Responsibilities of Key/ Keycard Holders

All keys and keycards (Student ID cards or temporary cards encoded for door access) are to be used safely and responsibly. Residents are not permitted to duplicate keys or give their ID/keycard or room key to any other unauthorized individuals. All keys must be surrendered at time of check-out.

Students living in residence halls with main entry or exit doors are not allowed to prop the doors or allow entry to anyone who is not their escorted guest or a resident of the building. Main doors in enclosed residence halls are locked 24 hours a day for residents' safety and security. Residents are expected to secure or report any unsecured doors. Residents who allow others to gain access to student residences may be removed from University housing immediately.

Room Access

Main entry doors (except those at Mountain Springs Apartments) in student residences are equipped with card access locks. These locks read the information stored on the magnetic strip of students’ ID cards. There are four possible sequences of lights that will occur after a card is inserted and removed from a reader:

• Green light – the card has been accepted and the door is now unlocked.
• Double green light – the door is unlocked until the card is dipped in the reader twice. This feature is available only on some individual bedroom doors inside student apartments.
• Green light and flashing Red light – The batteries in the lock are running low and need to be changed. Be sure to contact your RA as soon as possible so they can submit a work order.
• Red and Green light – The card is expired; you need to have it updated as the door will not unlock.
• Red light – You don’t have permission to access this room.

Expiration Dates

Your room access will be active from the day you get your card encoded at the Residential Life office until noon on the day following the last scheduled final exam for the semester. Apartment residents who are authorized to stay in University Housing between semesters may come by the office during finals week to get their access extended.

Lock Outs

If you are locked out of your room between 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday, you should try to find an RA to assist you. (Please try knocking on all RA doors in your residence hall or apartment area.) If no RAs are available, please go to the Residential Life Office, 2nd Floor Fidel, to request a temporary key/keycard.

After hours (5pm-8am) and throughout the weekend, you should contact Campus Police at 575.835.5434 to reach the Resident Assistant on Duty to help you. Your RA may not be the staff member on duty and therefore may not be nearby.

Residential Life staff keeps a record of room access given to locked-out residents. If you are locked out, you should be asked to sign a room access request form. These records are kept at Residential Life. After the first week of classes, if a resident has been assisted with more than two lock outs, the student’s account will be charged $15 for the third room access and $5 for any other lock outs our staff assists the student with during the semester.

Lost ID/Keycard

If you lose your ID/keycard, be sure to come to the Residential Life office immediately to get a temporary keycard. (After hours, please contact Campus Police for assistance.) Any temporary keycard will only work until noon the next business day. If you cannot find your ID within 24 hours, you will need to go to the Registrar’s Office and purchase a new ID and then have it encoded for door access at Residential Life Office as soon as possible. As soon as a replacement keycard is used to access your door, the old keycard will no longer work.

Lost Key (Mountain Springs Residents Only)

If you lose your key please come to the Residential Life Office immediately. (After hours, please contact Campus Police for assistance). A spare key can be issued to you. If you have any roommates, you are required to make every reasonable attempt to notify them of your lost key as soon as possible. If you cannot find your original key within 24 hours, your lock will be replaced and new access keys will be made and $100 will be charged to your student account.

Please note that residents are always charged for a lock change when they do not have a key to return at check out; so there is no benefit to postpone the reporting of a lost key. For your safety and the safety of others living with you; always report missing keys promptly.

Residential Life recognizes the importance of providing reasonable accommodations and modifications in its housing policies and practices where necessary for individuals with disabilities to use and enjoy University housing. In compliance with Federal civil rights laws for persons with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and related U.S. Department of Education guidance; as well as the Fair Housing Act and related government guidance, New Mexico Tech provides reasonable housing accommodations and modifications for residential students with disabilities.

Guidelines and information for reasonable accommodation requests related to University housing at New Mexico Tech:

The University’s Office of Counseling and Disability Services (OCDS) is responsible for evaluating students’ requests for reasonable accommodations at New Mexico Tech, including in University housing. In evaluating a reasonable accommodation request of an individual living or seeking to live in University housing, OCDS may consult with Residential Life (the Office of Residential Life & Conference Services), and the University’s ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, as necessary, to determine whether the requested accommodation is necessary and reasonable.

Standard reasonable accommodations for students living in University housing at New Mexico Tech include, but are not limited to: exemptions from residential meal plan requirements, less-than-full-time enrollment waivers from standard residency requirements, single bedroom/accessible bedroom assignments, kitchen-availability assignments, emergency strobe alarms, and authorization to live with assistance animals.

Individuals with disabilities who reside or intend to reside in University housing who believe they need a reasonable accommodation should contact the Office of Counseling and Disability Services (by telephone at 575.835.6619, by email at counseling@nmt.edu, or in person on the ground level, northwest corner of the Joseph A. Fidel Student Services Center.

