Graduate and Family Living Residential Code of Conduct

The Graduate and Family Living Residential Code of Conduct pertains to residents of UC Berkeley campus housing who reside in the following housing complexes:

Residents are accountable for knowing and adhering to both the UC Berkeley Student Code of Conduct and the Graduate and Family Living Residential Code of Conduct.

For residents of single undergraduate housing, please visit the Undergraduate Residential Code of Conduct.

Section A: General Policies

A1. Alcohol

A. Possession, consumption, distribution, or being in the presence of alcohol by residents under the age of 21 is prohibited*. This includes all other use of alcohol in violation of state law or University policy. Alcohol is not permitted in public areas (i.e. community centers, apartment patios, grounds, study rooms, lobbies, laundry rooms) with the exception of prior approval by Graduate & Family Living staff. Carrying open containers of alcoholic beverages or consuming them in public is also prohibited.

*Family Living – Residents who are parents over the age of 21 consuming alcohol in the presence of their dependent children are an exception to this policy.

B. Consumption of alcohol by residents who are 21 or older is permitted only inside private residential spaces, and with the provision that the door is closed and no individuals under the age of 21 are present*. All other use of alcohol in violation of state law or University policy is prohibited.

*Family Living – Residents over the age of 21 consuming alcohol in the presence of their dependent children receive an exception to this policy.

C. Bulk quantities of alcohol, (i.e. quantities that could not reasonably be consumed responsibly in a single sitting by the individual(s) present), as well as common containers, and the manufacturing of alcohol, as well as games and/or devices used or intended for the rapid consumption of alcohol, are prohibited.

D. Violating any other policy while under the influence of alcohol is prohibited.

A2. Computer Use

A. Residents must abide by the residential and campus computing policies. Personal wireless routers are prohibited in residential facilities, and sharing copyrighted materials is prohibited by law. This includes misuse of, tampering with, or interference with the university internet services.

A3. Controlled Substances

A. Possession, use, manufacture, sale, distribution, consumption, or being in the presence of illegal drugs, controlled substances and/or cannabis (including medical cannabis), and including paraphernalia containing controlled substances or residue of controlled substances, is prohibited

B. Prescription medication may only be used by the person to whom it is prescribed for its intended purposes. Over the counter drugs may only be used in the manner in which they are intended.

C. Violating any other policy while under the influence of a controlled substance is prohibited.

A4. Disorderly & Lewd Behavior

A. Engaging in disorderly and/or lewd conduct is prohibited. This behavior may include urination/defecation within the interior residential space of designated restroom areas, invasion of another’s privacy, and/or exposing private body parts within our residential communities.

B. Residents are expected to respect the reasonable privacy of other individuals within University housing; thus, photographing, audio or video recording without the knowledge and consent of all participants is prohibited within our interior residential spaces. In particular the use of cameras, cellphones and video equipment in University Housing restroom facilities and/or other areas that could be considered sensitive in nature is prohibited.

A5. Disruptive Activities

The use of sporting equipment (e.g., skateboards, scooters, bicycles, roller skates/blades) is prohibited in residential facilities, including interior and exterior walkways. Micro-mobility Scooters are excluded from this restriction (CA SB712).
*Residents may use outdoor recreational items for their intended use in outdoor spaces.

B. Throwing and/or kicking objects or engaging in any other behavior that interferes with, or prohibits, reasonable use of the space by others is also prohibited.

A6. Failure to Comply

A. Resisting or interfering with the directives of a University staff member acting within the scope of their duties (e.g., the failure to open room doors or produce identification or failure to remove items obstructing walkways), is prohibited.

B. Failure to comply with the terms of sanctions imposed as a result of conduct action is a further violation of policy.

C. Failure to respond to a University staff member’s reasonable request for meeting or information, when that staff member is acting within the scope of their duties, is prohibited.

D. Failure to comply with the directives of facility and maintenance staff who are performing their required duties, is prohibited.

A7. Furnishing False Information

A. Knowingly providing false and/or dishonest information to a university staff member to interfere with staff acting within the scope of their duties, gaining unauthorized entry into a residential or dining facility, a sponsored event, or to access restricted equipment is prohibited.

