As a member living in our diverse community, you are afforded certain individual rights that you and your roommate(s), as well as those living around you, should respect. In addition, these rights carry with them a reciprocal responsibility for you and every member in our community. Responsibilities ensure that roommate(s), suite/apartment mates, floor mates, and other community members are afforded the same rights regardless of their gender, race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, cultural background, or other identity group(s) to which they belong; as well as any beliefs, values or attitudes that may be different from our own. When you uphold your responsibilities, you will be making the university and residential communities a great place to live where all students can be successful!

To a significant extent, success at the University of Houston will depend on your ability to understand and balance the rights and responsibilities you assume while attending college. Staff and faculty members do not assume the role of campus parent, and you will seldom be told what to do or what not to do with regard to your personal behavior. The obvious exception, as with society at large, is when individual behavior threatens the health and safety of yourself, others or the community, or begins to disrupt the legitimate pursuits of others within our residential communities.

Student Housing & Residential Life staff members do not, nor cannot, guarantee you will retain each of these rights at all times. You share the responsibility. You can help ensure that these rights will be honored through thoughtful discussion and open communication with roommates, suite/apartment mates, floor mates, and other community members. Our staff is committed to offering you an inclusive environment where we will support you in taking healthy risks and while you have the choice to passively exist, we will challenge you to take full advantage of your living environment by participating in activities, standing up for yourself and others, and speaking up for what you believe has value.

The following is a listing of your “rights” (things to which you are entitled as a student living in one of our housing communities), as well as your “responsibilities” (what is expected of you as a member of a residential community):

• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to a safe and secure living environment.

• YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to keep your living space secured, and to not prop doors open or allow in strangers. You also have a responsibility to uphold all security policies and procedures. Violations of policies and procedures put you and others at risk.

• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to a reasonably peaceful and quiet space in which you can sleep and study. • YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to observe quiet hours, to keep your stereo, television, computer and your voice at a reasonable volume in your living environment, and to remind your guests and others that you expect the same of them.

• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to privacy and to the fair use of your room, both in terms of space and time, and the right to be free of unwanted guests in your room.

• YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to let your roommate know of your wishes and preference for hours of sleep, study and visitation, and to work through any difference you may have in a peaceful manner. You also have a responsibility to make sure your guests do not violate your roommate’s rights or interfere with his/her use of your living space.

• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to confront another person’s behavior when it infringes on your rights.

• YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to examine your own behavior when confronted by another and to work toward resolving conflicts.

•YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to the assistance of a resident adviser, residence life coordinator, assistant director, associate director or other Student Housing & Residential Life staff members when you need help with a problem.

• YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to notify a staff person of your problem and request assistance in a timely manner and to cooperate with those involved as they work with you as you solve your problem.

• YOU HAVE THE RIGHT to know what is acceptable and/or inappropriate behavior in your living environment.

• YOU HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY to read the information provided for you by the University of Houston. This includes, but is not limited to your Residence Halls Service Agreement and Student Code of Conduct. You may report any alleged violation, whether or not you were personally affected by it.