An individual seeking an accommodation at New Mexico Tech should contact OCDS as soon as practicably possible. The University will consider requests for reasonable accommodation in University housing at any time. However, if the request for accommodation is made fewer than 60 days before the individual intends to move into University housing, the University cannot guarantee that it will be able to meet the individual’s accommodation needs during the first semester or term of occupancy. Accommodations that require certain room types, such as ADA-accessible bathrooms, are also dependent on space availability. If a need for an accommodation arises when an individual already resides in University housing, he/she should contact OCDS as soon as practicably possible.

When considering reasonable accommodation requests for housing, the University will seek only the information necessary to verify whether the individual making the request has a disability and/or to evaluate if the reasonable accommodation is necessary to provide the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing. However, students are welcomed to share additional information with OCDS so staff may be best informed to meet their needs.

• Obvious Disability: If the individual's disability and the necessity for the accommodation are obvious (e.g. an individual with a physical disability using a wheelchair needs an accessible room), the individual need only explain what type of accommodation he/she is requesting. No verification of disability and/or necessity is required under these circumstances.
• Non-Obvious Disability/Necessity: If the disability is obvious but the need for the accommodation is not obvious (e.g. an individual with a vision impairment requests a meal plan waiver), the University may require the individual to designate a reliable third party who can verify that the requested accommodation is necessary to provide the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy University housing. If both the disability and necessity for the accommodation are not obvious, the University may require the individual to designate a reliable third party who can verify that the individual has a disability and that the requested accommodation is necessary to provide the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy university housing. A reliable third-party includes, but is not limited to, a doctor or other medical professional or a nonmedical service agency (e.g., Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) who is familiar with the individual's disability and the necessity for the requested accommodation.

The individual making the request for an accommodation in University housing must cooperate with OCDS in a timely manner in providing all information needed to determine whether the requested accommodation is necessary. OCDS may consult with Residential Life to determine if the requested housing accommodation is reasonable.

Approval of Accommodation: If OCDS determines a requested accommodation is appropriate, it will contact the individual seeking the accommodation to discuss implementation of the accommodation. A written document outlining any validated housing accommodations will then be produced by OCDS to be forwarded to Residential Life. Residential Life will keep this documentation – known as a “University Housing Accommodation Form” – in the residential student’s individual file at Residential Life. Unless an exceptional situation arises and/or unless there are circumstances outside the control of Residential Life, the office will honor the approved accommodations for residential students per the dates specified by OCDS on the University Housing Accommodation Form (dates of approved accommodation are usually defined by semester and academic year).

Denial of Accommodation/Opportunity for Appeal: An accommodation may be found unreasonable if it: (1) imposes an undue financial and/or administrative burden; (2) fundamentally alters University housing policies; (3) poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others or would cause substantial property damage to the property of others, including University property; and/or (4) is otherwise unreasonable to the operation of the University.

If OCDS determines a requested housing accommodation is necessary but unreasonable, OCDS will contact the individual to determine if there are alternative accommodations that might effectively meet the individual’s disability-related needs. If the individual is unwilling to accept any alternative accommodation offered by OCDS or there are no alternative accommodations available, OCDS will provide the reasons for the denial to the individual. A student may appeal any denial of accommodation with the University’s Section 504 Compliance Officer. If the appeal is denied, the University’s Section 504 Compliance Officer shall provide written notification of the denial to the individual along with a written explanation of the reasons for the denial.

The University will not retaliate against any individual because that individual has requested, received, or been denied an accommodation in University housing.

Confidentiality & Recordkeeping:

In processing requests for reasonable accommodations, the University will take all steps required by federal, state, and/or local law to protect the confidentiality of any information or documentation disclosed in connection with the requests. Such measures may include limiting access to such information to individuals specifically designated to determine and implement requests for reasonable accommodations, who will disclose the information only to the extent necessary to determine whether to grant the request, determine if the request is unreasonable, and implement any request granted, keeping all written requests and accompanying documentation in a secure area to which only those designated individuals have access, except as otherwise required by law.

For more information and related policies/procedures, please visit the New Mexico Tech Student Access Services webpage at: https://www.nmt.edu/cds/disabilityservices.php.

Persons of legal age (21 or older) are permitted to possess and consume alcoholic beverages inside University apartments and residence halls (except Baca Hall which is a substance-free residence) under the following conditions:

• The door and blinds to the bedroom/apartment are closed whenever alcohol is visible.
• Residents or guests may not cause any disturbance or concern to others in the community.
• All persons present must have on their person a legitimate means of picture and age identification.
• The number of people in the bedroom/apartment may never violate Fire Safety or Guest policies.
• Everyone present in the bedroom or apartment where alcohol is available must be at least 21 years of age (regardless of who may or may not be consuming).*
  *Residents living in family housing with children under their legal guardianship are permitted to keep alcoholic beverages in their apartments and may consume alcohol at their discretion as long as they are abiding by all other State laws and University policies and do not serve or provide access to alcohol for anyone under 21 years of age regardless of relation.
• Students and guests must always abide by all New Mexico State laws and all University policies & guidelines regarding the purchase, possession, transportation and consumption of controlled alcoholcontaining beverages.

