Guide To Campus Living

Welcome to Community Living

The ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ offers students a unique educational experience through its on-campus living community. There are two basic types of housing available on campus: residence halls and university apartments. Each residence hall, a modern living facility, is a community designed to enrich and broaden the educational experiences of students. Living in residence halls provides the student an opportunity to develop lasting friendships, well worth remembering. The residence halls are designed to meet the physical needs of the residents, while providing activities and programs that contribute to the “total educational experience.” The university apartments are available to full-time ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ students and to university employees. Apartment living offers the opportunity to develop community and also to enjoy independent living. Affordability, convenience, and easy access to campus services are just a few reasons to consider living on campus in university apartments. We welcome you to the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ residential community and hope that this experience will be an integral part of your college life.

The mission of Housing & Residence Life is to provide inclusive communities that engage students in exceptional living and learning experiences within safe, affordable, and well-maintained environments. Our core values, which guide the overall implementation of our mission, are: Professional Excellence, Respect, Inquiry, Diversity, and Empowerment.

Housing & Residence Life is composed of professional staff (Director of Housing & Residence Life, Assistant Director of Housing, Assistant Director of Residence Life, Apartment Coordinator, Area Coordinators, Coordinator of Occupancy & Marketing, Senior Administrative Assistant), support staff (Residential Environmental Services Team Leaders, Residential Environmental Services), and paraprofessional staff (Graduate Assistants, Resident Advisors, and House Managers).

One of the many advantages of living in university housing (residence halls and apartments) is that there are always opportunities to become involved. Residents will find social, recreational, community service, and educational programs designed to support educational goals and activities. Intramurals, outings, special entertainment, and events are regularly offered throughout the year. 

Housing & Residence Life believes in an open-door policy and welcomes your ideas, concerns, and recommendations and we look forward to helping with your residential needs.  

Housing & Residence Life

Location: Rice Hall Ground Floor / Rivers Hall Ground Floor (Administrative Office)

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Phone: (256) 765-5558 / Fax: (256) 765-5840

Abandoned Items

Public areas of the residence halls, including lounges, community bathrooms, hallways, etc. are not intended for storage of personal belongings. If students leave their personal belongings in these areas the items will be considered abandoned property and may be removed or disposed of by staff.

Items left in residence hall rooms after the owner has moved out/vacated the residence hall, or relocated to another room, and items not marked as to ownership will be declared abandoned. When possible, a written notification will be sent via ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ email to a resident whose items have been left behind. If no action is taken by the resident to remove the items from the residence hall within the timeline indicated in the notification sent to the student, Housing & Residence Life will dispose of the items. The ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ and Housing & Residence Life are not responsible for any items left in the residence halls.

ADA Doors

Certain halls are equipped with ADA entrances/exits that can be utilized by students needing special accommodations. Please submit a written request, in writing, to Housing & Residence Life to receive approval for access to the door in your assigned residence hall. Otherwise, residential students are prohibited from using ADA doors and may be subject to the disciplinary process if found in violation of this policy.

Advertising Policy

Housing & Residence Life must approve flyers, posters, and other advertising. Advertising is restricted to events, programs, and information directly related to or sponsored by an official university organization, department, etc. Items promoting the consumption of alcohol will not be posted. Please provide enough copies for each residence hall and/or floor. Currently, we would need approximately 75 copies of flyers and/or 10 posters. Please submit your materials approximately seven (7) working days prior to the event to allow sufficient time to get your material approved, distributed, and posted. Once approved, Housing & Residence Life staff will post signage. Items not approved will be removed from the residence halls.  

Alcohol & Drug Policy

Alabama State Law prohibits the possession or consumption of alcohol by anyone under the age of 21. ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ and Housing & Residence Life expect students and their guests to comply fully with these laws.

