Rights and Responsibilities of Resident Students

This document is issued by Washington University in St. Louis Residential Life as a reminder to each resident of his/her responsibility to roommates(s) and the entire residential college community.

University housing is designed to provide an environment that enhances your academic, social, and recreational experience at Washington University in St. Louis. Your enjoyment of life in a residence hall community will depend, to a large extent, on the thoughtful consideration that you demonstrate for each others’ basic resident rights.

  1. The right to sleep, read and study in your room free from undue interference. Unreasonable noise and other distractions inhibit the exercise of this right.
  2. The right to expect that your roommate(s) will respect your personal belongings.
  3. The right to a clean living environment
  4. The right to free access to your room and facilities without pressure from roommate(s) or other residents.
  5. The right to privacy.
  6. The right to have guests with the expectation that your guests will respect the rights of your roommate(s) and other residents.
  7. The right to redress for grievances. Residence hall staff are available for assistance in settling conflicts.
  8. The right to be free from fear of intimidation, physical and/or emotional harm.
  9. The right to expect reasonable cooperation in the use of “shared” appliances (telephone, refrigerator, etc.) and a commitment to honor agreed-upon payment procedures.
  10. The right to be free from peer pressure or ridicule regarding your choice of religion, politics or lifestyle, including the decision to drink or not drink alcoholic beverages.

In order to ensure that you can exercise these rights, the university, in conjunction with student representatives of the appropriate residential community, has established rules which are in addition to those enumerated in the University Student Judicial Code, the Housing Contract and federal, state and local laws.