Devices designed for rapid consumption of alcohol are prohibited and subject to confiscation regardless of the age of the owner. Kegs and other common source containers are prohibited. Behavior that encourages or contributes to excessive alcohol consumption is prohibited. Binge drinking is strictly forbidden. Persons consuming alcohol may only drink in moderation and may not consume anything classified as an energy substance while drinking alcohol in residence hall rooms or apartments. Drinking games and activities (i.e. beer pong) that may promote the irresponsible use of alcohol are prohibited.

Alcohol paraphernalia such as taps and funnels are not permitted. Alcohol containers of any kind are not allowed in rooms registered to students under 21 years of age; in rooms where alcohol is allowed, any empty alcohol containers must be removed/recycled promptly. Collection of bottle caps or alcohol bottles/cans for display is not permitted. Alcohol promotional/decorative items (beer signs, lamp shades, etc.) are not permitted in any windows, on the outside of room doors, or in public areas.

Alcohol cannot be consumed or carried in any open container (seal broken) in any automobile within the State of New Mexico. On campus, open containers are also prohibited on all University streets, sidewalks, residential hallways, lounges and other pubic areas. In apartments where some assigned residents are 21 years of age and older and others are under 21, no alcoholic beverages shall be kept in common areas or appliances.

Students and guests who refuse to recognize and obey the authority of Residential Life Staff or Campus Police Officers risk criminal charges and campus judicial action. If off-campus guests are in violation of Residential Life policies, they may be banned from visiting University residences.

When persons are found to be in violations of this policy, the following can occur:

• All alcohol (open or unopened) may be confiscated and/or disposed of.
• Campus Police will be contacted to evaluate the situation and determine if criminal charges are warranted.
• Non-residents of the bedroom/apartment may immediately be removed.
• In addition to any reports from Campus Police, a Residential Life Incident Report will be filed with Residential Life and The Dean of Students or Dean of Graduate Studies.
• A conduct meeting will be held for any students involved to decide what disciplinary sanctions should be issued.

Personalizing your living space is an important part of making your University residence your home. However, residents are not permitted to put nails, staples, duct tape or holes in walls (ask our staff for recommendations on appropriate methods to hang items on walls.) Please be advised that you may not make any permanent alterations to University rooms or furniture unless approved by Residential Life. Many residence hall beds have the capability to be bunked. However, you may not construct a loft for your bed. Students are not allowed to paint, alter, repair or remodel any room or public area in a residence hall or apartment without prior approval from Residential Life. Rearranging University furniture in your room must be in accordance with manufacture use.

You may not have any heavy or oversized furniture in your room. This includes but is not limited to a waterbed, any furniture containing liquid, wood structures or bars. The common furniture is for all residents in your residence. Borrowing or taking furniture is considered theft. Do not remove common furnishings from designated areas. If furniture is missing from common areas, the wing, hall or apartment will be charged for replacement. Residents are prohibited from vandalizing, damaging or destroying property of the University or other students. Time and labor to address damages or unauthorized changes will be charged to the applicable residents of the residence. Damages in your room or apartment which are not listed in your room condition report at check in will be billed to you after your check out

New Mexico Tech is committed to allowing individuals with disabilities the use of service animals on campus to facilitate their full participation and equal access to the University’s programs and activities. Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are dogs or miniature horses that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Other species of animals are not service animals. By law, a service animal is generally allowed in all public areas as long as the animal is under the control of its owner. Service animals are not pets. To respect the rights and privacy of people with disabilities, federal law only permits the University to ask if a service animal is required because of a disability, as well as what work or task the dog has been trained to perform. Individuals do not have to provide documentation of their disabilities, proof that service animals have been trained, or place special vests on their service animal. Owners of service animals are responsible for: the well-being of the service animal as well as the cost of any damages as a result of the service animal; the immediate clean-up and proper disposal of all waste of the animal; the control of the service animal at all times; and the harnessing, leashing, or tethering the service animal, unless an individual’s disability precludes the use of a restraint or if the restraint would interfere with the service animal's safe, effective performance of work or tasks. Service animal may be excluded from campus under the following circumstances: the animal is disruptive and not effectively controlled; the presence of the service animal would fundamentally change the nature of a job, service, or activity; the service animal’s presence, behavior, or actions pose an unreasonable or direct threat to property and/or the health or safety of others; or the service animal is not housebroken.

In addition to honoring the rights individuals with service animals, the Office of Residential Life & Conference Services recognizes the broader category of “assistance animals” as defined by the Fair Housing Act. By law, Assistance animal means any service animal, as defined above, as well as any animal needed for emotional support. Some assistance animals are professionally trained, but in other cases assistance animals provide the necessary support to individuals with disabilities without any formal training or certification. Dogs are commonly used as assistance animals, but according federal law and related guidance, any animal may serve a person with a disability as an assistance animal. Assistance animals that are not also considered service animal can benefit individuals with disabilities but do not accompany those individuals at all times. Assistance animals are not pets. It is important to note that animals that may be needed because of a disability may be identified by various names. For example, an individual may identify the animal as a companion animal, therapy animal, or emotional support animal.

