Newcstle Residential Contract 2011

8/2/2019 Newcstle Residential Contract 2011

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TABLE OFCONTENTS 20II

Administration and Catering

Contract

Introduction

1.01Contract is binding1.02Contract time1.03Contract changes1.04Eligibility1.05Compliance with laws1.06Termination of contract,

prior to move-in

1.07Termination of contract,after move-in

1.08Termination of contract,by the University

1.09Payment of room tariff,fees and charges

1.10Overdue accounts1.11Meal plans1.12Meal rebate1.13Damages and related

costs

1.14Force majeure1.15Liability1.16Insurance1.17Protection of privacy1.18Disputes1.19Room assignment1.20Designated roommate1.21Moving in1.22Early arrivals1.23Late arrivals

1.24Room condition andhousekeeping

1.25Room change1.26Unauthorised

occupancy/subletting

1.27Guests1.28Overstaying1.29Abandoned

accommodation and

personal property

1.30Moving out1.31Staying over the summer

period

1.32Applying for readmission1.33Accommodation Services

property

1.34Room entry1.35Repairs and alterations1.36Construction and

maintenance

1.37Non-residence furnitureand appliances

1.38Fire systems, fire safetyand smoking

1.39Driving and parking1.40Parking permits1.41Disabled parking1.42Pest treatment1.43Lock-outs1.44Fines1.45Computing and

communications

1.46Linen1.47Storage1.48Equipment loan and rules1.49Non waiverResidential Life Standards

Self care

2.01Alcohol and Other DrugsPolicy

2.02Scope of the Alcohol andOther Drugs Policy

2.03Respecting otherschoices with alcohol

2.04Responsible alcoholconsumption

2.05Healthy limits withalcohol

2.06Alcohol free areas2.07Alcohol free periods2.08Excessive alcohol use2.09Alcohol age restrictions2.10Drugs2.11Personal hygiene2.12SmokingCommunity2.13Respecting others2.14Bullying2.15Initiations2.16Pranks2.17Inappropriate images or

messages

2.18Online behaviour

2.19Swearing2.20Modesty2.21Staff2.22Respecting others

property

2.23Respecting Universityproperty

2.24Damage to property2.25Damage prevention2.26Litter2.27Recycling2.28Permission to enter

bedrooms

2.29Beds and mattresses2.30Furniture2.31Pets2.32Posters and decorations2.33Alterations2.34Kitchens2.35Housekeeping2.36Respecting the cleaning

Staff

2.37Laundry2.38Catering and the Dining

Hall2.39Acceptable behaviour in

the Dining Hall

2.40Dining Hall dress code2.41Guests and visitors2.42Guests and University

policy

2.43Seeking permission forguests to stay

2.44Guests and otherresidents

2.45Guests and facilities2.46Guests and Staff2.47Partners and children2.48Parties and other

functions

2.49Acceptable noise2.50Music volume2.51Noise curfews2.52Study rooms2.53Bicycle storage2.54Swimming pools2.55Swimming pool safety2.56Appropriate swimwear2.57Promotional activities2.58Use of logos2.59Media representationSafety and security

2.60Doors and corridors2.61Fire alarms and fire

fighting equipment

2.62Fire hazards2.63Emergencies2.64Weapons2.65Throwing or falling

objects

Discipline guidelines


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TABLE OFCONTENTS 20II

Residential Life Community

Standards Incident and

Sanction Matrix

Level One3.01Cleanliness3.02Failure to co-operate3.03Noise3.04Dining Hall dress code3.05Breach of alcohol

guidelines

3.06Dining Hall behaviour3.07Dining Hall food wastage3.08Dining Hall item removal3.09Dining Hall guests3.10Vandalism3.11Litter3.12Pranks3.13Room alterations3.14Guests3.15Failure to report

Occupational Health and

Safety matters

Level Two

3.16Alcohol policy3.17Issued with three verbal

warnings

3.18Dishonesty andmisrepresentation

3.19Evacuation drill3.20Security: entry and exit

doors

3.21Dining Hall behaviour

3.22Disturbing the peace3.23Failure to comply3.24Lock outs (excessive)3.25External soliciting3.26Inappropriate material3.27Unacceptable behaviour3.28Smoking3.29Unauthorised personal

