Guide to Community Living
The Guide to Campus Living is designed to assist you in understanding your responsibilities as a member or guest of our Residence Hall community at The University of Maine at Machias. Please refer to this online document for the most updated version. The Guide to Campus Living outlines policies specifically related to Residence Hall Living.
As a community member, we rely on you to report any suspicious activity. We encourage you to seek out your Resident Assistant (RA) or the Residence Life Coordinator. For emergencies, dial 911.
No guide can possibly anticipate every question or situation in a residence hall community. This guide is meant as a resource, and is complemented by the hard work and judgment calls of your residence hall staff as well as staff within the Division of Student Life. If you have any questions or would like clarification about any information or policy listed in this guide, please contact Student Life Professional Staff. This guide can be updated at any time as needed.
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Section 1: Moving In / Checking Out
A: Move-In Procedures for First Year Students and Transfer Students
B: What to bring to college – Permitted items
C: What NOT to bring to college — Prohibited items
D: What to discuss sharing with your roommate
E: Procedures for room changes during a semester
All moves must be approved through the professional staff. Before initiating this process, please discuss any disagreements/disputes with an RA. If approved:
Failure to check-out correctly may result in fees and/or charges to your student account for: improper check out, key replacement, removal of personal belongings (per hour charge), disposal of property, room cleaning (per hour charge), etc., so please be sure to follow these procedures.
F: Procedures for checking out of residence hall at end of a semester or academic year
All students not returning for the spring semester are expected to leave the residence halls within 24 hours of their last exam or 5 p.m. on the last day of December exams – whichever comes first. At the end of the academic year, any unapproved student must be checked out of their residence hall by 5 p.m. on Friday of finals week in May.
Failure to check-out correctly may result in fees and/or charges to your student account for: Improper check out, key replacement, removal of personal belongings (per hour charge), disposal of property, room cleaning (per hour charge), etc., so please be sure to follow these procedures.
Section 2: Breaks / Continuous Housing
A: Closing for Breaks
Residence Halls are open year round; however it is requested that you sign up in advance with the professional staff if you intend to be here for any breaks and an additional charge may be assessed. This assists staff in communicatng emergency and other information with residents who remain over breaks. If there is an evacuation we know who to account for. For safety and security reasons, residents may only register themselves and are not permitted to have overnight guests during breaks.
Section 3: Lock Out Policy
A: Lock Out Policy
It is the resident’s responsibility to keep their room key or University ID Card on their person at all times. If a resident should find themselves locked out of their room they should contact their roommate first, then find a Resident Assistant or Residence Life Professional staff member to let them back in the room. During duty hours, please contact the RA on duty. Students should keep in mind that they may need to wait some time before being let back into their rooms. All students will be required to show a picture ID either before or after being let in the room to ensure the safety and security of all students on campus. Students will also be required to produce their University ID Card upon entry to the room.
* One free lockout per semester, each lockout is $25; if lockouts are excessive, a conduct meeting can and will be held.
Section 4: Guest Policy
A: Guest Policy
Overnight guests are not permitted during holiday and semester breaks (such as Thanksgiving break, Winter break, Spring break, etc.). Anyone not assigned by Housing to a particular residence hall room is considered a guest. Entrance into rooms is permitted only at the invitation of the occupants of the room. Any guest (including family members) will need to be provided access by the occupying resident.
Outside of the periods outlined above, occasional overnight guests are permitted, although within the context of the following guidelines:
Section 5: Safety Policies
A: General Safety
Safety is the responsibility of all community members. Tampering with emergency signage, fire alarms, phone, video surveillance, other safety devices, or the creation of an unsafe condition is a violation of the University of Maine System Student Conduct Code.
Do not let unknown persons in the residence hall, do not prop entrance doors open, and do not allow unknown persons to follow students into the building. Doing so may result in a referral to the student conduct process.
Motor Vehicles On Campus: For safety reasons the driver and all passengers who are driving on campus must be in a vehicle seat and have a seat belt on when the vehicle is in motion. On the UMM campus, no one can ride in the back of a vehicle, the bed of a truck, or any other unsecured way. People cannot be hanging out of vehicle windows or off the sides of vehicles.
B: University ID Card Access
C: Fire Alarm Procedures
Anticipate a fire drill at the beginning of each semester. When ANY fire alarm sounds students must:
D: Fire Safety Regulations
Tampering with or pulling a fire alarm maliciously or falsely is a criminal act. Tampering in any way with fire safety equipment which includes smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, exit lights, and fire extinguishers is a violation of the University of Maine System Student Conduct Code.