Although individuals are generally prohibited from having animals of any type in University housing, an individual may keep an assistance animal as an accommodation in University housing if: the individual is disabled; the animal is necessary to afford the individual an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling or perform the necessary duties of a job; and there is an identifiable relationship between the disability and the assistance the animal provides. However, no assistance animals (other than those also meeting the ADA definition of service animals) may be kept in University housing at any time prior to the individual receiving approval for the assistance animal as a reasonable accommodation.

The procedure for requesting occupancy with an assistance animal follows the general procedures set forth in the “Accommodations for Residents with Disabilities” section of these Community Standards. The University’s Office of Counseling & Disability Services will consult with Residential Life in making a determination on a case-by-case basis of whether the presence of any assistance animal is reasonable. The University reserves the right to inform Residential Life staff as well as Campus Police and Facilities Management personnel about the presence of any permitted assistance animal in University housing. Such information shall be limited to information related to the animal and shall not include information related to any individual’s disability.

As with service animals, individuals are responsible for the control, care, and supervision of any permitted assistance animals at all times. Any approved assistance animal must be contained within the specifically assigned University residence of its owner (e.g., that resident’s room, suite, or apartment) except to the extent the individual is taking the animal out for natural relief. When an assistance animal is outside the assigned individual living accommodations, it must be in an animal carrier or controlled by a leash or harness. Assistance animals (other than those also meeting the ADA definition of service animals) are not allowed in any University facilities other than the University residence hall or apartment to which the individual is assigned. The assistance animal must be properly housed and restrained or otherwise under the dominion and control of its owner at all times. No owner shall permit an animal to go loose. If an animal is found loose or running at large, the animal is subject to capture and confinement and immediate removal from University housing. The owner is required to clean up after and properly dispose of the animal’s waste in a safe and sanitary manner. The owner is required to ensure the animal is well cared for at all times. The University will not require a resident with a disability to pay a fee or surcharge for an approved assistance animal; however, residents may be charged for any damage caused by his or her assistance animal beyond reasonable wear and tear. Assistance animals may not be left overnight in University Housing to be cared for by any individual other than the owner. The owner is responsible for ensuring that the assistance animal is contained, as appropriate, when the owner is not present during the day while attending classes or other activities. An assistance animal is allowed in University housing only as long as it is necessary because of the owner’s disability. The owner must notify the Office of Counseling and Disability Services if the Assistance animal is no longer needed or is no longer in residence. The University may require an individual to remove an assistance animal from University housing if:

1. the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others or causes substantial property damage to the property of others;
2. the animal’s presence results in a fundamental alteration of a University program;
3. the owner does not comply with the owner’s responsibilities set forth above; or
4. the animal or its presence creates an unmanageable disturbance or interference with the university community.

Individuals with assistance animals, including service animals as defined by the ADA, must follow all requirements mandated by law. No person may own, possess or keep any dog or cat within the City of Socorro unless such animal is vaccinated and licensed, as specified by local ordinance, or has a current vaccination and is validly licensed by the city or another municipality within the State of New Mexico. It is a violation of New Mexico State law to falsely present an animal as a qualified service animal (NM Stat § 28-11-6).

Biking and skating of any kind is prohibited inside University residences, including within all lounges, balconies, indoor and outdoor hallways, and other common areas. Outside bike racks are available in each residential area. Bicycles should not be stored inside apartments or bedrooms unless it in a closet or an area where it would not be deemed a hazard.

Cleaning and repair costs to tile floors, carpets, and walls caused by rubber wheels or tires will be charged to the student or students responsible. In cases where it has not been determined who is responsible for damage, community damage billing may be used. The kicking or throwing of balls or the use of any other recreational items intended for gymnasium or outdoor use is not allowed inside residence halls or apartment complexes.

Hypodermic needles and any other substances/items deemed to be biohazardous must be disposed of in a safe and proper manner. Disposing of hypodermic needles or any biohazardous material in public trash receptacles or dumpsters is strictly prohibited. Residents using sharps containers or otherwise in need of assistance disposing of medical waste are encouraged to contact Tech’s Student Heath Center: 575.835.5094.

Emergencies

In case of a medical emergency, active security threat, or eminent danger of any kind, please call the Emergency Line for Campus Police immediately at 575.835.5555.

Non-Emergencies

If you do not have an emergency, but need assistance you can:

• Try to find an RA
• Call Campus Police’s non-emergency line at 575.835.5434 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Call or visit the Residential Life Office 575-835-5900 (8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday – Friday)

Contacting a Resident Assistant

Please note the Campus Police Dispatch line (575.835.5434) is available as an easy way for a resident to reach an RA on Duty. There is an RA on Duty to help residents every evening and throughout the weekend. If you have an urgent maintenance issue or other problem, or even if you just need to talk to someone, you can reach the RA on Duty by contacting Campus Police. If you have a specific problem, please let the dispatcher know what it is. If you just need to talk, you may let the dispatcher know you wish to speak with an RA directly.

The University provides no supervisory personnel for children in Family Housing. The registered student is responsible for the supervision and safety of his/her dependants at all times and in all areas of campus. If children are disruptive or continually bother other residents, Residential Life should be notified to address the situation.

