Skip to main content

Community Standards

Living in a residential community is an exciting experience but it also comes with some guidelines to ensure a safe and productive learning community. These policies complement but do not replace NC State’s Policies, Regulations, and Rules (PRR); the Code of Student Conduct; Raleigh laws; state laws; and federal laws, and are upheld through the student disciplinary procedures for the University and the Greek Village Room Agreement.

In all cases, if chapter protocols vary from the university standard, the stricter of the two should be followed.

For those 21 years or older, the possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted in one’s own room or the room of another person who is of legal drinking age with the consent of the other person. Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages by those 21 and older is prohibited in the rooms/apartments of persons under the age of 21. Collection or display of alcohol containers will not be permitted in all resident rooms, suites or apartments. Residents of legal drinking age who choose to consume alcohol must dispose of their empty alcohol containers in a way that does not impede the cleanliness of the space and in a timely and appropriate manner. Kegs, empty kegs, and party balls are prohibited. The sale of alcohol on university property is prohibited.

Alcohol is only allowed in designated common areas (excluding hallways, stairwells, elevators, balconies, etc) in compliance with Rule 11.56.01: Social Event Rule for NC State Fraternities and Sororities Hosting Social Events.

If chapter protocols vary from this university standard, the stricter of the two should be followed.

Pets are not permitted in any residential buildings with the exception of fish. Fish must be in properly maintained, clean aquariums; aquariums are not to exceed ten gallons total capacity per person per room. If a pet is found in a residential facility, the animal must be removed and the resident is responsible for all damages the animal may have caused. If chapter protocols vary from the university standard, the stricter of the two should be followed.

In Greek Village chapter houses, the House Corporations may permit/approve assistance animals following their national or local protocols. Fraternity and Sorority Life permits assistance animals that receive prior approval according to the university process for Greek Village Townhomes and Greek Village Apartments.

Space outside the interior of one’s assigned room is considered common space.

  • Furniture and appliances in common space are provided for the comfort and convenience of all residents and must remain in the common space
  • Personal items cannot be left, kept or stored in a common space, including hallways, foyers, kitchens, lounges, laundry rooms, etc.
  • Because of safety concerns, all common areas must be kept free from clutter and objects (bicycles, trash cans, boxes, etc.) that could interfere with a passage from the building during an emergency.

Residents who are responsible for intentional or accidental damages and vandalism to residential furnishings, structures or equipment will be charged the appropriate labor and material for the expenses incurred. This includes vandalism of state property OR chapter property. Charges for loss or damages, which cannot be assessed to a particular individual, may be shared among residents or non-resident members of the chapter as determined by the House Corporation.

  • Out of consideration for others and because of the potential for damage to people and property, the following behaviors are prohibited:
  • Throwing or dropping any object from a balcony, window or roof; and propping exterior building doors.
  • Engage in hall sports like frisbee, golf, soccer, bowling, riding skateboards or bikes, etc. within the buildings.
  • Interfering or tampering with safety and security systems.

Removal of street signs, traffic/construction directive signs, and/or barricades from University property and city, county or state property poses a potential safety hazard for citizens. Possessing these items constitutes theft. Fraternity and Sorority Life staff who see these items in your space will either ask you to take your items to NC State Transportation and/or will notify Campus Police that you possess these items. Failure to return the signs will result in a disciplinary referral.

Residential buildings are equipped with building and fire code compliant smoke detection and fire suppression systems that report to a UL listed alarm monitoring station at the University Police Department. Life Safety systems are tested and maintained according to NC Fire Code and NFPA standards at the required intervals.

Fire drills are conducted twice each semester to give residents practice in responding to an alarm and to meet US Dept. of Education requirements. Residents involved in any of the following behaviors are subject to disciplinary action: setting a fire; possessing or using flammable or highly combustible materials; tampering with or misusing (whether accidental or intentional) any fire or safety equipment; covering a smoke detector or sprinkler; failure to vacate the building when a fire alarm sounds. Residents are asked to report all problems concerning fire and safety equipment to their House Director of Chapter Resident Director immediately.

False Reporting: Because of the danger to the safety of the residential community, residents who falsely report a fire, bomb threat, or serious injury or activate a fire alarm when no fire is evident are subject to disciplinary action.

Health and Safety Inspections: Fraternity and Sorority Life conducts health and safety inspections of all residential spaces each semester. The inspections will include a check of potential fire hazards, prohibited items, and cleanliness of spaces. All appliances must be accredited 3rd Party certified per product packaging. Violations should be corrected within a 48-hour period and follow-up inspections will be conducted to determine if corrective action has been taken. Failure to correct safety violations will result in disciplinary action. Depending on the nature of concerns identified, some violations may result in immediate disciplinary action. NC State University Fire and Life Safety Office assists Greek Village as a resource during these checks and completes spot checks of residential spaces periodically throughout the year.

Kitchens and Cooking: When using community kitchens, always remember to clean up after yourself, including cleaning and removing personal items. When cooking in the kitchen, never leave food unattended.

Accredited 3rd Party certified coffee makers, popcorn poppers, induction cooking surfaces, Instapots, microwave ovens, toaster ovens and air fryers may be used in resident rooms or apartments. Residents are permitted kitchen knives for the purpose of cooking and food preparation only. To prevent fires, never leave food unattended while cooking and cook with the necessary level of heat. It is recommended that heat resistant/insulating mats be used as a precaution.

