Harvard Griffin GSAS Residence Halls Rules and Regulations 

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GSAS Policies

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Discipline and Termination of Residency

Residents who violate any regulation or policy in the Handbook for Students of the School in which they are enrolled or in the Harvard Griffin GSAS Residence Hall Handbook may be subject to fines, removal from the residence halls, or other sanctions, as deemed appropriate by the Harvard Griffin GSAS Dean of Students and Office of Residential Life, and may also be subject to action by the Administrative Board of the School in which they are registered. Hostile, intimidating, harassing, or threatening behavior is a serious infringement on the rights and privileges of others and will not be tolerated by the University. 

Ordinarily, residents who have violated regulations or policies will be issued a warning and given the opportunity to correct or make up for infractions prior to the imposition of more stringent residential sanctions. However, Harvard Griffin GSAS may require a resident to leave the residence halls immediately if Harvard Griffin GSAS, in its sole discretion, deems it necessary for the well‐being of the residential community. Further, if Harvard Griffin GSAS determines that a resident has repeatedly or seriously violated a regulation or policy after being issued a warning, Harvard Griffin GSAS ordinarily will require the resident either to leave the residence hall immediately or to find alternate housing during the subsequent summer and/or academic year(s).  

Harvard Griffin GSAS reserves the right to amend these policies, as necessary. A student required to leave a residence hall for disciplinary reasons will not be permitted to return to residency in the residence halls for the remainder of their enrollment at Harvard. 

Facilities Accountability 

Any resident who causes damage to the residence hall facilities or property, including that of other residents,’ either through willful actions or negligent behavior, may be held responsible for the full financial cost of any necessary repairs and/or replacement of lost property, and may have their housing contract terminated immediately. Residents who leave their room damaged at the end of the year will be billed a facilities damage fee. The exact fee is determined by the Facilities Manager and the Office of Residential Life based on the nature/extent of the damage. All sanctions are at the discretion of the Facilities Manager, Office of Residential Life, and Dean of Students. 

Air Conditioners 

The installation of air conditioners is not permitted. Should a resident need an air conditioner for medical reasons, they need to work with their local Disability Coordinator (for Harvard Griffin GSAS students, this is the Disability Access Office). The Facilities Manager will install all approved air conditioners. 

Alcohol and Drugs 

Adapted from the Harvard College Handbook for Students: 

Harvard expects its students and employees to maintain an environment that is safe and healthy. The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on Harvard property or as part of any Harvard activity are violations of University rules and the law. Possession, use, or distribution of certain nonprescription drugs, including marijuana, amphetamines, heroin, cocaine, and nonprescription synthetics; procurement or distribution of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age; and provision of alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age are violations of the law and Harvard policy.  

Although Massachusetts law now permits adults aged 21 or older to possess and consume marijuana under certain circumstances, federal law prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of marijuana, including for medical purposes, on Harvard property or as part of a Harvard activity. Thus, even if possession or use of marijuana would be permitted under Massachusetts law, it remains prohibited on campus. The Harvard Griffin GSAS residence hall policies and procedures also reflect additional expectations for student conduct based on concerns about high-risk drinking behaviors, such as binge drinking and the rapid or competitive consumption of alcohol, and their many adverse consequences for students' health and lives. 

All students are expected to comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with all Harvard Griffin GSAS residence hall rules governing possessing or serving alcohol. Our policies regarding the serving of alcohol can be found on page 6 (under “Lounge Policies”). The University holds its students and employees responsible for the consequences of their decisions to use or distribute illicit drugs or to serve or consume alcohol. Additionally, the misuse of prescription drugs (sharing, buying, or using in a manner different than prescribed) is a violation of University policy. 

Animals

Except for approved living assistance animals, no animals—including birds, fish, and reptiles—may be kept in rooms in the residence halls. Pets are not allowed to visit. 