A8. Gambling

A. All gambling prohibited in the State of California is also prohibited in all residential facilities.

A9. Guests

A guest is anyone allowed into the residential living space and is not listed on the rental agreement. An overnight guest is someone who is permitted by the policyholders in the shared space to reside in the living space throughout the night.

A. Residents who choose to have guests are responsible for: Escorting their guests within residential property at all times. Assuming responsibility for their guests’ throughout any residential facilities

B. Overnight Guest

*Graduate Apartments: Overnight guests are only limited (5 days or less) with permission from all roommate(s), or inside common areas with permission from all roommates.

*Family Living: Overnight guests are permitted (10 days or less).

C. Persons who have been evicted/excluded from the Graduate and Family Living facilities for any reason are not permitted to return to the facilities as a resident or guests.

A10. Noise

A. Disrupting Quiet Hours, defined as the time between 11pm and 8am Sunday-Thursday as well as 1am and 10am Friday-Saturday, with unreasonable noise is prohibited in all residential facilities, courtyards and surrounding areas. Unreasonable noise is any noise that disrupts or potentially disrupts the lives of residents or neighboring community members.

B. Disrupting Courtesy Hours, which are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and which can be broken by any unreasonable noise that disrupts or potentially disrupts the sleep or studying of other residents at any time is prohibited.

C. Use of amplified sound, which may include subwoofers and musical instruments, in outdoor areas without written permission of a GFL staff member is prohibited. Written permission can be obtained by contacting the Senior Community Director of the community in writing or reaching out formally to the Graduate and Family Living Office.

D. Pianos are allowed only on the ground floor in Family Living and not allowed in the single graduate facilities. All musical instruments including pianos are subject to noise regulations.

A11. Harassment & Abuse

A. Physical abuse or harassment of another resident or person is prohibited. This may include physical assault and threatened or completed actions resulting in physical or emotional harm.

B. Physical abuse or harassment of staff is prohibited. This may include physical interference with a staff member’s ability to participate fully in the residential community or perform their university job functions, physical assault, and threatened or completed actions resulting in physical or emotional harm.

C. Verbal or written statements that intimidate, harass, coerce or threaten others or their property are prohibited. This includes images, all modes of electronic communication, and social media.

D. Verbal or written statements that intimidate, harass, coerce or threaten a staff member or their property are prohibited; this includes verbal or written statements that may prevent or interfere with a staff member’s ability to perform their work. This includes images, all modes of electronic communication, and social media.

A12. Policies within Campus Dining Halls

A. Removal of utensils, dishes, cups, trays or any food or beverage other than a dessert or to-go meal from the dining commons is considered theft and is prohibited.

B. Shirts and shoes are required for entrance and use of University dining locations.

A13. Smoking & Vaping

A. Smoking or use of a vape of any kind is not permitted within University housing or within properties owned or leased (e.g., courtyards, parking lots) by UC Berkeley. This prohibition is inclusive of the use of all tobacco and nicotine products, including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, electronic cigarettes.

B. Violating any other policy while under the influence is prohibited.

A15. Theft & Unauthorized Use

A. Theft, unauthorized use, or possession of any property when the resident had knowledge or reasonably should have had knowledge that it was personal or University property, equipment and/or resources is prohibited, including, but not limited to, the removal of equipment/furniture from, and being in possession of any other property.

B. Use of any University resources (e.g., common area, University logo, unapproved short-term rentals or subleasing, etc.) for a for-profit activity is prohibited unless as part of a GFL sponsored event.

A16. Threat to Health & Safety

A. Participation in activities or disturbances that threaten the health and safety of yourself or others is prohibited, including any violation or noncompliance of federal, state, local, and/or university public health directives or guidance.

B. Inability to exercise care for one’s own safety due to consumption of alcohol or other controlled substances is prohibited. This includes need for medical attention, inability to function without assistance, unconsciousness, incoherent or disoriented behavior, and loss of control of bodily functions.

A17. Throwing Objects

A. Throwing, dropping or projecting any object, substance, or liquid from, into, or within any residential facility is prohibited.

A18. Trespass & Restricted Access

A. Entrance to any private room or normally locked building/common area without following security procedures, or obtaining appropriate permission from a University staff member is prohibited. This includes failing to show proper identification at designated security stations.

