policies
It may seem that many of the items prohibited by the University are harmless. But it is important to remember that each item is prohibited for a reason, and the policy must be adhered to in order to make your hall a safe place to live.
appliances In order to comply with city and state fire laws, hot plates, toaster ovens and any other appliance with an open flame or exposed coil are not allowed in student rooms. The only exception to this is automatic shut off coffeepots and irons.
candles Although most college students know that open flames,
such as those on candles, should not be left unsupervised, there have
unfortunately been cases of that being forgotten. For fire safety reasons,
candles are prohibited at any time, even those times in which the candle
is being supervised.
If you have a need for candles for a religious ceremony or celebration,
please contact Campus Ministries to arrange a time and place for such
a celebration. Even during these times, candles are not allowed within
the residence hall.
canopies/wall coverings Ceiling canopies and large wall coverings are prohibited from sleeping areas. This is due to a potential for ignition and rapid burning. Under no condition can any covering of any size be within 12 inches of an electrical outlet.
electrical extension cords/power strips All electrical items should be plugged directly into an outlet. If that is not possible, the only alternative is a power strip with a built in circuit breaker. This is necessary due to the increase in the number of accessories in rooms.
Students are reminded not to overload any one outlet, and to spread items throughout the room, utilizing all outlets. Also, extension cords and power strips should never be run under rugs or furniture.
halogen lamps Halogen lamps and bulbs have been the cause of a number of college fires in the past. Therefore, they are not allowed at anytime, even if a grated screen covers the bulb itself. Other restricted lighting includes lava lamps and neon signs. For a complete list, please refer to the Student Handbook.
fire alarms Pulling a false alarm and/or tampering with a smoke or heat detector or any other device will result in action being taken by the Student Conduct office. Also included in this is any careless or negligent action that results in a fire alarm being activated (e.g.; burning food on a stove, or in a microwave). Sanctions can include fines and possible dismissal from the University.
Do not hang anything on pipes, sprinklers, and or sprinkler heads. These items are sensitive and are part of your safety. Person(s) responsible for activation of the water deluge system can be held accountable for all damages to personal and University property.
Do not cover for anyone who pulls an alarm. Not only are the alarms expensive, but such a prank can endanger the lives of all living in the hall.
Remember, all students are required to evacuate the hall in a timely manner when the alarm is sounded for any reason.
fire drills All occupants must evacuate the building when a fire alarm is sounded. Failure to do so is in violation of Rhode Island State Law and University policy. The University conducts several fire drills during the year, some of which may have obstructed exits. Each student's cooperation and support is essential for the success of this important exercise. Failure to evacuate during a fire drill will result in a fine of up to $200, in addition to disciplinary action.
firearms/explosives/weapons Firearms of any kind, ammunition, fireworks, explosives, air rifles, paint guns, dart guns or any sort of projectile firing device are prohibited. Also prohibited are martial arts devices, and knives. (Only culinary knife kits are allowed in the halls, however all knives and instruments must remain in the case and closed at all times.)
hazardous materials Possession or storage of chemicals, spray paints, paint thinner, gasoline or other similar hazardous materials in student rooms is absolutely prohibited.
holiday decorations Holiday decorations can make the halls look
festive and also give students the opportunity to express religious preference.
If you choose to decorate for any holiday, please keep the following in
mind:
• No trees or wreaths, real or artifical
• No string lights
• No open flames (e.g. candles, sternos)
• No decorations on the outside of your room door
• Other regulations as posted in your hall
Each lobby area will be decorated for holidays, and the decor there may include some of the above items. J&W personnel monitor the lobby 24 hours a day. Please respect the decorations and enjoy their intended holiday wishes.
postering regulations All posters and flyers must be displayed behind a glass cover. For this reason, postings are not allowed on your door or in the hallways. Any postings found to be in violation of this Rhode Island Fire Safety Code will be taken down and disposed of.
roofs & windows Access to roofs is strictly prohibited. This includes overhangs and canopies. Also, sitting on or leaning out of windows, or throwing things out of windows is prohibited.
safety inspections & room searches Resident Assistants perform bi-weekly room safety inspections of student rooms. The purpose is to check for maintenance and safety hazards. The checks are done by two resident assistants and in the presence of one resident of the room being checked.
The University reserves the right to key-in and search bags (upon entry), residence hall rooms and packages at any time for fire, health and safety hazards, for prohibited items and for maintenance and inventory reasons.
The University also reserves the right to inspect and search residents' rooms in the event that a violation of the student code of conduct occurs or is believed to have occurred. Room searches are conducted with members of the University's Safety & Security department.
smoking policy All University buildings are smoke free. Smoking is strictly prohibited in classrooms, restrooms, corridors and stairways, and all residence halls. Smoking is allowed only outside of all buildings. Cigarette ashtrays are provided at most entrances to all buildings. Please deposit your trash in the proper place and help keep the University and Providence clean.