Defining Community Standards


Residence: The place to be

Residence Community Standards outline the standards of appropriate conduct expected by those who reside in Lakehead University Residence.  These standards complement municipal, provincial and federal legislation and university policies.

The objective of these standards is to enhance the academic experience.  The accountability for behaviour is emphasized and individual choices warrant individual effects.  A reasonable effort is made to investigate all community standards infractions in a timely and effective manner.  Full cooperation with staff is expected.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR

Unacceptable behaviour is defined as those which are inconsistent with the Residence Community Standards set forth.

Ignorance, anger, alcohol or substance abuse will not be accepted as an excuse, reason or rationale for such behaviour.  Residents are responsible for all inappropriate behaviour and/or damages that occur in their residence space.

You must observe the terms of the Residence Community Standards at all times.  It is expected that each student is to make every attempt to prevent a problem from occurring, from escalating or to remove themselves from any situation which contravenes the Residence Community Standards.  Students should also make every attempt to inform Residence Life Staff that an infraction is taking place.  Being present during any infraction could result in disciplinary action being taken against all parties present.

ENFORCEMENT OF COMMUNITY STANDARDS

These are examples of what might reasonably occur if a student is involved in an infraction. This does not limit the possibility of other actions.

All financial costs associated with a breach of the Residence Community Standards will be placed on the student's University Account expediently.


Verbal Warning

Usually given by Residence Life Staff.  This is a courtesy, and does not have to be given for any offense.  A good example of when a verbal warning might occur is a noise violation just after quiet hours begin.


Incident Report

The purpose of the incident report is to document the occurrences which happen in and around residence.  These can be health related, calling in maintenance staff or for discipline related issues.

Any incident report in which there may be a breach in the Residence Community Standards will be directed to Residence Administration.


Warning Letter

A warning letter may be issued to a student(s) when there has been a breach in the Residence Community Standards.


Educational Sanction

An educational sanction is an educational program that must be mutually agreed upon by the student and the Residence Life Coordinator, to be presented to the residence community and/or is a reflection paper describing what the student has learned from their occurrence.  The educational sanction may accompany a warning letter or any other sanction issued by Residence Staff.


Residence Community Service

A student may apply to complete Residence Community Service in place of paying a Fine or Peace Bond.  The student must apply in writing to the Residence Life Coordinator.  All Residence Community Service must be completed before the end of each academic term.  A student may work off up to 50% of their sanction.  It is at the discretion of the Residence Life Coordinator whether or not a student will have the option of Community Service, and is dependent on the availability of work.


Residence Ban

A student may be banned from an individual House, Phase, Apartment Building, any area or all of Residence if it is deemed that it is in the best interest of the Residence Community. Students who violate a ban, will have further action taken against them.


Eviction

When warranted and in the best interest of the Residence Community, a student may be evicted from Residence.  A student who has been evicted, may be removed immediately from Residence.  It is up to the student to make arrangements to move any belongings, and to find alternate accommodations off campus.  Any student who has been evicted from Residence will be banned from all areas in and around Residence, or any Official Residence function for the duration of their studies.


Peace Bond

A peace bond may be applied to a student for a breach of the Residence Community Standards.  The amount of the peace bond will depend on the type of violation.  A peace bond will only be applied to a student's account if more than one violation occurs.

Example #1: Student A commits a violation.  Residence Staff assign a $50 Peace Bond. Student A does not commit any violations for the duration of the year, Student A does not pay any money.

Example #2: Student B commits a violation.  Residence Staff assign a $50 Peace Bond. Student B commits another violation and is assigned another $50 Peace Bond.  Student B will now have $50 placed on their University Account.


Fine

Fines are charged to a student's account if there is a serious breach of the Residence Community Standards.  The amount will vary, but are usually in the sum of $100, or $200. These fines are placed directly and immediately on a student's University Account.


Demerit Points

Demerit Points are assigned to all breaches of the Residence Community Standards.  Group A violations are assigned 2 demerits for each breach, Group B violations 3 demerits, and Group C 6 demerit points.


Probation 1

A student will be placed on Probation 1 automatically should they acquire 6 demerit points. If a student is placed on Probation 1 the student is permitted to stay in Residence. However, his/her conduct will be monitored.  Any further violations could result in a student being placed on Probation 2.


Probation 2

A student will be placed on Probation 2 if there is a serious breach of Residence Community Standards, or if their total demerit points reaches twelve or more.  If a student is placed on Probation 2, the student may be allowed to stay in Residence for the duration of the academic year.  Furthermore, their conduct will be monitored, and immediate eviction may result if further violations occur.  A student on Probation 2 must meet with the Residence Life Coordinator at the end of the academic year in order to decide whether or not he/she can come back into Residence the following year.

LAKEHEAD UNIVERSITY CODE OF STUDENT BEHAVIOUR

There are instances when actions go beyond the scope of Community Standards of Residence.  Students are reminded to be aware of the Code of Student Behaviour, and its respective sanctions.  The Code of Student Behaviour can be used in place of the Residence Community Standards for any offense.

Click here to view the Lakehead University Code of Student Behaviour & Disciplinary Procedures

RESIDENCE APPEALS BOARD

The Residence Appeals Board is comprised of students who reside in residence for that academic year.  Included in their group is a member of Residence Council.  The Residence Life Coordinator is the chair of this Board.

A student has three (3) business days from the time they are officially informed (via letter or email) from Residence Administration to submit an appeal to the Residence Administration Office located in Bartley Residence, Kenora Room 100.  This appeal must be typed and must be delivered during the regular business hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday.  Any appeal that is not presented in this way will not be heard by the Residence Appeals Board.  All letters must be addressed to the Residence Appeals Board.

Any Appeal that involves Group D violations will be heard by the Manager of Residence and Conference Services, and representatives of the Residence Appeals Board.  The Residence Life Coordinator will not be involved in any appeal involving Group D violations.


THE RESIDENCE APPEALS BOARD WILL ONLY HEAR APPEALS ON THE FOLLOWING GROUNDS:
  • there is proven lack of procedural fairness, bias, unfair treatment, discrimination or improper investigation, etc.
  • the sanction does not suit the violation or behaviour
  • new information has been discovered which renders the original decision to be unreasonable in light of evidence presented

Reasonable Examples of Reasons for Appeal:

  • A Resident Assistant hears noise coming from the third floor, and does not come up to investigate, but documents random people from the third floor instead.
  • Student A removes the screen from their bedroom window.  Residence Staff has issued a $100 Peace Bond and 3 Demerit Points.  (Student A could appeal based on the fact that removing their screen should only be a $50 Peace Bond and 2 Demerit Points).
  • Student A has been issued a $50 Peace Bond and 2 Demerit Points from Residence Staff for playing their music loudly after quiet hours have begun.  Since that time, it has been discovered that it was Student A's roommate, Student B who was playing the music, and Student B has come forward and admitted it was he who was playing the music.