Appliances 

Students should not have any appliance that exceeds 1,500 watts in any individual room. Microwaves, coffee makers, hot pots, rice cookers, percolators, crockpots, toasters, etc., must not be used in individual rooms but may be used in the kitchens. Pressure cookers are prohibited in the halls. Instant Pots and electric pressure cookers that are UL/ULC certified are permitted but cannot be used in individual rooms and cannot be left unattended while in use. 

Items that are used in the kitchens and are left in there are not the responsibility of Harvard Griffin GSAS. Items left in the kitchens may be subject to use by other residents. In addition, the following rules apply to the use of appliances: 

  • Kitchen appliances especially toaster ovens, toasters, stovetops, ovens, hot pots, and microwaves should not be left unattended while in use as these often cause burnt foods, setting off fire alarms. A rice cooker that is on can be left briefly but not for more than 10 minutes in the kitchen or in individual rooms. 
  • Kitchen appliances should be stored on the shelves in the kitchen or unplugged in one’s individual room. Do not store appliances (rice cookers, coffee makers, blenders, etc.) on the kitchen counters. 
  • No electrical appliance may be connected to any light fixture socket. 
  • Irons must be unplugged when not in use. 
  • Refrigerators in student rooms may not exceed four cubic feet. 
  • Personal refrigerators may be used in individual rooms only. 
  • Micro‐fridges (defined as personal refrigerators with microwaves attached to them) are not allowed in the residence halls.  

Bathrooms 

Courtesy and Hygiene 

Please read the Bathroom Etiquette pamphlet provided in the move‐in packet. In addition, keep in mind the following policies: 

  • Keep the bathroom clean. Do not leave anything in the bathroom. 
  • Residents are expected to be clothed at all times when using the bathroom unless they are taking showers. Proper clothing (i.e., bathrobes) should be worn in the hallways when a resident is coming from or going to the bathroom to take a shower. Walking around nude or in only a towel is inappropriate. 
  • Avoid any activities that might compromise the privacy of others or bring unnecessary attention to the bathroom’s occupant. 
  • Urinals and toilets should be flushed appropriately after each use. It is inappropriate to use a foot or shoe to flush a urinal or toilet. 
  • No standing on the toilets. 
  • Tampons and sanitary napkins must not be flushed down the toilet. Disposals are located in each stall. 
  • No spitting in the shower. 
  • Feet should be washed in the shower, not in the sink. 
  • No dental care, including brushing teeth and flossing, should take place in the toilets or showers. Dental care should only take place at the sinks. 
  • Brushing teeth, spitting, shampooing of hair, cutting of hair, watering plants and other items, etc., are restricted to the bathroom. 
  • Handwashing clothes should be done in the sinks in the laundry room, not in the bathroom or kitchen. 

Appropriate Dress 

As a courtesy to other residents, tops/shirts and/or a robe should be worn at all times in the common areas of the residence halls (kitchens, lounges, laundry rooms, hallways, etc.). Walking around nude or in only a towel is inappropriate and not permitted. 

Extension Cords 

Extension cords should only be used for laptops, lamps, radios, and televisions. Extension cords should be connected to wall or base plugs only and should be disconnected when not in use. No cord may be used except standard twin cords, which meet the requirements of the National Electric Code. Cords should be no longer than 10 feet. Appliances with high amperage (e.g., refrigerators, hair dryers, irons) generate excessive heat that constitutes a safety hazard when connected to an extension cord, and thus extension cords must not be used for such appliances. 

No extension cord may be plugged into another extension cord, and only one appliance may be plugged into an extension cord at a time. Cords must be mechanically and electrically in perfect condition. No spliced cords will be allowed. No cords are to be permanently fastened to the building. No cords are to be run through partitions or doorways, or under carpets, rugs, or furniture. 

Fire Regulations 

The policies below are in place to ensure a safe residential environment for all occupants of the halls. Residents who do not abide by these policies not only demonstrate a lack of consideration for fellow residents but also put the lives and property of other residents at risk. 

