guests.
Trespass Restrictions:
Residents are not permitted to host guests who have any active trespass restrictions.
Pets
Animals are generally not permitted in the residence halls unless approved as an emotional support or service animal by the NCTA 504/ADA Coordinator. No cats, dogs, gerbils, snakes, birds, turtles, frogs, spiders, etc. are allowed. If an animal is found in the residence hall, a fine of up to $250 per animal and per occurrence may be billed to your myNCTA account.
Non-dangerous fish that live completely underwater are the only pets permitted in the halls. Aquariums may be no larger than 10 gallons. Aquarium gravel must not be disposed of in toilets or drains.
Emotional support or service animals must meet all prerequisites for students to house the animal in the residence halls. Students must work with the 504/ADA Coordinator to ensure all required documentation and approval is met before the animal can enter or reside in the dorms. NCTA utilizes a 3-strike policy if the emotional support animal (ESA) or service animal creates an unreasonably disruptive environment to the residence hall community. This includes barking in the residence halls. The first warning will be a verbal warning given to the student either in-person, via email, or both. The second will be a written warning to the student, in which case the student will receive a letter from a Residence Life staff member. A third incident will mean that the student is required to remove the ESA or service animal from the residence halls. If at any point an ESA or service animal poses a threat to the health or safety of any students in the residence halls, the animal will be
required to be removed from the residence halls, regardless of the 3-strike policy. In the case of a student allergic to an ESA or service animal, the student with the ESA or service animal will be required to move rooms.
Students may not keep pets (dogs, cats, etc.) living in their vehicles on campus or other unsafe or inhumane conditions. This is for the safety of the animals. Housing animals in situations that may jeopardize their health and/or safety will result in disciplinary action up to and including contacting the Frontier County Sheriff’s Office.
Sales/Solicitation/Business
Canvassing or the solicitation of funds, votes, memberships, literature, signatures, sales or subscriptions, or operating a business, is not permitted in the residence halls. All nonstudent groups, agencies, and on-campus organizations must seek permission from the Residence Life Manager for approval of solicitations. If you have a solicitor at your door, contact your RA or the Residence Life Manager. United States census staff conducting the American Community Survey (ACS) have permission to be in the residence halls. If you have census questions, see your Residence Life Manager.
Space Reservations
Recognized, non-residential student organizations, including campus religious groups, may reserve space on a week-to-week basis in multipurpose spaces in the halls for organization activities. Request your event at ncta.unl/nacta-event-process.
Failure to Comply
As written in the Student Code of Conduct, failure to comply with direction of University officials or law enforcement officers acting in the course and scope of their University and legal job duties and/or failure to identify oneself to these persons when requested to do so is a violation of the University of Nebraska Code of Conduct.
Step-by-Step Process of the Behavioral, Alcohol, and Drug Intervention Plan
Discretionary responses will be applied according to displayed attitude, cooperation level, and severity of the violation(s). Failure to comply with the sanctions will result in a hold being placed on your future registration and may result in the termination of your housing contract. The initial response by NCTA includes an administrative meeting with a Conduct Officer. Documentation regarding all sanctions will be recorded in the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture Associate Dean office or with the Office of Residence Life.
Behavioral, Alcohol, and Drug Intervention Responses
The following are the minimum responses and possible additional consequences for each violation.
In the Presence of Alcohol or Marijuana
Minimum response:
- Warning or probation for 6 to 18 months
- Mandatory education ($65)
Additional consequences may include an extension of University probation or housing relocation.
Minor in Possession (MIP)
Minimum response:
- Warning or probation for 6 to 18 months
- Mandatory education ($65)
Additional consequences may include a substance abuse evaluation, removal from University Housing, an extension of University probation through the duration of enrollment, notification of the sheriff’s office and possible legal charges, or parental notification.
Public Intoxication
Minimum response:
- Warning or probation for 6 to 18 months
- Mandatory education ($65)
Additional consequences may include removal from University Housing, a substance abuse evaluation, notification of the Frontier County Sheriff’s Office and possible legal charges, or parental notification.
Unauthorized Possession of Alcohol
Minimum response:
- Warning or probation for 6 to 18 months
- Mandatory education ($65)
Additional consequences may include an extension of University probation; relocation, suspension, or expulsion from University Housing; community service; notification of the Frontier County Sheriff’s Office and possible legal charges; or parental notification.
Possession of Marijuana and/or Paraphernalia
Minimum response:
- Probation for 6 to 18 months
- Mandatory education ($65)
Additional consequences may include removal from University Housing, an extension of University probation through the duration of enrollment, or notification of the Frontier County Sheriff’s Office and possible legal charges.
Possession of Other Drugs and/or Paraphernalia
Minimum response:
- Probation for 6 to 18 months
- Mandatory education ($65)
Additional consequences may include expulsion, notification of the Frontier County Sheriff’s Office and possible legal charges, or parental notification.
For this policy, controlled substances include prescription drugs used without an appropriate prescription.
If you have questions about your rights or responsibilities as a residence hall student, or about another resident’s conduct, contact your Resident Assistant or the Residence Life Manager.
INTRODUCTORY HOUSING INFORMATION
- Questions
- Gender Inclusive Housing
- Students With Disabilities
- Landlord-Tenant Act Does Not Apply
- Room Moves/Contract Cancellation
- Contract Changes & Corrections
- For Students Not Planning to Live on Campus
- How We Will Communicate With You
- Get to Know Our Staff
- Meal Plans
- Meal Ingredients
- Health Safety
LIVING IN A COMMUNITY
- Roommate Realities
- Resolving Conflicts
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
- Fire Hazard Warning
- Fire Safety Equipment
- Fire Safety Evacuation
- Medical Emergencies
- Missing Persons
- Severe Weather
SAFETY & SECURITY
- Personal & Community Safety Expectations
- Building Access
- Building Security
- NCARD/Student ID
- Room Key
- Unsafe Activities
- Outdoor Fires and Cooking Equipment
STUDENT ROOM/SUITE
- Damages
- Decorations
- Personal Property Remaining in the Room/Suite/Unit
- Facility Misuse/Cleanliness
- Trash
- Hazardous Material Disposal
- Furnishings
- Maintenance Requests
- Room Entry, Inspection, & Maintenance
- Theft/Property Loss
COMMON AREAS
- Laundry Facilities
- Responsibility for Common Areas