furniture or equipment in

bedroom or various

common areas

3.30Unauthorised roomchange

3.31Substance use3.32Swimming pool3.33Use of University and

college logos and names

3.34Negligent housekeepingLevel Three

3.35Bullying3.36Discrimination and

harassment

3.37Lighting of fire3.38Fire hazards3.39Evacuation3.40False reporting of

emergency

3.41Fire equipment misuse3.42Dangerous driving3.43Pets3.44Subletting

3.45Unacceptable behaviourmore serious than a Level

Two incident

3.46Possession of stolenproperty

3.47Theft3.48Destruction of property3.49Illegal and/or

unauthorised substance

use

3.50Trespassing or forcibleentry

3.51Violence, assault, orserious threats of

violence

3.52WeaponsAppendix l

Policies and procedures

of the University of

Newcastle relevant to

Accommodation Services

and the Residential Life

Community

Appendix llFinable offenses and

charges


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TABLE OFCONTENTS 20IIRESIDENTIAL CONTRACTADMIISTRATION & CATERING 20IIRESIDENTIAL CONTRACTINTRODUCTION20II

Living in accommodation on campus is not like living in

an apartment, unit, house, boarding house or in a family

home.

As a Resident living on campus at the University of

Newcastle you are not only subject to the same laws that

protect people in Australia, but you will also be held

accountable to the Universitys legal and moral

obligations to create a harmonious and inclusive

community that promotes academic excellence.

By choosing to live on campus, you are seen as a leader

in the University community and the highest standards

of behaviour and ethical judgement are expected at all

times.

It is the Universitys aspiration that you and all residents

living on campus will have an enjoyable experience that

will support both your academic and personal ambitions.

This contract will detail the legal and behavioural

obligations for people who choose to live on campus.

This contract also contains the following:

Residential Life Community Standards

Residential Life Community Incident and

Sanctions Matrix

A list of related policies from the Policy Library

of the University of Newcastle.

Australian Federal and New South Wales State Law will

always be applied in the first instance in reference to the

Contract conditions, Residential Life Community

Standards, Residential Life policies and guidelines in this

contract. University legislation, rules, policies,

procedures and guidelines will also apply to the

implementation of Contract conditions, Residential Life

Community Standards, Residential Life policies andguidelines. The University of Newcastle reserves the

right to amend or alter its legislation, rules, policies,

procedures and or guidelines at any time without notice.

Where references are made to the University of

Newcastle, such references denote the larger community

of members and all affiliates of the University of

Newcastle. Any references to the Residential Life

Community or Accommodation Services denote only

those units, or functions of the University of Newcastle

that relate directly to the management of on campus

residential accommodation and its related services.

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TABLE OFCONTENTS 20IIRESIDENTIAL CONTRACTADMINISTRATION & CATERING20II

1.01Contract is bindingThe purpose of this contract is to create an

agreement between you and the University of

Newcastle. The conditions and terms of thisagreement are outlined within this document. By

accepting your accommodation offer you have

confirmed that you agree to comply with the terms

and conditions held within this contract. You should

also note that the University reserves the right to

amend the rules and guidelines at any time during

the term of this agreement as required.

To accept your accommodation offer, by the set

due date, you must:

Confirm that you will comply with the

terms and conditions of this contract

either online or, by signing and submitting

a paper version of the contract

Provide payment of the administration fee

and if applicable, the orientation fee

Even if you omit to complete a step in the

acceptance or move-in process, you agree that

taking possession of validly offered accommodation

establishes this Contract between you and theUniversity.

1.02Contract timeThis contract commences at 9am on the Move-In

Date and ends at 12 noon on the Move-Out Date.

Both of these dates are specified within your

Contract acceptance page.

1.03Contract changesChanges may not be made to the terms of this

contract without the written permission of the

Accommodation Services management. During theterm of the contract, the University reserves the

right to amend the provisions of the contract at any

time by sending you an email notification to your

student email address, or other provided email

address if a student email address is not held.

Changes will be effective and binding upon you on

the date set out in the notification. If no date is set

out in the notification, the contract changes will be

effective one week from the date the notification

was sent. However, changes may be implemented

immediately when it is viewed that the health or

safety of any person may be adversely affected by a

delay.

1.04EligibilityEligibility for residence is restricted to students

enrolled full-time at the University of Newcastle

and the Hunter Institute of TAFE (Ourimbah). If you

are not enrolled as a full time student, you may

have your Contract terminated. If you terminate

your enrolment or enrol as a part time student, you

must notify Accommodation Services

administration and provide proof of the change

within 3 working days of the change in status. Part

time students may be permitted to continue their

residency at the discretion of the management

staff.

If you cease to be a bona fide student at the

University of Newcastle or Hunter Institute of TAFE

(Ourimbah) by discontinuing class attendance or

withdrawing from your course, your Contract willbe terminated and termination fees will apply.

If you are a non-student you are only eligible for

accommodation if you are the designated

roommate of a full-time University of Newcastle

student. Also, you should note that if your student

roommate moves out, you will also need to vacate

on-campus accommodation.

