University of Indianapolis Residence Hall Handbook & Policies

• Central Hall
  RA Duty Phone: (317) 919-6235
  1308 Campus Drive 
  Indianapolis, IN 46227 
• Cravens Hall 
  RA Duty Phone: (317) 790-5085 
  1442 Windermire Street
  Indianapolis, IN 46227 
• Cory Bretz Hall
  RA Duty Phone: (317) 919-5921
  1236 Campus Drive 
  Indianapolis, IN 46227
• East Hall
  RA Duty Phone: (317) 919-5136
  1408 Campus Drive 
  Indianapolis, IN 46227 
• Roberts Hall
  RA Duty Phone: (317) 790-6184
  1512 Windermire Street
  Indianapolis, IN 46227 
• Warren Hall
  RA Duty Phone: (317) 478-6839
  1532 Windermire Street
  Indianapolis, IN 46227

To cancel your contract or obtain a refund before the semester begins, contact the Office of Residence Life at reslife@uindy.edu. A waiver may be granted for students who leave the residence halls due to University withdrawal, graduation, special academic programs, marriage, or special circumstances. After the halls open, room and board refunds will be determined according to the University’s refund policy.

Students who receive financial aid must contact the Office of Financial Aid, as an adjustment to their financial aid package may be necessary.

Withdrawing, Termination, Re-entering Residence Life

Students may withdraw from the residence halls at any time during the semester. The refund of any room and board will be based on the University’s refund policy, but will not be processed until the resident has completed the following exit process:

• Completed the withdrawal form through the Housing Portal.
• Removed belongings and cleaned the room.
• Had the room inspected and returned the room keys to residence life staff.
• Vacated the hall (within 48 hours from initiating the withdrawal).

Students who withdraw from the residence halls during any semester and wish to re-enter the residence hall must contact the Office of Student Affairs. Requests will be determined by space availability.

Residents whose “occupancy” is terminated for conduct reasons but who wish to re-enter residence hall living at the end of the suspension period must petition the Office of Student Affairs for permission to re-enter. Continuation of housing will be based on:

• Credit hours carried (must be nine or more).
• Academic and social standing (must be free of academic and social probation).
• Availability of space.
• Residence Hall Conduct Policies.

Renter’s Insurance

We strongly recommend all residents purchase renters’ insurance to protect their personal belongings in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as maintenance issues, theft, fire, water damage, or power outages. Please note that renter’s insurance is not included in residence life housing agreements. Residence Life is not liable for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal property, including perishable items, due to power loss, or damage resulting from leaks, weather-related incidents, or other unexpected events.

Receiving Mail

All students living in residence halls should use the following address to get mail. All mail will be picked up from the Business Mail Office in Esch 046. Students will be assigned a mailbox at the beginning of the academic year.

Student Name
1400 East Hanna Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46227

Addresses listed on the front page of this handbook are physical addresses only and do not receive mail or packages. 

Housing During Breaks

Students wanting to reside in the residence halls during holiday break periods must follow the appropriate process of signing up and must pay the break housing fee. During breaks, residents are not permitted to host overnight guests. Failure to comply can result in fines and/or sanctions for all parties involved. Meals will not be available through the dining hall. During any official holiday or closing of the residence halls, the members of the Residence Life professional staff will conduct inspections of each residence hall. All sanctions distributed during any hall break closing are based on the discretion of the Residence Life professional staff. These fines/sanctions will not undergo the meeting and appeal process referenced under the Student Code of Conduct guidelines. A member of the Residence Life professional staff will provide the student with the appropriate sanctioning letter, including photographic evidence of the infraction.

Find more information about Residence Life Calendars online.

Items to Bring 

• Cleaning supplies 
• Electronic equipment- TV, extension cords with outlet surge protector, lamps, video games etc. 
• Laundry supplies 
• Linens (Twin XL beds, towels, pillows) 
• Supplementary furniture- bookcases, cube storage etc. 
• Trashbags 
• Toiletries and hygiene products

Please review the policies below on “Items Not Permitted” and “Room Personalization” for information on what not to bring.