Students may not cover, remove, or in any way tamper or damage emergency exit signage posted on their door, or anywhere within the residence hall.
Students responsible for causing false alarms will be referred to the university conduct process.
Students who cause alarms to activate by cooking may be charged a fee, regardless of if it is in the students room or a designated cooking area. If this behavior is repeated on the part of an individual student, then the student is billed for restitution.
For the safety of all occupants and to reduce the risk of fire, the use of candles, incense, oil lamps, or any item with an open flame is strictly prohibited.
The possession, use, and sale of fireworks is not permitted in any campus living unit. The possession, use, and sale of fireworks is also not permitted on campus.
Section 6: Room Policies and Quiet Hours
A: Room Entry
It is expected that the residents of the room will present themselves when asked to do so by University staff. Failure to do so may result in a referral to the student conduct process.
Entry into a student room may occur when:
B: Health and Safety Room Inspection Policy
Residence Life staff will conduct periodic health and safety inspections of residence hall rooms. The purpose of these inspections is to ensure the residence halls are as safe as possible. A physical check of residential spaces in the halls is the only way to determine if, for example, a window has been left open, there has been any tampering with the fire detection or suppression systems, or there are prohibited items in the rooms.
C: Cleanliness
Students are responsible for cleaning their personal space. Excessive messes as determined by staff may be determined to be a health and safety violation. This may include but is not limited to excessive room trash and recyclables, odors that extend into the hallway, restricted pathway to exit or window, etc. In the event professional staff must be utilized to assist in an excessive clean-up, the student will be billed an hourly rate.
Noxious odors that impact roommates, neighbors, or public areas (including corridors), regardless of origin, are prohibited and may result in a health & safety room check and/or possible referral to the student conduct process.
D: Permitted Decorations Policy
E: Noise
Our residence halls are first and foremost a place for students to sleep and study. Some noise is to be expected in a thriving community but, because it is difficult to develop a shared definition of what is too loud, noise inevitably becomes an issue in the halls. All members of our communities and their guests are expected to be attentive to their noise levels, and to be responsive to other students who ask them to be quieter.
Note: It is never appropriate to set-up speakers to point out of their residence hall windows. Students who are being disturbed by noise are expected to respectfully confront those responsible for the noise and request that they quiet down. If noise issues continue, a student should then seek assistance from a Residence Life staff member. Student clubs and organizations are not permitted to play loud music through residence hall corridors, yell or scream, or bang on doors for any event, activity, or promotion.
All events hosted by student groups within or near residential areas must be conducted in a manner that does not disturb other residents or violate quiet hours. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action and loss of privilege to host future events in or around residential areas.
The University’s policies on quiet hours, courtesy hours, and finals week quiet hours are designed to promote environments where students may sleep and study without disruption from noise.
F: Quiet Hours Policy
Quiet hours during the normal academic year are as follows:
During quiet hours:
G: Courtesy Hours Policy
Courtesy hours are in effect 24 hours per day.
Courtesy hours mean that students are expected to refrain from noise which is a disturbance to another member of the community. If asked by any community member to lower their noise level, a student should appropriately do so immediately.
H: Finals Week 24-Hour Quiet Hours Policy
Quiet hours run 24 hours a day beginning at noon the Friday before finals week until the hall officially closes at 5 p.m. on Friday of finals week. Disruptive behavior may result in disciplinary action and may include being asked to leave the hall.
Section 7: Substance Use / Weapons Policy
A: Alcohol
B: Marijuana / Cannabis
C: Other Drugs
D: Tobacco
The University of Maine at Machias is a tobacco-free campus. This policy applies to faculty, staff, students, contractors, vendors, and visitors. The use of tobacco and all smoking products is not permitted on any university-owned property, which includes but is not limited to; buildings, university grounds, parking areas, walkways, recreational and sporting facilities, and university-owned vehicles.
Tobacco use includes the possession of any lighted tobacco products, or the use of any type of smokeless tobacco. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping.
E: Weapons Policy
Guns and ammunition of all kinds are prohibited from residence halls and from campus. This includes but is not limited to hunting rifles, airsoft guns, paintball guns, pellet guns, and bb guns. Bows and arrows, hunting knives (knives exceeding 4 inches in length), martial arts weapons, tasers, and ammunition are not permitted at any time in the residence halls and/or on campus. Keeping these items in vehicles is not permitted on University property. Any other items that are weapons and/or using an item as a weapon is prohibited. Prohibited weapons can be added to list this at anytime and/or Student Life staff can verbally prohibit a weapon as appropriate.