1.05Compliance with laws, etcYou agree to the terms of this contract and to abideby all federal, state and local government laws and

by-laws, University legislation, rules, regulations,

policies, procedures and guidelines, including but

not limited to the Residential Life Community

Standards, the Residential Life Community

Incidents and Sanctions Matrix and any other

directive issued by Accommodation Services.

1.06Termination of contract, prior to move-inTo terminate this agreement before occupancy you

must notify Accommodation Services in writing atleast 5 days before you are due to take up

occupancy. If applicable, the termination of this

agreement by you prior to occupancy results in the

refund of the Orientation fee.

The Administration fee will only be refunded to you

if you have withdrawn from the University, or have

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suffered severe personal problems which occurred

after accepting your offer and which are beyond

your control. In both cases appropriate

documentation must be provided toAccommodation Services.

Failure to occupy the room allocated to you on the

assigned date may result in termination of this

agreement with forfeiture of the Administration fee

and, if applicable, the Orientation Fee.

1.07Termination of contract, after move-inTo terminate this agreement after occupancy you

must lodge a Contract Termination Application with

Accommodation Services.

If the termination date is prior to the 1 October,

you are liable for providing 4 weeks notice, and a

$250 Contract cancellation fee. The 4 weeks notice

period commences from the date the application is

received at the office.

If termination date is after 1 October, you are liable

to pay until the end of your contract period. No

contract cancellation fee will apply.

The University will endeavour to finalise and send

notice of any outstanding charges via email or

refunds due to you to your address within 45 days

of the completed room check being processed and

noted on the administration system.

1.08Termination of contract, by the UniversityThe University may immediately terminate this

Contract should it consider that you and/or your

situation pose a potential danger to individuals orthe residential community.

The University may also terminate this agreement

for the following reasons:

a) Failure to make a payment as required bythis agreement;

b) Suspension or expulsion from theUniversity;

c) Exclusion from a current academicprogram

d) Disciplinary action and/or failure to complywith relevant University rules, policies and

guidelines, including the Universitys Code

of Conduct, the Residential Life

Community Standards and conditions of

this contract

e) A breach of any condition of this contractf) Failure to comply with any reasonable

direction by an officer of the University

If this agreement is terminated by the University for

reasons described above, you will be charged for

the period of occupancy until the official checkout

date. You must return your room cards and keys on

this date, otherwise you will receive additional

charges.

Your Contract will be placed under review if you

have an outstanding debt and do not have an

approved payment arrangement prior to the due

date of your debt. In this case, you will be requiredto meet with the Manager Residential Life to

discuss this matter. Your Contract may be

terminated at this time if you do not address the

debt, or undertake a payment arrangement to

address the debt. Possible payment arrangements

may be referred to the Student Indebtedness

Advisory Group. If your Contract is terminated

under these conditions, you may be housed till a

date that is nominated by the University. You would

still be responsible for any room and board fees and

any other charges incurred up to your official

checkout date.

1.09Payment of room tariff, fees and chargesThe Administration Fee and Orientation Fee as

noted on your Contract acceptance page is payable

upon your acceptance of an accommodation offer.

Your weekly room tariff is also listed on your

Contract acceptance page and applies for the

Contract period, on a pro-rata basis. This tariff is

payable in instalments and on the due dates as

follows:

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Semester One 2011

Instalment 1 Instalment 2

Tariff Period 9 weeks, 5 days

(1 Feb 10 Apr)

11 weeks

(10 Apr 26 Jun)

Due Dates 8 April 2011 6 May 2011

Semester Two 2011

Instalment 1 Instalment 2

Tariff Period 11 weeks

(26 Jun 11 Sep)

11 weeks

(11 Sep 27 Nov)

Due Dates 2 September 2011 7 October 2011

If an approved contract period varies to the above

dates, the amount payable will be adjusted

accordingly, with any additional days added to the

first instalment.

All amounts are listed as, and payable in, Australian

Dollars.

All accounts and correspondence are issued to the

resident (only) via your NUmail email account. It isyour responsibility to monitor and action any such

communication.

All other charges are payable within 14 days from

date of issue and as stated on any issued invoice,

statement, or email advising of charges on your on-

line accommodation account.

You can make payments at any time or amount

prior to the instalment due dates, as long as the

minimum amount of the instalment is paid by the

due date (eg. pay all of Semester One by 8 April, orweekly / fortnightly payments totalling the

instalment by 8 Apr). Any payments in advance will

remain as a credit on your accommodation account

and will be offset against the invoice/charge when

issued.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

As per Australian Taxation Law, GST is payable for

accommodation provided to residents who are not

enrolled tertiary students in Australia and arepermitted to stay by the management staff.

