Procedures for Authorized Room Entry

College officials will generally follow the following procedures whenever it is necessary to enter an assigned residential space without the permission of the resident, unless circumstances require immediate entry and it is not feasible to follow these procedures. Such circumstances include situations involving, in the reasonable judgment of College personnel, imminent danger to life, safety, health, or property; a reasonable suspicion that state, federal, or local laws are being violated; or a reasonable suspicion that the Student Code of Conduct is being violated.

Room Entry Review

• Two staff members will normally be present when entering assigned residential spaces.
• Searches will not be conducted in personal closed storage areas (e.g. desk or dresser drawers and room closets) without the prior permission of assigned residents or without the permission of the Vice President of Student Affairs, Vice President & Chief of Staff, or Vice President General Counsel, who shall be given information regarding why a search is being conducted and what items are specifically being sought. In case of emergency situations where health or life is at risk, or where there may be violations of health or safety standards, the search may proceed without obtaining permission from one of these individuals. Any items obtained under conditions that violate these procedures will be inadmissible in student conduct hearings.
• Items left out in plain view that appear to establish a criminal act and/or a violation of College policy will be confiscated and documented. A referral will be made to the appropriate College personnel or an appropriate law enforcement agency.
• When staff members have removed items from an assigned residential space when the resident(s) are not present, they will document the items that were removed. Prohibited items will be discarded.
• College staff members will not admit third parties, other than authorized contractors, into a student room without a resident’s permission.
• The College will cooperate with law enforcement officials who, having obtained legally-issued warrants, seek entry to residents’ assigned residential spaces for the purpose of executing such warrants.