Section 8: Pet / Service Animals Policy
A: Pet / Animal Policy
Fish (non-meat eating) in a 10-gallon tank or smaller are the only permitted pet / animal for on-campus residents. Neglect of fish will result in a student conduct referral and possible loss of pet/animal privileges.
The university does not permit students to have any other pets / animals inside the residence halls, including pets / animals belonging to visiting guests.
B: Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals Policy
Section 9: Mail / Internet / Cable Policies
A: Mail Service
Mailing Address on Campus:
Student Name
116 O’Brien Avenue University of Maine at Machias
Machias, ME 04654
Mail is delivered each day (Monday-Friday) to student mailboxes before 8pm. All paper mail will be placed in assigned mailboxes.
If you will no longer be residing in a residence hall, you need to change your mailing address in your various personal accounts so that you continue to receive your mail. Please note that Residence Life does not automatically forward mail, nor do we forward mail to off-campus locations.
All packages (or mail exceeding the size of your residence hall mailbox) sent by UPS, FEDEX, USPS, or any other carrier to students in the residence hall will be delivered to the residence hall mail room. Please note: it is not uncommon for UPS, FedEx, or the shipper to send a delivery notification. This means your package has arrived in Machias, not necessarily to the central university office.
B: Internet and Wireless Service
Every residence hall room has at least one active internet jack. Wireless internet access is available in all the residence halls. Residents are required to register their computers and other connected devices on the network. Wireless routers are prohibited from use in the residence halls.
C: Cable Service
The University of Maine contracts with an outside company to provide cable to campus. Resident cable issues should be reported to professional staff.
Section 10: Property Insurance
A: Property Insurance
The University of Maine at Machias does NOT carry insurance protecting a student’s belongings. Check that your items brought to campus are protected under your parents/guardian’s homeowner’s policy or a separate personal property policy. We strongly encourage insurance for your belongings. We also recommended you engrave valuable items and keep a record of serial numbers.
Section 11: Common Area Policies
A: Common Area Policy
Section 12: Housing
A: Residency Requirement
All first year students are required to live on campus. Academic, personal, and programmatic support is provided to first-year and transfer students living on and off campus through Student Life and Student Services.
B: Eligibility
C: Housing Application
The University of Maine at Machias uses an online application for housing assignments. Communication with students is done directly upon receipt of a completed application.
D: Housing Assignments
Returning enrolled students complete their Housing Application and requests online. Information sessions are held in the residence halls prior to housing selection to explain the process to current students. Following the upper-class housing sign up process, incoming first-year students are given housing assignments. These assignments are made on a first come first serve basis. If two students want to room together it is crucial that this information is submitted on the housing application of both students, each indicating the other as a requested roommate. Both applications should be submitted at the same time. Assignment as roommates will not occur unless both parties follow this procedure. Note: if assignments have already occurred, it may not be possible to change the assignment given.
Students must live in the room they are assigned. All room change requests must be approved and are at the discretion of Residence Life staff. Please note that no room changes are permitted in the first and last 2 weeks of any semester. Should a conflict occur between roommates, Residence Life staff members are available to mediate a resolution. It would not be uncommon for a room request to be denied until all possible roommate mediation has been exhausted.
No roommate(s) may force another roommate to move out. If the conflict cannot be resolved and no one is willing to move, staff may relocate both roommates (or in suites, all residents). If a student refuses to accept a roommate, that student may face conduct charges, and could be billed the cost of a double as a single room.
*Room changes occurring as a result of a conduct resolution will be billed at the rate of the room reassigned to. Note that this may result in additional housing charges.
E: Kitchen and Kitchenette Use Guidelines
To ensure the shared kitchens and kitchenettes in our residence halls remain clean, safe, and welcoming spaces for all students, the following guidelines and standards must be followed at all times:
Respect for Shared Spaces
Kitchens and Kitchenettes are communal spaces and should be treated with courtesy and respect.
Personal items should not be left unattended or stored in the kitchen/kitchenette beyond their immediate use.
Noise should be kept to a minimum, especially during quiet hours.
Cleanliness and Personal Responsibility
Residents must clean up after themselves immediately after using the kitchen/kitchenette. This includes:
Washing and putting away any dishes, utensils, or cookware.