Policies Regarding Individual Rooms

The following items are prohibited: 

  • Candles, incense, matches, or other sources of open flame 
  • Cooking equipment (including, but not limited to, microwaves, hot pots, rice cookers, toasters, and coffee makers). Residents should store these appliances in their rooms, unplugged. Appliances that appear to be in use in the room will be removed and placed in storage for the remainder of the academic year. 
  • Halogen lamps (both floor and desk lamps) 
  • Space heaters 
  • Flammable, combustible, or explosive liquids, gases, or solids (fuel, propane, lighter fluid, butane lighters, charcoal, flammable cleaning products, etc.) 
  • Hazardous personal property (firearms, etc.). 

In addition to the prohibited items listed above, residents must keep in mind the following safety guidelines: 

  • Rooms should be kept clean and tidy without excessive paper or trash accumulation. Excessive trash can be a serious fire hazard. 
  • Extension cords must be in good condition and should be no longer than 10 feet. 
  • Extension cords and outlets must not be overloaded. For maximum safety, we recommend that residents purchase power strips with built‐in circuit breakers. 
  • Electrical cords must not run under carpeting.  
  • Smoke detectors must not be obstructed or otherwise tampered with to inhibit normal functioning. 

Finally, residents should be aware of the following policies on room decorations: 

  • No ceiling decorations (tapestries, fishnets, posters, fabrics, etc.) are permitted.  
  • Wall decorations (including, but not limited to, pictures, posters, tapestries, curtains, etc.) may only cover a maximum of 10 percent of total wall area. 
  • Tapestries, curtains, and other fabric decorations must have a tag showing proof of fire resistance, must be hung vertically, and must be at least 18 inches from any heat source (electrical outlets and/or switches, lights, etc.). 
  • Tapestries, posters, fabric items, and lights may not be draped from walls but must be installed fast to them. 
  • At least six inches of space must be left between wall decorations.  

Policies Regarding Common Areas 

We ask that residents please keep in mind the following fire safety policies regarding common areas: 

  • Fire escapes are only for evacuation in case of fire. Residents are not allowed on fire escapes except during emergencies. Fire escapes should not be used as smoking areas. 
  • Abuse of or tampering with fire alarms, smoke detectors, or extinguishers is strictly forbidden. 
  • No objects may obstruct fire exits (including hallways, fire escapes, and windows). Items (including mattresses, furniture, bikes, boxes, shoes, etc.) should not be left in hallways at any time. 
  • Hallway doors must be kept closed at all times. 
  • Emergency exits must not be blocked. 

Guests 

Like other policies, the guest policy is intended to enhance the comfort and safety of both residents and guests and is not meant to infringe upon residents’ privacy. Knowing whether guests are present is useful in emergency situations and helps minimize the possibility of mistaking a guest for an intruder. 

Rooms in the Harvard Griffin GSAS residence halls are licensed for single occupancy, and communal facilities are designed to accommodate only residents and occasional guests. Residents may host one guest at a time. Guests may not stay with residents for more than an occasional, brief, temporary visit (three days) without the permission of the Office of Residential Life. Guests are not permitted to stay in the residence halls on a consistent basis, e.g., weekly. Guests are not permitted to stay for a period longer than 10 days. 

Permission must be granted for the duration of the guest’s stay via email from the Office of Residential Life.   

Children under the age of 18 may not stay overnight in the residence halls. 

Guests must follow all the rules of the residence halls as stated in the Harvard Griffin GSAS Residence Hall Handbook, and the resident is responsible for the actions of their guest. The same policies regarding communal courtesy also apply to guests. 

Residents must not allow their guest access to a residence hall or room, or permit anyone to stay in their room when they are not present. This applies to all use, including overnight, weekends, vacations, and holidays. Guests should never be present in the residence halls unaccompanied by their resident host. Residents must make arrangements to let their guest into the building themselves. Guests should not piggyback into the residence halls behind another resident.   

Because guests should not be in the residence halls without their host, keys for guests are not available. In addition, residents are not permitted to make copies of their keys for guests. Duplication of keys is a breach of security and may result in disciplinary sanctions including fines and/or termination of the remainder of the resident’s housing contract. 