All buildings have common space areas (TV lounges, bathrooms, laundry rooms, study spaces, hallways, etc.) We will be restricting the number of residents who can occupy a common space. Also we will be requiring one way traffic in certain hallways. Since each space is different there will be signs in each area indicating the number of people allowed to occupy that space. There will also be signs indicating which way one way traffic must go where applicable.

Residential Life staff will communicate with residents in various ways including telephone, email and in person. The most prevalent and frequent form of communication is email sent to students’ student.nmt.edu addresses. Residents should check their NMT email regularly to be aware of important information disseminated by Residential Life and other University departments.

New Mexico state law and University policy strictly prohibits the use, possession and/or distribution of illegal drugs and associated paraphernalia. The misuse of prescription medicine or other drugs in or around the residence hall/apartment communities will also not be tolerated. Anyone found to be in violation of this policy is subject to criminal and/or disciplinary action including dismissal from University Housing.

New Mexico Tech does not honor medical marijuana cards and the use of marijuana for medicinal or other purposes is strictly prohibited in the residence halls, apartments, or elsewhere on campus. Please refer to the University Student Handbook for more information.

Students' right to quiet study, sleep and privacy in University housing is important and must be respected. “Courtesy Hours” are in effect 24 hours a day. This means at no time should noise in apartments or residence halls reach a level that disturbs other members of the community. Specific quiet hours are set to ensure an academic atmosphere.

Quiet hours are 10:00pm until 8:00am Sunday through Thursday and midnight until 10:00am Friday and Saturday. If a Friday or a Monday during the week is a holiday with no classes the night prior will reflect weekend quiet hours. Weekend quiet hours also apply during extended breaks and between terms. Quiet hours will be extended to 24-hours toward the end of each semester before finals exams begin. Signs will be conspicuously posted in all residential areas notifying students when 24-quiet hours are in effect.

Noise that is determined by the Residential Life staff to be excessive or disturbing will not be tolerated. Please respect and be courteous of other students' rights to a quiet environment. Baca Hall has 24-hour quiet hours.

Residential Life is committed to the educational mission of the University in fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment. Any known threats to the physical and/or psychological welfare of our residents will be addressed by professional staff. Conduct which creates an unnecessary risk of physical harm to self or others, or actions which disrupt the life of the academic and/or residential community, will not be tolerated. Welfare concerns may be reported to the Dean of Students, the Dean of Graduate Studies, the Title IX Coordinator, University Counseling staff, and/or the University’s Behavioral Intervention Team. Residential Life Staff will decide what type of response is appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to report any potentially harmful situations or individuals.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 residents will need to remain 6 feet apart from each other at all times. Exceptions are your roommates and people who live in the same apartment as you. Residents who act in a way that the Residential Life staff deem to be negligent in taking precautions to prevent the spread of COVID19 will be considered an endangerment to others. They may be temporally removed from campus housing until their conduct case is heard.

Residential Life expects students and their guests to respect the reasonable expectations of privacy of other individuals within the residential community. Within any University residence hall or student apartment complex, students and their guests are not permitted to photograph others or to make or attempt to make an audio or video recording of any conversations, informal gatherings, and/or meetings without the knowledge and consent of all participants subject to such recordings. The use of undisclosed or hidden recording devices is strictly prohibited, as is the transmission and/or distribution of any such recordings. Permission to film/record in University residences may be granted in certain circumstances and in certain locations with prior permission from Residential Life.

Fire safety awareness, education and compliance are essential for maintaining a safe and comfortable environment to live and learn. Regardless of the frequency of alarms, participation in evacuation procedures is mandatory. Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the residence halls. Unannounced fire drills will be conducted in all residences at least five times per year, except in family housing apartments where there will be at least one drill each semester. Evacuation procedures are posted conspicuously in each residential area. Residential Life or Campus Police staff may open rooms during drills to verify evacuation.

All students and guests are prohibited from: intentionally setting fires; falsely reporting a fire; removing or discharging fire extinguishers without cause; tampering with safety or fire-fighting equipment; failing to immediately vacate a building at the sound of a fire alarm; hampering fire evacuation or investigation procedures; fastening stair doors, exit doors, or other safety doors in an open position; failing to keep corridors, stairwells, and public areas free of obstacles; using or possessing candles, incense or other items that produce burning embers or flames; using or possessing space heaters or halogen bulbs/lamps; using or possessing electrical appliances or tools with an open or exposed heating element other than those listed as authorized or provided by the University in apartment residences; installing portable air conditioners; using any electrical devices lacking a UL (Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.) rating; using electrical equipment in a manner other than the designed use; hanging items such as decorations from doors, windows or their frames in a manner that may impede exit; covering greater than 25% of any wall or ceiling within a bedroom or common area; covering fire system equipment, bringing “live cut" trees or shrubs (such as Christmas trees) or combustible decorations into residential facilities. Curtains must be flame resistant (per NFPA 701). Upholstered furniture must be flame resistant (labeled CAL 133). Extension cords, multi-plug adapters and plugging one power strip into another one (piggy-backing) are prohibited. Power strips must be UL approved, grounded, 3-prong, 12 or 14-gauge, and equipped with an over current surge protector.