Do not bring unapproved animals to campus. Unapproved animals found in the apartment at any time without proper approval will be asked to be removed within 24-48 hours. Additional fines could be assessed until the animal is removed. Please see the “Pets” section for more information.

Hall Access

Each resident‘s student ID provides access to the residence hall's main entrance doors. Each resident will be issued keys that unlock their residence hall room and other access points in the building. Residents of Roberts Hall are also issued a mailbox key.

Housekeeping

The University provides a housekeeping crew to maintain the common areas of the residence halls. Residents are responsible for cleaning their own rooms and the hall kitchen areas. Residents with private bathrooms are responsible for the cleanliness of those bathrooms. Residents are also required to remove their own trash and take it to the outside dumpsters adjacent to the building. The disposal of room trash in public and community spaces is prohibited.

Laundry Rooms

Each living area is equipped with laundry facilities featuring washers and dryers available to residents at no additional charge. The laundry facilities are available exclusively to residents living in the community. 

Parking 

Vehicles need a parking permit to park in the designated lots. Parking permits are free and can be ordered online through the UIndy parking portal. Residents are not to park in Employee or identifiable Residence Life parking spots. Violators would be towed at their expense. 

Room Changes and Consolidation

Students looking for a different room assignment should contact their Residence Life professional staff member. Room changes may be approved or denied based on the availability of options. In the event of a roommate conflict or difference, students are required to have a mediation meeting with their current roommate and a residence life staff member. If attempts to address the conflict and proposed resolutions remain unsuccessful, a room move can then be considered. 

If a student is approved to move rooms, there could be an additional cost based on the desired space (i.e., single room as a double, moving to a building with a higher rate, etc.). 

Room costs are based on single and double room occupancy. All residents who do not reserve and pay for a single space (space permitting) will be consolidated by the hall staff each semester. If, after the consolidation period ends and a student still resides in a room by themselves, or a roommate moves out after consolidation, the student will sign a single room form, acknowledging that they may receive a roommate at any time. It is the student's responsibility to abide by the consolidation procedures provided by the hall staff. Failure to consolidate by the date or maintain an opening in their assigned space will result in the resident being billed the single room charge.

In the event of a potential threat to a resident's safety, a temporary room relocation can be provided until the issue is resolved or a permanent solution is implemented following an investigation. 

Roommate Agreements

All residents who have a roommate or suitemate are required to have a roommate agreement on file with their residence hall staff. This agreement outlines shared expectations regarding cleanliness, noise, guests, and personal boundaries and should be completed by all parties involved. While not a legally binding document, it serves as a valuable communication tool to prevent conflicts and clarify mutual expectations. In the event of disputes, Residence Life staff may reference the agreement to help mediate and resolve concerns.

Room Condition Form (RCF)

Residents must complete a Room Condition Form (RCF), which will be provided to them by hall staff upon moving in and when checking out. The occupant is responsible for all damages and missing items and is subject to charges. If an RCF is not submitted or filed with hall staff, students may be liable for pre-existing damages. 

Room Inspections

The Residence Life staff conducts health and safety inspections as deemed appropriate by the Residence Life professional staff. Residents are responsible for maintaining rooms and bathrooms that adhere to health and safety standards. University staff may enter without notice in emergencies where imminent danger to life, safety, health, or property is at risk, for maintenance repairs, and/or in cases where there may be probable cause of a misconduct violation or community disruption.

Note: Staff will not permit access to student rooms for guests, friends, or family members.

Residence halls are designed to create a safe and orderly living and learning environment for the well-being of all students. Below are the policies that students are expected to follow. Those who violate these policies and guidelines are subject to disciplinary procedures and sanctions through the University student conduct process. 