B. Accessing known or marked restricted areas is prohibited, including, but not limited to, doors, rooftops, ledges, seismic bracing, fire escapes, construction areas, and any other area or space that a residential staff member declares to be restricted.

C. Entrance to or exit of a residential building through a window or emergency exit door during non-emergency situations is prohibited.

D. In apartments with vacant rooms, residents are not permitted to access or use those spaces for personal use or benefit. Vacant rooms must remain clean, unoccupied, and ready for immediate occupancy at all times.

A19. Weapons & Dangerous Instruments

A. Possession of weapons, firearms (with or without a permit), tasers, knives with a blade over 2.5 inches in length, dangerous instruments, or any other weapon prohibited by state, local, or federal law, within University housing or within properties owned or leased (e.g., courtyards, parking lots) by UC Berkeley is prohibited. This includes use or possession of sporting items such as BB guns, paintball guns, and archery equipment. Also included are similar items used for decorative purposes and items rendered inoperable.

Section B: Facilities Policies

B1. Animals

A. All animals are prohibited from UC Berkeley campus housing, except as provided below.*

*Graduate Apartments: A resident can have fish in one tank not exceeding 20 gallons.

*Family Living: A resident can have fish in one tank not exceeding 20 gallons and caged birds are permitted in Family Living apartments.

B. Service Dogs and approved ESAs are permitted and must abide by the rules, regulations and guidelines listed in the accommodations for Service Dogs and ESAs. [More information on Housing Accommodations can be found on the UC Berkeley Housing Accommodations website]

B2. Fire Safety & Hazards

A. Causing, attempting to cause, or contributing to the causation or continuation of a fire, either intentionally or unintentionally

B. Misuse of, tampering with, or interference with fire safety equipment such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, door closers, safety lights or exit signs is prohibited.

C. Failure to evacuate immediately when an emergency alarm sounds and/or disregarding evacuation procedures is prohibited.

D. Exceeding campus fire code capacity of 10 persons per residential room is prohibited.

E. Use or possession of explosives, flammable substances, or any object that creates an open flame is prohibited. Examples include firecrackers, gasoline, lighter fluid, candles, incense, hookahs and flame starters.

F. Blocking or obstructing doorways, windows, or pathways used to enter and exit any housing facilities areas is prohibited. Fire regulations require a minimum of 36-inch clearance on all walkways, stairs, balconies and patios at all times for fire exits.

G. Use or possession of appliances that produce heat or flame are prohibited outside of designated kitchen spaces.

H. Halogen lamps and decorative string lights (excluding battery-operated string lights) are not permitted in any residential facility.

I. Use or possession of grills, fire pits, and BBQ pits are not permitted in residential facilities including patios and balconies.

B3. Furniture, Appliances, & Lofted Beds

A. University provided furniture, including mattresses, may not be removed from residential rooms without written permission from University housing staff. Mattresses must be kept on the provided bed frame and furniture may not be stacked or assembled atop bricks, bookcases, or other structures not originally designed to support it.

B. Large and/or unapproved appliances are not permitted in any residential facilities (e.g., washers, dryers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, bidets, freezers, refrigerators or air conditioners).

C. Lofted beds may only be assembled by designated university facilities staff. No other person or entity may install or construct lofts in a room. Requests for lofting will be charged a fee.

B4. Keys

A. Possession, duplication, misuse of University issued keys, key fobs, and key cards, is prohibited.

B. Each resident may receive four lockouts per academic year. Additional lockouts are considered an administrative housing charge and a violation of policy that may be subject to a $25 service fee per (additional) lockout.

B5. Motorized Vehicles

A. Motorized vehicles, including scooters, motorcycles, mopeds, hoverboards, smart boards and balancing boards may not be operated indoors within residential facilities. Motorized vehicles are allowed to be stored and charged inside if UL-Certified in accordance with state or federal law. Scooters (above 45 cc or electric equivalent), mopeds (above 45 cc or electric equivalent), and motorcycles may not be stored or charged inside the residential facilities.

B6. Tampering

A. Tampering with or removing windows, window security screens, or window stops is prohibited.

B. Tampering with doors, or interfering with door locks, hinges, or closures is prohibited.

C. Tampering, interfering with or manipulating the elevators and related machinery in any residential facility is prohibited. Examples include removing button plates, pulling doors open or closed, touching wiring or lighting, jumping up and down in the carriage, and pushing the alarm bell unnecessarily.