Weapons and Combustibles: Residents may not, for any reason, bring into the residence halls or apartments any weapon for use, possession or storage. This includes, but is not limited to firearms (including rifles); ammunition (bullets, shells, etc.); projectile devices (such as bows and arrows); blades (such as swords, switchblades or knives with a blade longer than 5″); or other such devices perceived as weapons. Pepper spray is allowed provided it is used solely in a defensive manner.

Weapons, fireworks, and explosives are not permitted in residential facilities (or anywhere else on campus). Residents may not possess any fireworks, sparklers, combustible/explosive material, hazardous chemicals, or flammable liquids (Including charcoal, gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, or small propane cylinders).

University Housekeeping, a department within NC State Facilities Operations, is responsible for the ongoing cleaning and appearance of our university-owned chapter homes and apartment public areas, such as lounges, hallways, suite and corridor bathrooms, and stairwells. Privately owned chapter houses may elect to use University Housekeeping or a private service.

  • Community Bathrooms: Residents who live in buildings with hall or suite bathrooms should store the following items in their room to assist with the cleaning schedule of our housekeepers: soap, shampoo, toothbrushes, and other personal items.
  • Deep Cleaning: Residents who live in Greek Village Apartments and Townhomes will receive deep cleaning annually for the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms in each apartment. Residents will receive prior notification of when deep cleaning will occur and how to prepare their spaces.
  • Cleanliness of assigned living space: It is the responsibility of residents to keep their living space clean and free from waste. Trash, food containers, and unsanitary situations can attract pests as well as create unpleasant living situations for the community; such items should not be stored in excess within the room/apartment. Residents are also responsible for placing their trash in the nearest dumpster and recycling items in the nearest outdoor recycle bin. Storing trash along hallways or in common areas is not permitted. Dishes should be cleaned and stored in your assigned room or apartment to avoid unwanted pests.

When you check into your chapter house or apartment, you will either receive keys or card access that allows you appropriate access to your room. For areas in the building with electronic access systems, your Campus ID Card will be activated to allow access. All exterior entrances to buildings are kept locked for security purposes.

For your own security:

  • Lock your door whenever you leave your room or apartment, and carry your keys/ID at all times. Duplicating, lending or borrowing room or building keys is prohibited.
  • Do not prop open exterior doors. If you discover that an exterior door is propped open, shut it or seek assistance from a staff member if the door is not closing appropriately.
  • Do not allow individuals into your chapter house or apartments unless they are your guest.
  • Do not give your key(s) and/or access devices (e.g. ID cards, building fobs, etc.) to anyone else.

Appliances

  • Heaters
  • Air conditioners
  • Residential refrigerator/freezers
  • Washing machines/dryers
  • Dishwashers
  • Bidets
  • Burners or hot plates
  • Toasters (allowed in apartments only)

Lighting and Electrical

  • Extension cords
  • Lava lamps
  • Ceiling fans/lights (unless installed by the university)
  • Halogen lamps (any model or style)

Room Decorating

  • Collection or display of alcohol containers
  • Deceased animals and/or animal parts, including taxidermied animals
  • Dartboards
  • Waterbeds
  • Candles, gas/oil lanterns, or any device producing open flames (such as incense and Sterno)
  • Large furniture (residential couches, chairs, or appliances, recreation equipment, tables, etc…) in bedroom spaces or non-leased common space

Transportation Devices

  • Hoverboards, electric scooters, electric skateboards, electric bikes, or similar devices-including charging these in your on-campus space

Weapons and Combustibles

  • Fireworks, explosives, or unsafe chemicals
  • Gasoline, kerosene, etc.
  • Candles, gas/oil lanterns, or any device producing open flames (such as incense and Sterno)
  • Weapons such as firearms (including rifles); ammunition (bullets, shells, etc.); projectile devices (such as bows and arrows); blades (such as swords, switchblades, or knives with a blade longer than 5″); or other such devices perceived as weapons.

Residents are encouraged to make their residence hall or apartment rooms a home away from home. Add your personal design touches to create a place to study and live comfortably. To help keep you and your belongings safe, follow these guidelines:

  • Candles are not permitted in resident rooms unless they are battery-operated LED candles.
  • Wood paneling, particle board, room partitions, and decorations (such as parachutes, fishnets, and an excessive number of posters) are not allowed.
  • Extension cords are not permitted; instead, power strips with built-in circuit breakers are recommended.
  • No furniture or decorations should inhibit entry or exit in any manner. Large furniture (residential couches or appliances, recreation equipment, tables, etc…) are not permitted for bedroom spaces in Greek Village or in non-leased common space (Greek Village Townhomes or Greek Village Apartments) as these spaces are fully-furnished and not a part of the room agreement between the student and the Department of Fraternity of Sorority Life.
  • Room furnishings may only be used in ways appropriate to their construction. Decorations should not cover more than 75% of the wall space in any residential space.
  • Spray paint or aerosol may not be used inside campus residences.
  • Decorations may not attach to or hang from room ceilings, lights, or pipes.
  • Artificial holiday trees are permitted in the room but live holiday trees are not permitted.

String Lights

  • The NC State Insurance and Risk Management Director allows string-type lights to be used in residents’ rooms when the rooms are occupied for the semester schedule as long as all lights are LED bulbs and accredited 3rd party certified. Items may not be hung from

Per North Carolina State Law, all residential facilities are smoke-free spaces including balconies and porches. Smoking and vaping, including e-cigarette devices, is prohibited within 25-feet of any residence hall/apartment building/chapter house.