Residents are permitted to have personal refrigerators in their bedrooms, provided the appliance is in good working condition with: a capacity of 6 cubic feet or less and using 3 amperes or less. Residents are permitted to have personal microwaves in their bedrooms, provided the appliance is in good working condition and uses no more than 700 watts. Residents may keep coffee makers as well as irons (for garments or hair) in their bedrooms as long as the devices are attended when in use and unplugged when unattended. Besides the few devices aforementioned in this section, any other small appliance or device that produces heat is not allowed in student bedrooms.

Cooking is prohibited in all student rooms/common areas other than in designated kitchen areas in some halls and in apartments where cooking is only permitted under the following conditions: All general appliances provided by the University and any smaller appliances brought in by residents are only to be used for their intended purposes. Stove, ovens and microwaves should NEVER be used when unattended. Residents who don’t use appliances in an appropriate manner may lose the use of University-furnished appliances or they may be directed to remove certain appliances. If a Residential Life staff member deems any appliance or other item in a building to present a danger, residents may be asked to remove it immediately. 

The following items are considered fire hazards and are prohibited inside all University residences:

• Air Fryers
• Barbecues
• Candles (including candle warmers)
• Combustion engines
• Flammable materials such as paint thinner, gasoline or motor oil
• Gasoline or electrical powered vehicles
• Halogen lamps
• Holiday/string lights (unless low wattage, less that 12 watts)
• Hookahs
• Hot plates
• Hot pots
• Incense
• Instapots
• Lava lamps
• Microwaves over 700 watt usage
• Neon signs
• Portable Ovens
• Space heaters (with the exception of those which may be temporarily issued by University staff)
• Stoves (electric, wood, charcoal or gas)

The above list is not to be considered all-exclusive of prohibited items. Residential Life and Campus Police have full discretion to determine what items may be permitted or confiscated in University residences due to fire safety concerns.

The number of occupants at any time in a double-occupancy bedroom may not exceed 8. The number of occupants at any time in any single-occupancy bedroom may not exceed 4. The number of occupants at any time in any apartment may not exceed the number of residents assigned to that living unit, plus two guests each. In special circumstances, exceptions may be made as allowed by Residential Life if permitted by fire safety officials.

Residents are encouraged to confront individuals disregarding the Fire Safety Policy and bring violations to the attention of Residential Life Staff promptly.

Any wagering involving the exchange of money or goods is prohibited in University residences

Gender inclusive housing is open to all NMT students. Gender-inclusive living spaces are available in designated areas of some residence halls, as well as throughout all of our apartment complexes. Genderinclusive housing allows students to share a multiple-occupancy bedroom, suite, or apartment regardless of students’ sex or gender. Gender-inclusive housing is not intended for romantic couples. Rather, it provides options for a variety of students: students who feel they would be more compatible with a roommate of a different sex or gender, students in the process of discovering their gender identity, students who do not want sex or gender to be a primary factor in choosing a roommate, and students who wish to live in a diverse environment not predicated on a gender binary.

Gender-inclusive housing intends to support a welcoming and inclusive campus climate. Students will only be assigned to gender-neutral housing spaces by request and this agreement must be signed by any student electing to live in a gender neutral environment

With the COVID-19 pandemic we are temporally not allowing our on campus residents to have guests in their building/room. Residential Life defines guest as someone who is in a building or room not assigned to them. The only people allowed into buildings with interior hallways are the residents of said building. For buildings that do not have interior hallways only people allowed into the rooms/apartments are the people living in said rooms/apartments.

Pornographic or X-rated materials (movies, literature, and videos) are prohibited in public areas of all residence halls and apartments. No pornographic pictures are allowed to be displayed on room doors facing the hallways or facing out your windows. Culturally insensitive or offensive material will not be tolerated. Please don’t display inappropriate or objectionable window or door decorations. Residential Life Staff has full and ultimate authority to order the removal of any materials deemed inappropriate in the residential community.

Residents in halls with community kitchens are expected to use the privilege with care and consideration. Students using community kitchen areas are responsible for cleaning the area and any appliances or utensils they may use. Food left in community refrigerators may be disposed of without notice.

If kitchen areas are not kept clean, the privilege will be revoked. RAs in buildings with kitchens may set up a cleaning schedule to ensure regular and proper cleaning of these areas.

Masks will be required in any common spaces in residence halls and apartments. When you are in your room/apartment you will not be required to wear a mask. Buildings with common bathrooms (West, Presidents, Driscoll, and Torres), masks will not be required when taking a shower.

The University will make every reasonable effort to protect the personal property of residents, but will not be liable for articles lost, stolen, or damaged by fire, water, heat and/or natural disasters. Students can register bicycles and other valuables with Campus Police. Residents are also encouraged to consult their or their parents' home owner's insurance policy and/or consider purchasing renter's insurance to cover potential loss or damage to personal property. For more information on the limitation of University liability, refer to the Residential Life Room & Board Application and License Agreement.