D. Tampering with mail, mailboxes, and package lockers is prohibited.

E. Tampering with electrical or data and phone wiring is prohibited

B7. Unauthorized Storage

A. Residents are not permitted to store personal items outside of assigned residential spaces.

*Family Living – stored items are not allowed to block or prohibit university staff from completing tasks. All items must be stored within or inside patios, balconies or storage units.

B. The storage of trash/garbage, recycling, food or upholstery items is not permitted outside.

C. Storage of combustibles is not allowed.

B8. Vandalism & Damage

A. Removing, defacing, damaging or destroying University property or the property of others, including, breaking windows and doors, drawing on walls or bulletin boards and disposing of trash outside of appropriate receptacles is prohibited.

B9. Alterations of Interiors and Exteriors

A. Building interiors and exteriors may not be altered. Residents may not make any repairs, install permanent fixtures or additional locks, or plant any plants in the ground yourself. If your apartment needs repairs or alterations, file a maintenance request. The leaseholder will be charged for any damages.

B10. Subleasing

A. Subleasing is renting to unauthorized individuals not listed on the housing agreement or rental agreement. Subleasing is prohibited by the housing agreement or rental agreement.*

*Family Living – The rental agreement for University Village allows subletting to eligible families during summer months (June-August) ONLY with prior approval from UC Berkeley Housing.

B11. Utilities

A. Residents are prohibited from using university-provided utilities in a manner that creates unsafe conditions or constitutes misuse. This includes, but is not limited to, using any outlets in your apartment or any outlets connected to University property and/buildings to charge electric or hybrid vehicles.

Section C: Community Area Policies

C1. Common Area Use

A. Common area space may not be used for the purpose of prohibiting its use by other residents.

B. Sleeping in common areas is prohibited.

*Family Living: common areas include the Family Resource Center and two study centers in University Village.

C2. Posting

A. Posting within residential facilities must be approved through the Posting Policy (PDF).

B. Postings by residents on doors and windows must comply with federal, state, and local laws; as well as University policies. Postings may not promote the use of alcohol or controlled substances.

C. Flyers CANNOT be placed on or against, attached to, or written on any University structure or natural feature of the campus. University structures and natural features include, but are not limited to, the backs of chairs, sides of doors or buildings, windows, surface of walkways or roads, Sather Gate, fountains, posts, waste receptacles, trees, or stakes in lawns.

D. Banners, signboards, or lawn signs can not be placed on GFL residential buildings, property or common spaces.

C3. Solicitation of Services or Products

A. Solicitation of any service, product, or organization in or around residential facilities, unless approved by a Graduate and Family Living staff member, can result in the reporting of illegal solicitation.

C4. Car Washing and Repairs

A. Washing vehicles and performing vehicle repairs is prohibited in University parking areas.

Section D: Children and Families

D1. Supervision of Children & Family Members in University Village

A. Rental Agreement Holders are responsible for the supervision and actions of their children and/or the children of their guests.

i. Parents and guardians are financially responsible for any harm or damage caused by their children to others and/or to property.

ii. Children are not permitted to play in parking lots, garbage dumpster enclosures, laundry rooms, the community garden, or in stairwells.

iii. Abusive language, teasing, and physical abuse (e.g., hitting, kicking, biting) constitute unacceptable behavior by children.

iv. Dangerous, disruptive or unacceptable behavior by children is not permitted on the University’s premises. Conduct that intentionally or recklessly puts a child at risk will be documented and reported.

v. Leaseholders and family members are responsible for supervising their children to ensure the emotional and physical safety of all children and to avoid damage to University property.

B. In and around University-owned facilities, children under the age of five (5) years must have a responsible caregiver with them at all times; children aged 5-13 years must have appropriate supervision; and all children under the age of 16 years must have an adult caregiver with them overnight.

C. Rental Agreement Holders are responsible for any conduct violation that a family member commits and must assume responsibility in regards to harm or damage caused to others and/or to property. Rental Agreement Holders must adhere to the conduct process even if they were not present during the time of the violation.

D. Rental Agreement Holders are responsible for ensuring that each person living with the rental agreement holder is listed on the rental agreement as an approved family member.