GST is payable by all residents on any other fees /

charges.

Payment Methods

Payments are to be made on-line through the

accommodation portal, via Visa or Mastercard

(debit or credit card). The link is:

http://accommodation.newcastle.edu.au

You will be advised of your individual log-in and

password when you receive your offer of

accommodation. This log-on and password is to be

kept in a secure manner and will be used

throughout your residency to access the

accommodation portal, including viewing and

paying your accommodation account.

The on-line payment facility is available 24 hours

per day, 7 days per week. Payments are processed

through an ANZ Secure Payment Server and you will

receive a response to your payment at that time.

Card details are processed by the bank, and not

retained by the University.

If you cannot pay via on-line payment, an Australian

cheque or overseas bank draft (in Australian

Dollars) can be made payable to The University of

Newcastle and sent to the Accommodation

Services Office, The University of Newcastle,University Drive, CALLAGHAN NSW 2308

1.10Overdue accountsIf you experience financial difficulties with payment

of your account, you can apply for an

accommodation payment plan which will provide

some additional time to pay (up to 29 May for

Semester One and 29 October for Semester Two).

Applications must be lodged by the instalment due

dates noted in 1.09 above. Details on how to apply

will be provided with your first tariff account.

If a payment plan is not suitable, please contact the

Finance Officer prior to the due date to discuss an

appropriate payment arrangement.

A Negative Service Indicator (NSI) will be raised

against your student account for any overdue fees

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or charges until such time as the debt is paid in full.

An NSI prohibits further enrolment, graduation,

access to course results and the issue of transcripts.

Appropriate debt recovery action will be

undertaken for any overdue payments. Any unpaid

debts in your name may be referred to the

Universitys Student Indebtedness Advisory Group if

appropriate, or referred to the Finance Division for

further action.

You are liable for any costs incurred in recovery of

an unpaid debt including referral to the Universitys

Debt Collection Agency and/or for any legal action

that is taken to recover the debt.

As noted in this Contract under 1.08, The University

may terminate your Contract for overdue

accommodation fees. Unsatisfactory payment

history can also affect any accommodation

readmission application.

1.11Meal plansIf you reside in a Main Hall room at Edwards Hall,

the provision of 16 meals per week within the

contract is mandatory.

If you reside in a Standard Room at International

House, the provision of 5 dinners per week within

the contract is mandatory unless certain exceptions

are met. These exceptions may include

dietary/medical conditions and academic program

restrictions. For a resident of a standard room at

International House to receive a contract without a

meal plan, they must first contact Accommodation

Services to apply for a self catered contract.

Supporting documents may be necessary to attainapproval. If approved, they will need to sign a new

agreement/contract and return their meal tag. The

resident will continue to pay for meals until the

new contract has been signed or, agreed to online,

and the meal tag returned.

Students residing in self catered accommodation

are able to arrange a meal plan to be included in

their contract. To arrange this provision they must

contact Accommodation Services administration

and complete the necessary documentation.

1.12Meal rebatesIf you are a resident in a catered college and must

be away from your accommodation for a period of

time due to a requirement within your program of

study, you may apply for a Meal Rebate. The

application form can be obtained from the

Accommodation Services Office. This Meal Rebate

is only available for valid and provable periods of

absence on placement. You must apply by

completing the appropriate form prior to your

departure, providing the required evidence to

support your claim. If applicable, you must also

hand in your meal tag to the Accommodation Office

prior to your departure and collect it from the

office on your return. The application form can be

obtained from the Accommodation Services Office

and lists the applicable rebate amount.

1.13Damages and related costsYou agree to pay for damages, lost property or

additionally incurred service or administrative costs

you or your guests cause to the Universityresidence facilities whether through accident,

neglect or intent.

You must check and complete your room inventory

form upon moving into the Hall and lodge this

within 7 days of starting residency. You must report

any discrepancy or damage to Accommodation

Services immediately. The cost of any damage or

discrepancy not reported will be charged to your

account. If you do not lodge the updated room

/kitchen inventory the University shall take the lastrecorded official inventory as correct.

Any damage identified in your room will be charged

to you. You agree to accept shared responsibility

for all communal areas and any damage within or

to a communal room or communal area is deemed

the responsibility of all persons assigned to or

identified as users of the communal room or the

communal area unless individual responsibility is

determined. This includes all types of shared space,

and the contents therein, you may have access to

including, but not limited to, all residential precinct

buildings and facilities, your building, wing, block or

your unit.