Violation of the guest policy is a serious matter. The guest of a resident who violates the policy will be asked to leave the residence halls immediately. Furthermore, the remainder of the resident’s housing contract may be canceled, and the resident may be asked to vacate their room. 

Holiday Decorations 

The safety guidelines set by the University and the City of Cambridge are as follows: 

  • Evergreen decorations and fresh trees are a potential fire hazard and are therefore prohibited indoors. Only artificial nonflammable Christmas trees and decorations are permitted. 
  • All decorations must be made of fireproof material and arranged so that they are not hazardous in any way; they should not block, hide, or camouflage any exit. 
  • Candles or lamps with open flames are not permitted. 
  • All electrical decorations should be inspected for wear and tear before plugging them in. All extension cords and electrical decorations must be labeled UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved. 

Keys/Lockouts 

At the beginning of the academic year, each resident is issued a single room key. Keys should not be duplicated or given to anyone else, including other residents. Duplication of keys is a breach of security and may result in disciplinary sanctions including fines and/or termination of the remainder of the resident’s housing contract. Only original keys will be accepted for return at the end of the housing contract. 

Residents who have lost their room key can get a replacement key from a Resident Advisor or the Office of Residential Life for a fee of $25.00. Residents who have misplaced their key may borrow a key from the Office of Residential Life for a period of seven days without being charged. If the key is not returned within this time, the Office of Residential Life will assume that the key needs to be replaced, and the resident will be charged the $25.00 replacement fee. 

The University will not normally change a room lock when a student has lost their key. A student may request such a lock change through the Facilities Manager for a minimum fee of $150.00 during regular work hours. Any lock changes during nights (after 3:00 p.m.), weekends, or holidays may cost up to $400.00. 

To encourage personal responsibility in remembering one’s room key, residents will be asked to complete a Lockout Form each time they request assistance in accessing their room. Residents with more than two lockouts will be charged a fine: $10 for the third lockout, $15 for the fourth lockout, $20 for the fifth lockout, and $25 for each additional lockout. 

Kitchens/Cooking 

Cleanliness

Residents are responsible for ensuring cleanliness of the kitchens and must clean up after themselves each time they use the kitchen. This includes: 

  • wiping up any crumbs or spills in the sink, on the counter, on the stove, in the microwave, around the toaster, in the refrigerator, and on the floor. 
  • removing all non‐communal food and kitchenware from the kitchen and storing it in individual rooms. 
  • cleaning all dirty dishes immediately. Leaving dirty dishes in the sink, on the tables, and on the counter is unacceptable. Dirty dishes left for more than one week will be thrown away by the custodial staff. 
  • cleaning spoiled items out of the refrigerator on a regular basis.  

The custodial staff will clean the kitchens with disinfectants daily. They will clean the microwaves, toasters, and dish racks on a weekly basis. The refrigerators are emptied of all food items and cleaned quarterly. During these quarterly cleanings, any items not labeled with the round food labels provided in each kitchen will be discarded.   

Kitchens that are not kept clean and sanitary may be subject to closure. Dirty dishes and cookware left in the kitchens may be thrown away. 

Cooking and Appliance Use 

Cooking food must be attended to at all times. This includes food on the stove, in the microwave, or in the oven. Kitchen heat detectors are sensitive and alert the Cambridge Fire Department when activated. This is a serious safety threat to all residents and requires the evacuation of the entire building. Residents who leave cooking food unattended on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave will be subject to review by the Director of Residential Life and may be asked to move out of the residence halls.  

The preparation of meals is permitted only in the kitchens. Cooking appliances, such as hot plates, electric frying pans, small microwave ovens, rice cookers, approved electric pressure cookers (such as Instant Pot) and grill toasters, are not permitted for use in individual rooms.  