In the event of disputes or concerns with decisions made by the residence hall staff that are not disciplinary, such as roommate conflicts and other hall-related issues, the Office of Student Affairs may become involved as needed. Policies can be changed at the discretion of the Residence Life professional staff at any time. Students will be notified in the event of a change.

For more information on university policies, review the UIndy Student Handbook. 

Alcohol and Controlled Substances

The use, possession, distribution, being under the influence of, or in the presence of alcoholic beverages and/or illicit drugs are prohibited in the residence halls and anywhere on campus (including parking lots, on-person, and in vehicles). The only exception applies to students over the age of 21 who live in the University apartments. 

Regardless of age, no alcoholic beverages are permitted in the residence halls. 

For additional information, please refer to the On-Campus Use of Alcohol Policy. 

Bunk Beds/Lofts

Lofts (unless University-provided and installed) are not permitted in the residence halls or campus apartments. The bunking of beds is permitted with University-provided bunks only and is subject to availability.

Bunk beds must adhere to the established guidelines for height and placement and must pass a fire and safety inspection conducted by the professional Residence Life and Facilities staff. Students who choose to prop their mattresses or beds up must ensure that the height from the floor to the top of the mattress does not exceed three feet. 

Courtesy and Quiet Hours

Courtesy hours are a means of maintaining and demonstrating respect for other people in the building. They are in place 24 hours a day throughout each semester, including break housing and summer sessions. This means turning down music and other noises when asked by staff or other residents, not shouting unnecessarily, and generally showing respect to other people in the building. 

The following quiet hours are established so residents will have time to study, relax, or rest without interruption:

• Sunday through Thursday – 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
• Friday through Saturday – 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.
• 24-hour quiet hours are observed during finals week 

Other quiet hours may be designated by the Residence Life Professional Staff as needed to maintain a suitable living environment. 

Damages

Any damages that occur to the common areas, room furniture, hall equipment, etc., must be reported immediately to the hall staff. Students may be billed for damages throughout the academic year that are deemed excessive. Individuals or entire floors may be billed for damages that occur on floors or within common areas where a responsible party cannot be identified. Damage charges are based on damages reported following the inspection of the room or common areas by the Resident Assistant and/or the Residence Life professional staff. Any questions regarding the damages or related charges should be addressed to the Residence Life professional staff member. 

The following is a list of damage charges students may face for policy violations, general conduct, or non-compliance:

• $10 minimum per student – Common area floor/building area damages
• $10 (on third and subsequent instances) – Lock-outs
• $10 – Replacement Student ID (available through the Office of Student Affairs, Schwitzer 210)
• $10 – Replacement Temporary ID
• $25 – No shower curtain (applicable buildings)
• $25 per instance – Trash left in bathrooms, common areas, or hallways
• $25 – Breaking of closing violations (failure to comply with procedures)
• $25 minimum – Inappropriate or destructive use of living space equipment or facilities
• $50 for all parties involved – Unauthorized use of laundry facilities
• $50 – Unsanitary condition of room 
• $50 per person – Unsanitary condition of a lobby or shared space
• $50 – Improper check-out (leaving without notification, not following move-out instructions)
• $100 – Lost key or sharing key/student IDs

Emergency Equipment

False reporting of an emergency, unauthorized use of or tampering with emergency or safety equipment (such as fire hoses or fire extinguishers), and interference with emergency evacuation are all prohibited and are criminal offenses. Involvement in any of the above may result in University and criminal prosecution.

Emergency Evacuation Drills

Emergency evacuation drills are held periodically, and residents are expected to evacuate the residence halls. All students are expected to comply with fire drill procedures and safety regulations and follow the instructions of hall staff and safety personnel. Failure to comply can result in monetary fines and other sanctions, including residence hall suspension or expulsion.

Firearms & Other Weapons 

Firearms and weapons of any kind are prohibited on UIndy’s campus, including those stored in vehicles in University parking lots. Cooking utensils, such as knives, are permitted, but should be safely stored. See the UIndy Student Handbook for additional information. 