  • A resident who is 21 or older may possess alcohol and drink responsibly in his/her room as long as their roommate is also 21 or older. If one roommate is under 21, no alcohol is allowed in the room.
  • A resident who is 21 or older may drink in the room of another 21-year-old resident if that resident is present.
  • All guests must abide by the residence hall alcohol policy.
  • Anyone under 21 that is present in a room where a policy violation has occurred will be considered in violation of the alcohol policy.
  • Alcohol is not allowed at any time in any public area of a residence hall. A public area may be a hallway, lounge, lobby, or any other area not contained in a specific residence hall room.
  • Any alcohol being transported by someone 21 or older must be completely covered from open view and taken directly to the resident’s room.
  • Empty bottles, cans, bongs, funnels, mass drinking items, and other alcohol “decorations” are not allowed in any room that has a resident under 21.
  • Anyone present in a room where a controlled substances policy violation has occurred will be considered in violation of the controlled substances policy.

Drugs: Use, possession or distribution of illegal drugs and other controlled substances or drug paraphernalia are expressly prohibited in residential facilities except as permitted by law and the .  Water pipes, bongs, hookahs, and other paraphernalia commonly associated with drug use are also prohibited in the residence halls.  Drugs may be defined as, but not limited to:

  • any stimulant;
  • intoxicant (including alcohol);
  • nervous system depressant;
  • hallucinogen;
  • other chemical substance, compound, or combination when used to induce an altered state; and 
  • any otherwise lawfully available product or substance (such as over the counter or prescription drugs, glue, paint, etc.) used for any purpose other than its intended use.

Apartments

Twin Oaks (single-level) apartment complex is conveniently located within walking distance of campus and offers economical rates. Lion’s Gate is located just past Rice and Rivers Halls on North Pine Street. Grandview Campus Apartments are located on Graham Avenue. All apartments are either two/four bedroom units and can be rented by upperclassman single adult students, by married couples, or by siblings. Dependent children are permitted in Lion’s Gate and Twin Oaks (single level).

Apartment Application Process

A $150 non-refundable application fee must be submitted with the housing application and contract. Apartments are leased upon availability with priority given to current apartment residents, upperclassmen residential students, then transfers. First-time, full-time freshmen under the age of 20 are required to live in the residence halls for their first academic year. Housing & Residence Life will notify the applicant when an apartment is available for the requested semester.

Apartment Lease Agreement

Each student living in a university apartment is required to have a completed housing application and contract. All apartment leases end May 31st of any given year. Leases start August 1st and require the signature of each tenant. Semester rent will be placed on the student’s tuition account. Each roommate will have separate rent billing in his or her name. Detailed terms and conditions of occupancy are included in the housing contract. Please contact Housing & Residence Life for additional details.

Apartment Lease Renewal

It is the tenant’s responsibility to request renewal of the lease. Apartment leases terminate May 31, but can be renewed if returning the succeeding fall semester. The Occupancy Coordinator will approve this decision on a case-by-case basis. 

Apartment Lease Termination

The termination date of the lease is May 31. If a resident wishes to terminate the contract period early, the resident will need to submit the Contract Release Request and be approved by the overseeing committee. Please refer to http://www.una.edu/housing for details and the release application. 

Apartment-Specific Policies

Apartment Use of Grills and Open-Flame Devices:

To maintain fire safety standards, the use of charcoal burners, propane grills, and other open-flame cooking devices is strictly prohibited on combustible balconies, patios, or within 10 feet of any building structure. This aligns with the International Fire Code regulations to prevent potential fire hazards.

Apartment Storage and Placement of Items on Balconies and Patios:

  • Furniture: Only appropriate outdoor furniture is permitted on balconies and patios. The use of indoor furniture in these areas is prohibited due to potential weather damage and safety concerns. ​

  • Obstructions: Residents must ensure that balconies and patios remain free from obstructions that could impede emergency access or egress. Items such as buildings, swings, or any large structures that block pathways are not allowed.​

  • Decorations and Storage: Balconies and patios should be kept neat and clean at all times. The storage of rugs, towels, laundry, clothing, appliances, or other miscellaneous items in these areas is prohibited to maintain aesthetic appeal and safety.

Apartment Structural Integrity and Safety:

Regular inspections will be conducted to assess the structural integrity of balconies and patios, including railings and flooring. Residents are responsible for not exceeding the weight limits of these structures and should avoid placing heavy objects that could compromise safety.

Apartment Compliance with Local Fire Codes:

All residents must adhere to local fire codes and regulations concerning the use of open-flame devices and storage of flammable materials. 