Residents should turn off all cooking appliances such as stoves, ovens, toasters, or kettles as soon as they are finished using them. Residents should also unplug kitchen appliances such as toaster ovens, tea kettles, etc., when not in use. 

Food and Personal Items in the Kitchen 

Food and personal items left in the kitchens are not the responsibility of Harvard Griffin GSAS. Items left in the kitchen areas may be subject to use by other residents.  

All food stored in common refrigerators must be wrapped and labeled with the resident’s name and room number using the round labels provided.  

Hygiene And Courtesy 

Personal rubbish should be disposed of in the trash barrels in the halls, not in the kitchens. Brushing teeth, spitting, shampooing hair, cutting hair, etc., are restricted to the bathrooms. Residents are asked to work quietly in the kitchens, especially during quiet hours (late night and early morning hours). 

Noise

There should be no excessive noise at any time in any part of the residence halls. This includes noise resulting from telephone conversations or the playing of radios, televisions, stereos, and musical instruments. Noise resulting from gatherings in individual rooms and singing must also be kept to a minimum. Alarm clocks, music, phone calls, and slamming doors, which can also be sources of unreasonable noise, must be monitored by residents.  

While every resident should be able to enjoy normal activity in their room during reasonable hours, a high degree of sensitivity to the needs of others is necessary in a communal living situation. It is expected that students will respect their neighbors’ concerns when asked to lower the volume of any loud noise.  

Each student is expected to conduct themselves properly at all times. The responsibility applies to individuals and groups both in public spaces (lounges, bathrooms, kitchens, and hallways, etc.) and individual rooms. Hallways should not be used as a gathering place during the evening. Conversations in kitchens and lounges should be kept at a reasonable volume. Residents in Richards Hall should refrain from using balconies for cell phone conversations. This disturbs residents in the lounge and those who reside near the balconies. 

Resolving Noise Concerns

If a resident is disturbed by a neighbor, it is expected that the resident will communicate this concern directly to the neighbor involved. This communication should take place by speaking to the neighbor in person (not via email, text message, etc.). This communication must not take place by banging on the wall, screaming through the wall, or pounding on the floor or ceiling. Residents who are unsuccessful in resolving noise concerns with a neighbor or feel uncomfortable speaking with a neighbor directly should contact their RA for assistance. A resident who acts without respect to a neighbor’s right to quiet and is asked repeatedly to quiet down without effect will be asked to move out of the residence halls and will be held financially responsible for the room unless it can be reassigned. 

Personal Furnishings/Furniture 

Students are not allowed to remove University-owned furniture from their rooms or take it out of public areas for use in their individual rooms. Students are also not allowed to switch furniture from one room to another for any reason. If a student has a medical reason for removing furniture or bringing in additional furniture, they should work with the Disability Coordinator at their respective School to make arrangements. Only the Facilities Manager can remove authorized furniture. Do not, under any circumstances, remove furniture and place it in the hallway. This is a safety hazard and subject to a fine. 

Posters, Solicitations, and Businesses 

A resident may neither operate a business out of their room nor list their residence hall address or telephone number in conjunction with any business enterprise. No firm, agency, organization—including student organizations—or individual shall solicit, circulate petitions, post notices, or distribute information in a residence hall. Unauthorized posters may be removed by the Office of Residential Life or the Facilities Manager. 

Quiet Hours 

Noise should not be audible from a resident’s room or outside a public space during quiet hours. These hours are Sunday‐Thursday, 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.,* and Friday‐Saturday, 12:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.** 

Friday and Saturday quiet hours are enforced on nights prior to school holidays regardless of the calendar day. 

** During reading and examination periods, Sunday through Thursday quiet hours are enforced regardless of the calendar day. 

Roofs 

Students are not allowed on any roofs. 

Room Assignments/Vacating Procedures/Termination of Contracts 

Only full‐time, registered graduate students in degree-granting programs (except the Extension School) of Harvard University may be housed in the residence halls. All room assignments and reassignments are made by the Office of Residential Life. 