Guest/Visitation Hours

All on-campus housing communities have a 24-hour visitation policy, which allows students to have a set number of visitors at any time, every day of the week. However, there are rules within this policy that apply.

• Roommates are encouraged to work out an agreement for acceptable times of guest visitation. 
• Residents are allowed no more than two guests at a time in the bedspace. 
  • Common areas are suitable for accommodating a larger number of guests for socializing. 
• All guests must be escorted by the host resident while in the living areas and common spaces of the building and are not to be left unattended. 
  • The host resident is responsible for the conduct of their guests, and guests are expected to abide by all University and Residence Hall policies. If their guests violate policies, host residents are subject to the Student Conduct Process.
• Residents may not have overnight guests unless they have been approved by their roommate. 
  • Overnight visitors may only stay a total of three days in duration and not exceed 10 days during a semester. 
  • Excessive numbers of overnight guests may be restricted by residence hall staff with or without complaint.
  • Common/lobby areas are not to be used for overnight guests.
  • Overnight guests must be at least 18 years of age. Anyone under 18 years of age who visits must leave the Residence Hall by midnight. 

University students are considered guests in residence halls and University apartments, where they are not assigned to live (Cravens resident visiting in Warren, East resident visiting Greyhound Village, etc). This includes needing to be escorted at all times by the host resident. If damage or an incident were to occur, both parties may be responsible for costs and other sanctions associated. 

Failure to comply can result in fines, loss of visitation privileges, or other sanctions.

Items Not Permitted

(See also: Room Personalization)

• Air conditioners
• Air fryers
• Alcohol-regardless of age
• All candles (burned wick or unburned)
• Appliances without automatic turn-off functions
• Extension cords or multiple wall outlet adapters (unless used with a multiple outlet surge protector)
• Grill units (George Foreman, etc.)
• Firearms
• Fireworks, explosives
• Incense
• Illicit drugs or related paraphernalia (bongs, grinders, pens, etc.)
• Hotplates (irons, drip coffee makers, electric skillets, candle warmers)
• Live Christmas trees
• Non-battery-operated string lights (aka Christmas lights)
• Open flames of any kind
• Potpourri pots
• Space heaters
• Toasters/Toaster ovens
• Weapons of any kind

Keys and Lockouts

The exterior doors of each building remain locked at all times, providing access to the facility only to residents (and their escorted guests) of the building. Residents are encouraged to lock their room doors each time they leave. In the event a student is locked out of their room and/or building and requires assistance from residence life staff to re-enter, the staff will record the number of instances in which a student has requested lock-out assistance. The first two lockouts will be assisted as a courtesy. Three or more lockouts a semester could result in a $10 charge per incident.

If a student misplaces their key, they can request a temporary loaner key for up to 24 hours by visiting their hall's front desk. If a key is deemed as lost, students will have their room key and lock core replaced for $100. If a student loses their student ID, they can obtain a temporary ID card from the front desk. If the temporary ID is lost, a $10 replacement fee will be charged. A replacement student ID can be purchased in the Office of Student Affairs (Schwitzer 210). 

Residents are not permitted to lend their keys or student IDs to others and should always carry their room keys with them. Duplication of keys is prohibited, and lost keys should be reported to residence hall staff immediately. Keys and/or IDs being shared will be confiscated by Residence Life staff.

Pets

Only aquatic life (that can remain underwater 24 hours per day) maintained in aquariums (maximum 10-gallon tanks) is permitted on campus. No other animals are allowed. 

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) can be approved by the Office of Disability Resources and Residence Life, and they are then permitted in the Residence Halls. For more information on ESAs, please see the Emotional Support Animal Policy. 

Service dogs for individuals with disabilities, as well as certified police dogs, are exempt from this policy.  Animals should not be brought to campus prior to approval. 