We ask that you only bring essential personal property that you will need to be academically successful here at New Mexico Tech. While the COVID-19 pandemic is present, there could be a possibility that we will need to evacuate the campus. The fewer possessions you bring on to campus the easier it will be for you to evacuate if it is deemed necessary.

No pets of any kind, including fish, are allowed in any of the residence halls or apartments. No exceptions are made to this policy regardless of the pet size or emotional relation. This policy is strictly enforced. Violation of this policy may result in dismissal from the residence halls or apartments. Service animals and assistance animals will be permitted for residents with approved medical documentation and/or as required by law.

Service/assistance animals that are found to be aggressive, create a nuisance or sanitation concern, or threaten the safety of others will not be allowed to remain on campus. Guests are not permitted to bring pets into University residences. Failure in the timely removal of any pet (as determined by Residential Life staff) may result in the enlisting of Campus Police or animal control services.

Any publicity in residential areas should be on a bulletin board or bedroom/apartment entry doors. Publicity is not permitted on walls, windows, or other doors unless special permission is granted by Residential Life in advance. Advertising for events involving the sale of alcohol or other drugs is prohibited. All publicity must be submitted to the Residential Life Office for approval before posting.

Recycling receptacles will be available in designated area in each residence hall. Signs will be posted next to the receptacles indicating what items can be put in. You may not throw trash or other items that are not listed on the recycling sign. Can and plastic bottles need to be cleaned before put in to the receptacle.

Open restrooms that are designated for a specific gender should only be entered and used by persons of that gender or gender identity. When University staff needs to enter a restroom designated for another gender for service, cleaning or inspection, the restroom may not be used by others and will be considered closed until the staff exits. Residents who may have concerns or questions about restroom access for themselves or others are encouraged to contact their Resident Assistant or Residential Life professional staff.

Residents are not allowed to change rooms without prior authorization from Residential Life. Students with roommate conflicts should first address the situation with their Resident Assistant. If no solution is agreed upon, the conflict will be referred to a Residential Life Coordinator or other professional staff. Residents with permission to change rooms must not relocate until Residential Life Staff properly checks them in to their new room.

When residents are not assigned a roommate or their roommate vacates the room, Residential Life will present remaining occupants several options: Residents can pay for a super-single room, find someone to move in, or move in with someone else. Should residents choose to be consolidated, Residential Life will provide them with names and contact information for other students in a similar situation. Residents who do not wish to pay for a super single room and do not find someone to move in with them may be required to move.

Students are responsible for maintaining sanitary and orderly conditions in their assigned University rooms and apartments to prevent pests and fire hazards. Limited quantities of food may be kept in student rooms (in closed containers or refrigerators). If a student room presents a health or sanitation problem (as determined by Residential Life or other University staff), the offending students may be relocated or removed. Students may be billed at any time if Residential Life or other University personnel deem it necessary to order professional cleaning or repairs in any student bedroom or apartment.

Students in University residence halls and apartments can expect reasonable privacy of their room and belongings. However, rooms may be entered and inspected by Residential Life and other University personnel under specific conditions including, but not limited to: cases of emergency; need for repairs; and health & safety inspections. The University reserves the right to inspect and search individual rooms in cases where there is reasonable cause to believe the occupant has property which is prohibited or in violation of University regulations or local/state/federal laws. The University also reserves the right to enter and inspect students’ rooms and apartments for purposes of inventory, fire protection, sanitation, safety, maintenance, and policy enforcement. This right is exercised with care and discretion.

Notice will be posted at least 48 hours before Residential Life staff enters rooms for periodic (non-emergency) health & safety inspections. While recommended, it is not necessary for a resident to be present at the time of room inspections or maintenance. Compliance checks during fire drills may also warrant entry and inspection. Rooms may be entered for the purpose of determining if all residents have evacuated. If an occupant is not present, University personnel will enter with another staff member or resident whenever possible. If a violation of University policy or Residential Life Community Standards is observed during room inspections, the students registered to and/or visiting the room or apartment involved will be documented. Any observed prohibited items may be removed. Residents who are found to be in violation of the Room Condition & Sanitation Policy [above] will be issued a notice which will include a date by which the resident(s) must clean or otherwise correct the living conditions in their assigned residence. Students who fail to take acceptable corrective action on time may be billed for any cleaning or repairs ordered.

Students will be notified of the first day they can check in when they receive their room assignment. Students may not check in early unless they receive permission from the Director of Residential Life. Students may be charged a $50 fee per day to check in early. When checking in to their registered bedroom and/or apartment, each resident must sign a room condition record which establishes the student’s acceptance of the recorded conditions of the room/residence and contents at the time of occupancy and, therefore, becomes that standard for the condition of the room and contents at the termination of occupancy. Residents are liable for damages or other loss incurred to the building, room, furniture and equipment which are not the result of ordinary wear and tear, including and damages caused by guests. Damage within student rooms is the responsibility of the assigned residents. Damages or other loss incurred to pubic areas (e.g., restrooms, lounges, study rooms, laundry areas, hallways, balconies, etc.) that are not attributable or chargeable to a specific individual or group shall be equally shared by the residents of the living area where those damages occur.