The Office of Residential Life does not permit room changes. In some extenuating circumstances, a room change may be granted, but there is a $150 room change fee associated with any and all room changes.  

Although the contract for a room in the Harvard Griffin GSAS residence halls is for the entire academic year, occasionally, students must leave the residence halls during the academic year. Residents are financially responsible for the room and meal plan for the duration of the entire contract. If the Office of Residential Life can reassign the room, the student will be released from financial responsibility when the new student moves into the room. 

When leaving the residence halls, residents should: 

  • leave the room in the condition in which it was found. Excessive dirt or clutter will result in a fine. 
  • vacate by the time required by the Office of Residential Life and the Facilities Manager. Residents who stay past the move- out deadline will be billed a late-vacancy charge. 
  • take all personal furniture. Any personal property left in the student’s room will be discarded. 
  • return their room key to Perkins Hall, Room 20. The fee for not returning a room key is $25.00. 

Room Safety Inspections 

Residents should expect their rooms to be inspected at least once per academic year. Following the room safety inspection, residents will receive a copy of an inspection report outlining any violations. Prohibited items such as candles, incense, and space heaters found in rooms will be removed immediately and placed in storage for the remainder of the academic year. Other safety hazards, such as overloaded electrical outlets will be noted, and the resident will have one week to remedy the problem before a follow‐up inspection of the room is conducted. Residents who fail to remedy safety hazards after the initial warning or who repeatedly violate safety policies may be asked to leave the residence halls. 

Because of the University’s responsibility to ensure compliance with fire safety and other regulations, as well as to maintain and improve residence hall rooms, room safety inspections will be made without prior notice.  

Security and Access 

For the protection of residents and their belongings, as well as the University's property, doors must be locked at all times.  

Residents will be asked to sign a Key Policy for the coded key issued to them for the residence halls. Residents are responsible for returning these keys; ordinarily, in an envelope provided at the time they give up occupancy. Residents must request replacements for lost keys or cards from the Office of Residential Life. Each replacement during the term costs $25.00. In addition, a $25.00 charge is assessed for each key or temporary access card not returned in the manner detailed above when a resident vacates a room. 

When residents lose their key along with some form of identification, the lock to their room will be changed as soon as it is feasible to do so. An exception will be made in those cases when there is no possibility that the key can be retrieved. As outlined under “Keys/Lockouts,” residents will be charged a minimum fee of $150.00 for the lock change. When residents lose their Harvard ID cards along with some form of identification, the access system will be reprogrammed to deny access via the lost card as soon as the loss is reported to the Office of Residential Life. No exceptions will be made even if the card cannot be retrieved. The University must have access to all rooms in the residence halls; therefore, residents are forbidden to install locks or any other security device (e.g., slide bolts, drop chains, hook and eyes) to any doors of their rooms. 

Unauthorized or inappropriate possession of any key or passkey, reproduction of any key or passkey, or interference with locks or other security devices makes a student liable to disciplinary action and/or eviction.  

Exterior doors propped open for longer than two minutes activate a silent alarm that alerts the Harvard Police Department. In addition, propped exterior doors invite both human and insect intruders. Do not prop open any exterior door. 

Smoking and Use of Vapes/E-Cigarettes 

Smoking and the use of vapes/e-cigarettes are prohibited in any area of the Harvard Griffin GSAS residence halls. This includes individual resident rooms and all common areas or balconies. Residents who smoke or use vapes/e-cigarettes must do so outside. 

Smoking is prohibited within 50 feet of the residence halls. Smoking may not take place within 50 feet of any entrance or window. Harvard Yard, as well as many Harvard Schools and all Harvard University Housing properties, are completely tobacco free.  

If a resident is asked repeatedly to stop smoking in their room, the resident will be asked to move out of the residence halls and will be held financially responsible for the room unless it can be reassigned. 

Weapons and Explosives 

No rifles, pistols, and any other types of firearms, or ammunitions, explosives, combustible fuels, fireworks or potential ingredients thereof, may be kept in a residence hall or on other University property. 

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