Wiping down countertops, stovetops, microwaves, and any surfaces used.
Removing any spilled food or trash.
Trash and recycling must be disposed of in the appropriate receptacles. Do not leave food waste in sinks or common areas.
Leaving dirty dishes, food scraps, or trash may result in cleaning fees or conduct action.
Appliance Use and Fire Safety
All appliances must be used safely and according to posted instructions.
Do not leave cooking food unattended at any time.
Do not tamper with or disable smoke detectors or other fire safety equipment.
Misuse of appliances or behavior resulting in a false fire alarm may result in disciplinary action and/or fines.
Shared Refrigerators
Refrigerator and freezer space is limited and shared among residents.
All food items must be labeled with your name and date of storage.
Expired or unclaimed items will be discarded.
Do not take or tamper with food that does not belong to you.
Following Posted Guidelines
Residents are expected to read and adhere to all signs and notices posted in the kitchen/kitchenette.
Additional temporary guidelines may be posted during high-use periods or for maintenance and cleaning schedules.
Violations and Accountability
Failure to comply with these policies may result in warnings, conduct referrals, cleaning charges, or loss of access to kitchen/kitchenette privileges.
Repeated misuse or failure to follow rules may impact your housing status.
By using the kitchen/ kitchenette, residents agree to follow these guidelines and help maintain a safe and respectful environment for all. Thank you for doing your part!
Section 13: Subletting / Summer Housing
A: Subletting Policy and Unauthorized Use
Students may not sublet their residence hall room at any time.
Students may not allow anyone to live in their residence hall room who is not assigned to the space by the Housing office.
Residents who allow their spaces to be used in any of the above ways are in violation of this provision and are subject to a penalty charge. This charge could be as much as the full room charge for each violation during the period of their contract. Residents may also be subject to removal from university housing and / or referral to the student conduct process.
B: Summer Housing
A residence hall will be open to students for summer housing who are taking classes, working on campus, and / or are enrolled as full time students in the upcoming Fall semester. If a student is taking classes in various summer terms, they will need to secure housing for each term. If there is a gap in time between classes, students will need to move out of the building between sessions.
Section 14: Property Management / Custodial / Maintenance
A: Property Management
Residence Life is charged with making on-campus living the style of choice for students attending the University of Maine at Machias. The condition of your rooms and buildings are paramount in this effort and we strive to make your living experience a memorable one.
B: Custodial Services
Custodial Services provides for the cleaning, supplies and materials and departmental furniture. The custodian monitors and reports issues involving maintenance or damage. The Facilities Maintenance staff is trained in biohazard cleanups, and the use of environmentally friendly cleaning practices. These folks are an integral part of the residence community and essential to the operation of our residence halls. Please thank them whenever you are given the opportunity.
C: Maintenance Services
Residents should submit maintenance concerns to their RA or a professional staff member. It is the policy of the university to ensure that students’ privacy in their residence hall rooms is consistent with the basic responsibilities of the institution to fulfill its educational function and to conduct day-to-day operations. As an occupant of a room, a student is responsible for its upkeep and is liable for damage to or loss from the room. Students are not permitted to paint their rooms.
Section 15: Recycling
A: Recycling & Sustainability
Students must remove personal trash directly to the trash room. We advocate the conservation of energy and water through the following methods:
Section 16: Pest Management
A: Pest Management
Screens are in place to prevent bugs and other debris from entering a student room when windows are open. For safety, security, and to prevent infestation, no screen may be removed. If a screen comes loose for any reason, students should immediately contact their RA.
The University of Maine at Machias proactively works to control pests in the residence halls. Students play a significant role in keeping pests out of residence halls.
Room cleanliness is essential when it comes to pest management. Making sure to empty trash regularly and remove open food containers from the room immediately after use are the most proactive ways to avoid pests. Collecting empty cans can attract pests very quickly, be sure to recycle them regularly. Do not bring any used mattresses or upholstered furniture, such as couches, chairs or futons, into the residence hall in order to prevent flea and/or bed bug infestation. A contract with an outside agency implements an Integrated Pest Management System to regularly inspect and spray all the residence halls for pests. Residence halls are monitored on a weekly basis for any other issues that may arise concerning pests.
