Brandon University’s Residence Community Living Standards (RCLS) are a set of community values, expectations, and policies for all students and staff living and working in residence. All residents and staff are expected to uphold the RCLS.

The following section provides an overview of most of the RCLS and regulations; it does not fully cover all of them in detail. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action. Please note that since circumstances are not always categorically defined, some situations may be left to the discretion of the Residence Staff.

In working with students, residence staff emphasize student development and accountability for one’s own actions and/or behaviour; therefore, anger, alcohol, or substance abuse will not be acceptable as a reason or rationale for behaviour that does not follow the RCLS.

All students residing in Brandon University residences are responsible for abiding by all federal and provincial laws, the human rights codes of Manitoba and Canada, all city by-laws, the residence agreement and all other university policies and procedures.

Residence students will be held accountable for any actions that are not deemed appropriate by university and residence policies. Please note that all residence outcomes, policies, and procedures are separate from any criminal charges, and a student who is held responsible for actions taken that contravene a law, may face charges outside of the residence environment.

Administration of the RCLS

Should a resident conduct themselves in a way that is contrary to the RCLS and/or their actions or behaviour has a negative impact on our residence community the Incident Management Process is followed.

Accommodations

Brandon University Residence Staff recognizes that some students may have practices or medical requirements that may put them in conflict with the RCLS. This includes but is not limited to: smudging, emotional support animals, medical cannabis, etc. Anyone requiring accessibility accommodations must contact Student Accessibility Services and provide the required documentation. Due notice, at minimum 30 days, must be given to the University before any accommodation can take place.

Residence Rights, Privileges and Responsibilities

The well-being of the Residence community rests on the balance of the community’s ability to respect the needs of the individual, and the individual’s ability to respect the needs of the community. Residence Staff work with residents to create communities based upon mutual respect and personal development. This is best achieved when every individual is aware of their shared rights and the accompanying responsibilities. The following guiding principles describe your rights, privileges, and accompanying responsibilities as a resident within the Residence community:

Guidelines

Safety

Rights – You have the right to an environ-ment that is safe.

Responsibilities – You have the responsibility to not engage in activities that could be harmful to the health and safety of yourself or those in your community.

Respect & Dignity

Rights – You have the right to live in an environment free of harassment, intimidation and discrimination and be treated with respect and dignity.

Responsibilities – You have the responsibility to refrain from actions of harassment, discrimination and intimidation and treat others with respect and dignity. This also means speaking up when you are aware of such acts or see others being treated with a lack of respect and dignity.

Fairness & Support

Rights – You have the right to expect fair and consistent service from Residence Staff. You have the right to be heard and access support services through appropriate campus resources.

Responsibilities – You have the responsibility to be responsive and cooperative in all dealings with University Staff members following applicable processes, and to respond to their requests (including email correspondence) in a timely manner.

Clarity of Standards

Rights – You have the right to expect that the Community Standards as outlined in this handbook and in the Residence Agreement are clear.

Responsibilities – You have the responsibility to know the Community Standards and ask questions if you do not understand them.

Community Living

Rights – You have the right to enjoy all of the benefits of living in Residence including those related to academics, convenience, social activities, opportunities and resources.

Responsibilities – You have the responsibility to contribute to the community in a positive way and be familiar with the high expectations for living held by your community.

Cleanliness

Rights – You have a right to a living space that is clean and kept in good condition.

Responsibilities – You have the responsibility to assist in the upkeep of common areas (lounges, wash-rooms, etc.) by not leaving behind garbage or dishes, by using appropriate disposal and recycling receptacles, and to keep your own room clean and in good condition.

Reasonable Quiet

Rights – You have the right to live in an environment conducive to sleep and study.

Responsibilities – You have the responsibility to follow the standards regarding quiet hours and to always be considerate of others even when quiet hours are not in place (these are called consideration hours).

Autonomy in Managing Perssonal Health

Rights – You have the right to manage your own health and wellness.

Responsibilities – You have the responsibility to work with Residence staff and health providers to ensure your personal physical and/or mental health does not negatively impact the residence community or yourself.

Consideration

Rights – You have the right to enjoy your living space with consideration for and from your roommate, and others living around you.

Responsibilities – You have the responsibility to consider the needs of your community and roommate, and to engage in the outlining of reasonable expectations in your shared living space.

Reasonable Privacy

Rights – You have the right to a reasonable amount of privacy and the safety and respect of your pos-sessions.

Responsibilities – You have the responsibility to take all necessary means to maintain the security of your community including upholding the integrity of access points to your community and locking up valuables.

Legal Rights

Rights – You retain your legal rights as a member of the Residence community.

Responsibilities – You have a responsibility to abide by and be familiar with all Federal, Provincial and Municipal laws and regulations in addition to the University’s own policies.

Housing

Priveleges – You have the privilege of having housing on campus.

Responsibilities – You have the responsibility to respect the Community Standards and live within their guidelines in order to maintain this privilege.

Guests

Priveleges – You have the privilege of having guests visit you in residence.

Responsibilities – You have the responsibility to (a) ensure that you have the permission of your roommates to host the guest, and (b) ensure that your guest(s) respect and abide by the Residence Community Standards, University policies, and the law.