Appliances & Electrical Items Policy

Because the University takes the safety of everyone in university housing very seriously, we cannot allow students to bring certain items into their room/apartment. Prohibited items may differ depending on location. During health and safety inspections, university officials will require the removal of prohibited appliances or materials from residence hall rooms including, but not limited to; extension cords, portable space heaters, halogen lamps, oil-based or wax electric air fresheners, candles, sunlamps, bicycles, combustible liquids, incense and incense burners, power tools, grills, and camping stoves, and all cooking appliances with the exception of microwave ovens (700 watts), refrigerators (up to 4.3 cubic feet) and Keurig style coffee makers. Rice cookers are allowed in kitchen areas only. Air fryers and rice cookers may be stored in students’ rooms, but are prohibited from being used in their rooms. Students may use them in the hall’s kitchen, or in the Mattielou and Olive ice rooms. Students must use official surge protectors for additional electrical appliances. Violations will result in confiscation of the appliance(s) and residents may be subject to the student conduct process. Please see for a more inclusive list.  

Assignments

Housing & Residence Life reserves the right to modify room assignments for disciplinary reasons, catastrophe, closing of facility, or unresolvable roommate incompatibility.

Blue Light Emergency Phones

There are bright blue phone poles located across campus that contact the University Police by pushing the red button in case of an emergency. Please see ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Police for additional information.

Cable/Television

Cable is provided by Apogee at no additional charge to residents. Residents are responsible for supplying a coaxial cable and televisions must be equipped with a QAM tuner. A channel guide is available here along with instructions for setup and troubleshooting.

Candles, Incense, and Scented Items Policy

Candles, incense, potpourri, scented burners, plug-ins, and any other item that generates heat and/or open flame are prohibited in the residence halls. Melted wax, burned wicks, lingering aroma, etc., may be considered evidence of a violation of this policy.

Card Access

Each entry door to a residence hall is equipped with a card-swipe access. These specialized doors provide security and should never be propped open. Access to the building is granted only to the residents of the hall who have their ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ identification number encoded into the card access system by Housing & Residence Life. Any resident who finds his/her Mane Card not working properly or loses their Mane Card should notify Housing & Residence Life and/or Mane Card office as soon as possible.

Cohabitation Policy

Cohabitation is not permitted in the residence halls. Cohabitation exists when a person who is not assigned to a particular room uses that room as if he or she were living there. Examples of this may include, but are not limited to, accessing the room while the assigned occupants are not present, utilizing a key to enter a room to which one is not assigned, keeping clothing and other items in the room, sleeping overnight in the room on a regular basis, and using the bathroom and shower facilities as if they lived in that room. Residents are permitted to have a guest or guests spend the night for a maximum of three nights in any 30-day period. Cohabitation is defined as visitors residing with a resident, in a residence hall for more than a total of three (3) nights in a 30-day period. All overnight visitations must be consistent with any applicable roommate agreements. Any resident found having an individual living with them is subject to immediate termination of their residence hall contract. When a guest’s continual presence hinders a roommate’s ability to study, sleep, and/or occupy their room, this will be considered a violation of this policy.

Contract/Agreement

All students requesting housing in a residence hall are required to sign a residence hall contract. The term of the contract is for one academic year, consisting of two semesters, in all halls. Refer to the residence hall contract for additional details.

Contract Cancellation

With appropriate documentation, a resident may cancel without penalty for the following reasons:

  • Required to move from the area to fulfill academic requirements such as internship, fieldwork, or student teaching; appropriate documentation must be submitted from a supervising faculty at least thirty (30) days before the semester.
  • Ineligibility to continue enrollment due to failure to meet academic requirements.
  • Graduation if not enrolled in graduate courses during contract period.
  • Marriage
  • Medical that cannot be accommodated by the university

Residents may complete a Contract Release Request and submit with supporting documentation. All requests will be reviewed bi-monthly by an overseeing committee and subject to approval or denial. Notification of appeal status will be sent to the resident’s official university email address. 