Postings (Fliers, Signs, Etc.) & Solicitation

Bulletin boards are reserved for use by Residence Life staff. All material from the Office of Student Affairs or its staff may be posted or distributed in a variety of locations within the residence halls. Other campus entities and student groups must abide by these policies. All materials not brought to the Office of Student Affairs for distribution by the Residence Life staff will be removed.

Postings other than fliers may be brought to the Office of Student Affairs and will be placed at the hall desk for distribution with the permission of the Student Affairs staff.

Residents may not post any items in common areas (outside room doors, windows, hallways, etc.) that may be deemed offensive or are alcohol- or drug-related. Residence Life also reserves the right to remove any items deemed offensive or inappropriate on dry-erase boards, windows, and areas where it is visible to the community and general public. 

For more information about posting on campus, please refer to the general posting policy.

Room Personalization

Decorating the room is permissible within the established guidelines. University furnishings may not be removed from the room or disassembled. Painting rooms or permanent alterations to University property by anyone other than University personnel is prohibited.

Nails may not be used. Residents may use the “no nail” type of hanger or tape (sticky tac, no-stick tape) to hang pictures or posters in the room. Foam tape, duct tape, and anything that will leave a mark on the doors or walls are not permitted. No vinyl/wall decals are allowed on walls in any residence hall. 

Residents will be charged for any marks left on the walls or doors.

No more than 10% of the walls or windows may be covered with flammable materials, and there should be nothing either adhered to or hanging from the ceiling, including smoke/fire alarm fixtures. Use of acetate, cellophane, tissue paper, or other combustible material over or in light fixtures is prohibited.

Carpeting may not be attached to the floor and must be removed upon vacating the room. 

Smoking and Tobacco

The University of Indianapolis campus is a smoke-free environment. Smoking and the use of tobacco products and their derivatives (such as vaping) are prohibited in all campus buildings and on campus property, including the residence halls and campus apartments.

Permissible areas for the use of tobacco products include inside private vehicles and public areas along city streets (e.g., Shelby Street or Hanna Avenue). Visitors are expected to abide by this policy. Refer to the Tobacco Free Campus policy for more information.and/or sanctions.

Storage

The University does not provide storage for personal property. Items left in the room after vacating will be disposed of by maintenance, and residents may be charged for the removal of these items.

Windows 

Holiday clings, flags, signs, or sheets that cover or fully occupy windows are not permitted. Any items displayed in windows must face inward and should not contain visible or readable words, symbols, or images recognizable to passersby.

Wheeled Devices 

Skateboards, roller blades/skates, and similar wheeled devices are not permitted for use inside the building. Bicycles should be chained to bike racks outside.

A student may store a wheelchair and other mobility devices in their room, provided it does not create an unsafe condition in the room. Students are responsible for any damage incurred while storing the device (i.e., in rooms, hallways, common areas, or elevators). Mobility devices may not be stored in hallways, lounges, or any common area in the residence hall.

Student Conduct Process

All policies posted above will be adjudicated through the Office of Residence Life and the Office of Student Affairs. The procedures of the Student Conduct Process are explained in the UIndy Student Handbook. 

Sanctions for individuals found responsible for policy violations may include disciplinary actions up to suspension or expulsion, as outlined in the Student Handbook.

Housing accommodations for students with disabilities will be provided with the understanding that students with disability needs will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If reasonable accommodations cannot be immediately satisfied due to capacity, facility design, availability, etc., the Office of Student Affairs will prioritize requests before handling others. The University will make reasonable modifications to its room rate structure to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability.

Before student disability-related housing accommodation requests may be considered, students must first be registered with the Office of Disability Resources. To register with Disability Resources, students must complete the following process:

• Contact Disability Resources and complete a Housing Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Form. These forms are available online or by emailing Services for Students with Disabilities (ssd@uindy.edu). The Office of Disability Resources is located in Schwitzer Student Center 001.
• Fax, mail, or email all documentation required by Disability Resources certifying the disability and reasons for needing housing accommodations. See description below for details regarding documentation.