When a resident checks into an apartment it is expected that the apartment will be clean and welcoming for them to move into. If there are current occupants from previous semesters staying in that apartment it is their responsibility to clean all common areas of the apartment before new residents move in.

Residence Halls are closed in between semesters and residents are not allowed to stay in the halls during these breaks. Students registered to return for the following semester may stay in University apartments during recesses.

Residents not returning for the following semester are expected to vacate their rooms within 24 hours of their last final, but no later than the end of finals week. Departing residents must schedule a check-out time with their RA at least 24 hours ahead of time.

All access cards are encoded to expire at noon on the day following the last scheduled final exam for the semester. Returning residents authorized to stay in University apartments between semesters can come to Residential Life during finals week to get their card access extended.

Students must be checked out in accordance with these and any other published check-out procedures distributed by and available at the Office of Residential Life. Failure to do so will result in a $50 fee for improper check-out. In addition, the Student will be assessed charges for failure to turn in a key and/or for cleaning and damages at check-out/upon vacancy. Abandoned property with an estimated value of less than $100 will be disposed of immediately after check-out. Abandoned property with an estimated value greater than $100 will be stored for thirty days. Storage and disposal fees will be charged to the student’s account.

Screens must remain on windows at all times. All permanently sealed windows must remain closed to regulate energy efficiency and ensure safety. Throwing any object out of a window or off any balcony or landing is strictly prohibited. Clothing, banners, flags, or lights may not be hung or posted on the outside of the buildings without written and advance authorization from Residential Life. Personal items are not permitted to be kept on outside windowsills, balconies, landings, ledges or porches. For safety and maintenance reasons, no student is allowed on any ledge for any purpose.

New Mexico Tech is committed to maintaining a healthy and safe learning, living, and working environment which promotes responsibility, dignity, and respect for all persons. Sexual harassment, sexual violence, and all forms of gender- and sex-based discrimination are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Residential Life supports the rights of all students to live in an environment free from sexual coercion and violence. Sexual contact with another person by force or otherwise without consent violates the standards of civility and respect expected from residents and ALL members of our campus community.

Working with the campus community and others, Residential Life endeavors to provide resources for prevention, education and support for our students. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault or harassment, we encourage you to speak with a Resident Assistant or a professional Residential Life staff member. Please note, our staff is mandated to report violations of Title IX (Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which protects people from discrimination based on sex) to the University’s Title IX Coordinator. All information regarding a victim’s identity will be handled with extreme sensitivity and protection. You may also speak confidentially with a counselor at the Counseling & Disabilities Office on the first floor of Fidel.

For more information regarding the University’s sexual misconduct reporting procedures and current resources please visit: http://nmt.edu/titleix. 

Students and their guests are prohibited from conducting any business for profit within any University residence hall or student apartment complex. Nor can Residential Life resources be used for personal financial gain (e.g. cryptocurrency mining). Door-to-door solicitation of funds, products, or services is not permitted in University residences. If a student wants to invite an individual to demonstrate or sell various items in residential areas, permission must be obtained from the Residential Life Office. Fundraisers sponsored by campus organizations are permitted in residences only when authorized by Residential Life Office in advance. Any unauthorized or nuisance solicitation should be reported to the Residential Life Staff promptly.

Residents are not permitted to smoke in any residential facility. Smoking is only permitted on campus in designated smoking areas. Smoking of tobacco or other products, as well as use of electronic cigarettes/vapor pens, is prohibited within 25 feet of all University buildings. Areas where smoking is prohibited include all bedrooms, apartment, lounges, stairwells, fully/partially enclosed walkways/corridors and elevators.

Each residence hall and apartment complex has one or more outdoor dumpsters available to residents for refuse. Smaller trash receptacles located in and around residences are available for pedestrian trash only and should not be used by residents to remove large amounts of trash from their rooms. Residents are expected to properly remove trash from their rooms and apartments on a regular basis.

No person shall take any action, create or participate in the creation of any situation which involves acts of manipulation, verbal threats, mistreatments, causing emotional trauma, placing a reasonable person in fear, holding someone against his/her will, bodily injury, or the use of physical means to initiate or resolve conflict. Any action of this nature cannot be tolerated. Any person willingly engaging in such activity may be immediately dismissed from University housing. If it is determined that both parties were willing participants, then, both may be dismissed. Students should immediately report acts of threat or intimidation to Campus Police and/or Residential Life

Explosives, firearms, fireworks, flares, ammunition, bows/arrows, tools of the martial arts, gunpowder, air soft guns, paintball guns, paintball ammunition, large knives (6”or longer), swords and any other objects deemed dangerous are prohibited in University housing. Residential Life and Campus Police have full discretion to determine what items may be permitted or confiscated in University residences. If weapons or explosives of any kind are found in a room, they will be confiscated by law enforcement. Anyone having any of the above mentioned items will be subject to immediate removal from University housing. Nerf guns are permitted on campus but they may not be discharged within 50 feet of a residential building.