Code Of Conduct

Housing & Residence Life is committed to maintaining an environment in which the rights of all members of the residential community are protected while they are in pursuit of their educational aspirations. It is important that each resident becomes aware of and abides by the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Code of Conduct and other university regulations. Although each resident possesses certain individual rights and responsibilities, residents are obligated at all times to assume responsibility for their actions, to respect constituted authority, to be truthful, to respect the rights of others, and to respect private and public property. It is also important that members of the university community be willing to confront violations and the infringement of another person’s rights by filing complaints with Housing & Residence Life. University conduct officers determine the policy violations as they relate to university policy violations. These violations can be found in the University Student Handbook and the Housing & Residence Life Guide to Campus Living, and the official university website. In addition to the standards and guidelines set in this Student Handbook, all rules and regulations of the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ and the laws of the state of Alabama and of the United States of America shall be in effect upon individuals residing in or visiting the residence halls.

Confiscation

Housing & Residence Life also reserves the right to confiscate, discard, hold, or surrender to appropriate authorities any item in any room that violates university policies and regulations as stated in this handbook, the website, the university catalog, or any other official university publication.

Consolidation Policy

If a vacancy occurs in an assigned room, the remaining resident agrees to:

  • Pay the additional fee necessary to occupy the room for the remainder of the semester as a private. Private rooms will be approved on a first-come, first-served basis and are contingent upon space and availability.
  • Seek out another roommate and request a room change with someone that currently has no roommate.
  • Allow the HRL Occupancy Coordinator to assign a new resident to the room or move to another room that has only one occupant.

Damage to Public Areas Policy

Individual or group activities that may result in disturbance or distress to others or that cause, or may reasonably be expected to cause, damage or destruction to self or property are prohibited. When individual responsibility cannot be determined, the residents of a floor or building may become collectively responsible for restoration costs. Examples of behavior covered by this policy include, but are not limited to, noise, damage to a building, laundry equipment, or furniture; sports in the hallway; smoking; graffiti; publicly spoken or displayed materials that are pornographic, obscene, sexist, racist, or homophobic; vandalism; and disregard for bathroom cleanliness, including the disposal of food or any foreign objects in sinks, toilets, water fountains, etc.

Damage to Rooms Policy

Each resident is responsible for the ongoing condition of his/her room and shall reimburse the University for any damages or loss of items. Charges for damages will be determined by the University at its discretion and must be paid before the end of the semester in which the damages occur. Please see the Room Condition Report section for additional information on reporting damages upon arrival.

Disposal of Hazardous Materials

Students who use syringes for legitimate medical purposes, such as insulin injections, are required to notify Housing & Residence Life staff immediately. It is university policy that all sharps used for legitimate medical purposes be disposed of in the proper manner. Syringes and other “sharps” are not to be put in common area trash receptacles in the residence halls unless they are in a sharps container.

Decorations

We encourage students to make your residence hall and room feel like your ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ home. However, there are decorative guidelines that must be followed in order to preserve the quality of residence hall rooms. Decorations e.g. pictures, posters, etc. may be attached using blue painter tape only. Double-sided tape, 3M Command Strips, nails, and non-removable decals should not be applied to any surface. Do not attach items to the ceiling and refrain from using combustible materials e.g. cotton, paper, straw, etc. for safety reasons. Decorations are prohibited from obstructing sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, exits and signage, emergency lighting, or corridors.  Use of anything other than Blue Painters tape may result in damage charges upon check out of the residence halls.

Employment Opportunities

Housing & Residence Life employs approximately 4 Graduate Assistants and 40-45 graduate and/or undergraduate Resident Advisors each year. The Resident Advisor application and interview process usually begins in January of each year and selected applicants are appointed positions for the following academic year. Additional information may be found here.

Entering the Residence Halls

The residence halls are considered private residence. As such, entrance to the facility is restricted to residents and their invited guests. A valid Mane Card programmed for entry to that building provides proof of residence in any residence hall. A room key alone is not considered proof of residence. Students who fail to provide appropriate identification upon entering the residence halls will be asked to leave and may be subject to follow-up through student conduct.

Finals Week

All residents must check-out of the residence halls within 24 hours of their last final exam or by noon on the last day that the residence halls are open, whichever comes first. See a member of the Housing & Residence Life staff for additional checkout information.