Students and families are encouraged to communicate regarding emergency situations that may occur while the student resides at the University of Indianapolis. The University has established a crisis communication plan to guide responses to campus crises that pose a threat to health, life, and property. Families should develop their own plans for communicating with one another when a crisis does occur.

For more information on Emergency Procedures and Evacuation Plans visit the Public Safety page on MyUIndy.

Bomb Threat Procedures

Students are encouraged to read and study their individual hall’s building emergency action plan. 

In the event of a bomb threat, please do the following:

• Take all threats seriously.
• Obtain as much detail as possible (location, time, etc.).
• Notify University Police (911).
• Notify Residence Hall Staff.
• Do not evacuate until instructed to do so by University personnel.
• Follow the instructions of hall staff and safety personnel.

Earthquake Procedures

Students are encouraged to read and study their individual hall’s building emergency action plan. 

In the event of an earthquake, please do the following:

• Take cover under a table or desk to avoid falling objects.
• Do not attempt to evacuate the building until it is safe to do so.
• If you are outside, move away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
• Remain calm and be prepared for aftershocks.
• Report to a designated rally point when safe.

Fire Alarms and Evacuation Procedures

Students are encouraged to read and study their individual hall’s building emergency action plan. 

Whenever there is evidence of fire, such as smoke, fumes, or excessive heat, sound the alarm at once and contact the residence hall staff immediately. All fires, regardless of size or manner of extinguishing, must be reported. In the event the fire alarm sounds, all students are encouraged to alert their roommates and the residents living adjacent to their room and follow this procedure:

• Wear shoes; take a coat or blanket.
• Close the door but leave the room unlocked.
• Go to your assigned exit.
• Leave the building quickly and quietly without running.
• Remain outside until the “all clear” is given.
• Follow the instructions of hall staff, safety personnel, and/or the Guardian App communication.

Severe Weather Alert

Students are encouraged to read and study their individual hall’s building emergency action plan. 

In case of a severe weather alert, please do the following:

• Seek shelter in the lowest level of a building, interior hallways, or restrooms.
• Stay away from windows and doors.
• Do not leave the building until the “all-clear” is received.
• Stay away from trees, power lines, and open areas.
• Follow the instructions of hall staff and safety personnel.

Students should note the difference between a severe weather watch and a warning. 

In the event of a severe weather watch, this means that weather conditions are ideal for severe weather like tornadoes and severe storms; no actual conditions currently exist. 

In the event of a severe weather warning, this means that severe weather has been detected or tornadoes have been spotted. Students will be kept informed of severe weather conditions.

Active Aggressor Procedures

In case of an active aggressor, please do the following:

• Follow University lockdown procedures.
• Shelter in place.
• Run, hide, fight—do not go to rally point.

Emergency Evacuation for Students with Disabilities

All students with disabilities who may require assistance in an emergency or building evacuation should work directly with Residence Life staff to formulate an evacuation plan.

Pandemic Protocol (COVID-19 and others)

In the event of a global healthcare pandemic, the University of Indianapolis may establish protocols to help protect students. These protocols may change as deemed necessary by the University of Indianapolis staff with guidance from healthcare professionals.

Guardian App

The Guardian App is the University of Indianapolis’s mass emergency notification system. It is the chief wide-scale notification vehicle for the University in situations requiring rapid dissemination of information to all faculty, staff, and students or to select groups who have entered the system. Therefore, it will not be used for routine messages and announcements. The Guardian App does not replace other methods of communication—for example, web, intranet, email listservs, and the news media. In most situations, it will be the first method of communication, augmented by various other channels.

Download the Guardian App by: 

• Locate the Rave Guardian application in your mobile device’s app store and download it.
• Sign in using your UIndy credentials.

Alertus Beacons

The University has installed Alertus Beacons to signal an emergency in building areas with low connectivity.