Section 17: Elevator
A: Elevators
If the elevator in Dorward Hall is not working properly, please contact a professional staff member. The maximum capacity for the elevator is listed in each elevator. Students should not exceed this capacity. Jumping in and overcrowding an elevator is known to cause serious damage. When this happens the cost of the repair is paid for by the students involved or the residents of the residence hall. If an elevator is stuck, do not attempt to open the doors from inside. Always push the safety call button for the police department who will then contact the appropriate individuals for repair.
Elevators are essential for students with physical disabilities so it is essential that everyone protect them and avoid activities that may endanger them.
Section 18: Refrigerator / Microwave / Washer / Dryer / Vending Policies
A: Refrigerators and Microwaves
Students are permitted to have one miniature refrigerator and one small microwave per residence hall room. Refrigerator units should not be more than 4 cubic feet and must be UL or FM approved, drawing no more than 10 amps and properly grounded. Microwaves should be no more then 1200 watt, no more than a height of (in.) 10″ – 12″ and width (in.) 15″ – 18″, and cannot be a combination unit (such as cannot be a microwave & oven, microwave & air fryer, and other similar combination units). The university provides grounded outlets.
B: Washers, Dryers & Vending Services
Section 19: Heating / Ventilation / Furniture / Window Policies
A: Heating & Ventilation
B: Furniture & Windows in Residence Hall Rooms
C: Windows & Screens
Residence hall rooms should come equipped with window screens. Screens are in place to prevent bugs and other debris from entering a student room when windows are open. Screens should never be removed from the frame or student window. Windows may not be used as an entrance into or exit out of the student room. Throwing items out of a student room is a danger to all students and thus is prohibited.
Section 20: Bike Storage
A: Bike Storage
Section 21: Title IX
A. Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, Stalking and Retaliation and Title IX Sexual Harassment
The University of Maine at Machias does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment.
The University will respond to complaints and reports of violations of this policy in a prompt, fair, impartial and equitable manner. Regardless of whether a complaint is filed, the University will respond promptly and reasonably when it has notice of potential sexual misconduct that is covered by this policy. The University will take steps to end and prevent recurrence of violations of this policy and to correct their discriminatory effects on the complainant and others when a determination of responsibility has been made against a respondent. In responding to all complaints and reports, the University will act to ensure the safety of students, guests, and employees while complying with state and federal laws and provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements and employee handbooks.
Individuals with questions about Title IX, or who would like to report a violation, are encouraged to contact any of the persons or agencies listed below. In addition, any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone or by electronic mail by using the contact information listed below for the Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinators, or by any other means that results in the Title IX Coordinator receiving the person’s verbal or written report. Reports can be made during non-business hours by mail to the listed office addresses or by using the listed telephone numbers or e-mail addresses. Inquiries about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, or both.
The grievance procedures and process, including how to file a report and how the University will respond can be found at maine.edu/title-ix.
The Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Relationship Violence, Stalking, and Retaliation and Title IX Sexual Harassment policy and procedures may be found at: maine.edu/board-of-trustees/policy-manual/section-402.
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students: Cam McDonnell
Phone: 207.581.1485
Email: cam.mcdonnell1@maine.edu
Office: Memorial Union, W.T. Grant Company Room, Room 235A, Orono, ME 04469 (Orono Campus)
Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees: Krissinda Slack
Phone: 207.581.1206
Email: krissinda.slack@maine.edu
Office: Chadbourne Hall Room 412, Orono, ME 04469 (Orono Campus)
UMS Title IX Coordinator for Employees: Liz Lavoie
Phone: 207.581.1206
Email: titleix@maine.edu
Office: Chadbourne Hall Room 412, Orono, ME 04469 (Orono Campus)
B. Consenting Relationships
Consenting relationships may constitute sexual harassment. When a professional power differential exists between members of the University of Maine System and a romantic or sexual relationship develops, there is a potential for abuse of that power, even in relationships of apparent mutual consent. Faculty and staff members are strongly advised not to engage in such relationships and must report any such relationship to Human Resources, without exception.
The Consenting Relationship Guidelines can be found at: maine.edu/human-resources/human-resources/guidelines-regarding-consenting-relationships. Further, the University System prohibits the abuse of power in romantic or sexual relationships.
To assure that power is not abused and to maintain an environment free of sexual harassment, a faculty or staff member must eliminate any current or potential conflict of interest by removing himself or herself from decisions affecting the other person in the relationship. Decisions affecting the other person include grading, evaluating, supervising, or otherwise influencing that person’s education, employment, housing, or participation in athletics or any other University System activity.