Fines/Charges

The following lists includes charges that may be assessed through Housing & Residence Life, but not limited to:

Unauthorized room change and/or move: $150

Improper check-in/check-out: $150

Re-core room lock/key replacement: $40-$100

After-Hours Lockout: 1st time per semester is free / $10 for every occurrence afterwards

Smoking/Vaping in room/hall/apartment: $150

Policy Violation Resulting in False Fire Alarm - $150

Cleaning Fee: Dependent upon need/condition of room/hall/apartment

Vandalism/Damages: Dependent upon labor/materials

Charges are subject to change as necessary. Please see una.edu/housing for more information.

Fire Safety & Procedures

Fire alarm systems are installed in all residence halls. The system includes automatic smoke detectors, alarm signals, and enunciators. The alarm is a continuous buzzing noise. All alarms should be regarded as actual fires. University and state law requires all residents and their guests to adhere to the fire safety regulations of the campus. Rendering a false alarm is considered a criminal offense. Failure to evacuate is not only a safety hazard, but is also a violation of University policy and state law. Failure to comply may result in the resident(s) being subject to the student conduct process. It is each resident’s responsibility to be familiar with evacuation procedures. In the case of a fire, residents should do the following:

  • If there is smoke in the room, keep low to the floor.
  • Before passing through any door, feel the doorknob. If it is hot, do not open the door. Before opening a door, brace yourself against the door and open it slightly. If heat and smoke are present, close the door and stay in the room.
  • If you cannot leave the room, open the window.  If trapped, attract the fire department by hanging an object out the window.
  • If you can leave the room, close the door behind you.
  • Go to the nearest exit or stairwell. Do not use the elevator.
  • If the nearest exit is blocked by fire, heat or smoke, go to an alternate exit.
  • If all exits are blocked, go back to your room, open the windows, and attract the fire department.
  • After evacuating the building, move to the designated meeting location (at least 50 feet from the building). Emergency personnel and equipment will be maneuvering around the building.
  • Follow the directions of fire, police, and Housing and Residence Life staff.
  • You may reenter the building only after fire and police officials have given their approval.

Fire Safety Equipment Policy

Fire safety equipment is provided to help ensure everyone’s safety. Tampering with alarms, extinguishers, pull stations, or smoke detectors is a violation of local, state, and federal laws, as well as a violation of university policy. Tampering with fire safety equipment is a criminal offense and a ticket/fine may be issued.

Flammable Liquids/Explosives Policy

Possession of containers holding fluids used for igniting fires is prohibited. Prohibited fluids include, but are not limited to, charcoal lighter, gasoline, propane, and cigarette lighter refueling containers. Explosives including, but not limited to firecrackers, fireworks, home-made explosives, pyrotechnics, and gunpowder are not permitted in residential areas.

Guests

Your guests are welcome in the residence halls provided they adhere to University policy during their visit. You are responsible for the conduct of your guests during their time on campus. Please refer to the Visitation Policy for all expectations related to visitation and guests.

Hall/Floor Meetings

Housing & Residence Life staff will hold hall/floor meetings throughout the semester. Your attendance at these meetings offers you the opportunity to provide feedback and suggestions for Housing & Residence Life programs, policies, and procedures. Meetings are held whenever an issue or concern needs to be addressed with the resident as well as disseminating important information. Please be aware of posted notice of meeting dates, times, and locations.

Hall Sports & Horseplay Policy

Housing & Residence Life does not condone activities that could result in damage to a residence hall or accidental injury to residents and guests. The noise from these activities may also negatively impact the living community. Therefore, horseplay and sports activities which include, but are not limited to, food fights, water fights, running, hacky sack, hockey, in-line skating, skateboarding, bouncing balls, riding bikes, wrestling, remote control toy operation, and other athletic/sport-type activities are prohibited in the residence halls. Staff members reserve the right to confiscate equipment used in violation of this policy.

Health & Safety Inspections

Each resident is responsible for the care and cleaning of his/her room. It is also the responsibility of residents to dispose of trash in the outside dumpsters and/or compactors and to keep hallways, baths, and all public areas neat and attractive. Housing & Residence Life staff conduct health & safety inspections on the 2nd Monday-Friday of each month in all residence halls and apartments. During these health and safety inspections, Housing & Residence Life staff verifies that there are no fire safety hazards and that there are no visible health risks in the room.

Internet

Wireless Internet is provided by Apogee at no additional charge to residential students. Please contact Apogee with any service concerns. 

Keys/Residence Halls

Each resident