After inspection of the room and/or the common

areas/service facilities by University or contractor

staff, an amount determined by the University to

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be payable due to additional cleaning, required

repairs, missing items or damage to the building,

furniture, equipment, administrative costs or fines

will be charged. This account must be paid within14 days of the date of issue.

If University staff are required to undertake repairs

to damage determined to be caused by you, the

cost of the staff time utilised in any related

maintenance, administrative or investigative work,

may be charged to you.

1.14Force majeureThe University, insomuch as it is within its control,

will provide the accommodation pursuant to theterms and conditions stated in this Contract.

To the extent that the University is unable to fulfil,

or is delayed or restricted in fulfilling, its obligations

under this Contract due to any cause beyond its

control, the University shall be relieved from the

fulfilment of its obligations during that period and

you shall not be entitled to any reduction in fees or

compensation as a result thereof. This may include

without limitation: a strike by its employees; any

action of job action or labour unrest; fires; floods;earthquakes; any acts of God; intervention by

civilian or military authorities; acts of war; acts of

terrorism; public health emergencies; unusually

destructive or disruptive storms; or new or

amended federal, state, or local laws, regulations,

bylaws and policies.

1.15LiabilityThe University acknowledges, and you are hereby

made aware, that criminal activity, personal injury

and theft occur, and the risk exists for such futureoccurrences on University premises, specifically

within and around the residences, dining hall, car

parks and residence facilities. Therefore, you agree

to assume responsibility for your own personal

safety and security, as well as for your own

personal belongings.

The University assumes no responsibility for the

theft, destruction or loss of money, valuables or

other personal property belonging to you, or in

your custody or your guests or other persons,regardless of cause. This includes losses which

occur in your room, storage rooms, public areas

and other areas of the residential precinct or in

baggage handling or storage. You are encouraged

to arrange your own personal property insurance.

The University provides locks to external and

bedroom doors to afford reasonable security to

residents. All residents are responsible for keeping

their rooms, units and other accessible residential

areas secure.

1.16InsuranceThe University does not provide you with general

insurance, liability insurance or property insurance

for your personal belongings. It is recommended

that you arrange for your person and al l your

personal effects in your residence and any other

residential area to be covered by private insurance.

1.17Protection of privacyPersonal information in possession of

Accommodation Services about a resident will not

be released to persons outside the University

administration, including family members or

friends, without the written consent of the resident

concerned, unless permitted or required by law.

1.18DisputesShould a dispute not be able to be resolved through

discussion between the parties concerned, the

party asserting that there is a dispute will formallynotify the Deputy Academic Registrar, Student

Support Services of the dispute in writing. The

Deputy Academic Registrar, Student Support

Services will then attempt to resolve the dispute.

If you believe that any penalty arising from the

dispute resolution is unjust, an appeal against any

penalty imposed may be made directly to the

Academic Registrar, in writing, within 14 days of

notification of the outcome of the dispute.

1.19Room assignmentRoom allocation is based on established quotas.

The University reserves the right to make

alternative allocation priorities and decisions based

upon the needs of individual students and/or the

residential community. The Residential Precinct is

not currently suitable for family accommodation.

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You are entitled to occupy and use only your

allocated bedroom and associated common areas.

The use of any other room in a residential unit is

prohibited without the prior consent in writing ofthe Accommodation Services staff.

Subject to the availability of space, the University

allows allocation of accommodation according to

requested Residence preferences on a non-

discriminatory basis. However the University does

not guarantee assignment to a particular building

or unit, type of accommodation or with a specific

roommate. Roommate requests may be granted

when the requests are mutual and both

applications are timely.

The University reserves the right to make

alternative assignment decisions or reassign

students for such reasons as the University

determines appropriate. These reasons include,

without limitation: the use of temporary

accommodation when permanent space is not

available; construction, renovation, maintenance

activities; interpersonal conflicts; health, safety,

security concerns; natural disasters; pending

disciplinary action and non-compliance with

University regulations. Room reassignment and

utility or facility disruptions shall not result in the

reimbursement or reduction of room tariffs

referred to in this agreement.

The University reserves the right to consolidate

single occupants residing in a shared room. If it is

necessary to assign a single occupant to a shared

room or to allow a single occupant to remain in a

shared room, the occupant will be charged at the

full room tariff from the effective date.

1.20Designated roommateYou are not permitted to have any other person

reside in your accommodation unless your

accommodation is a one bedroom unit. If you are

occupying a one bedroom unit, you may invite a

maximum of one additional person to be your

designated roommate.

Your designated roommate must be approved in

advance by Accommodation Services. Onceapproved this person must then also complete the

offer acceptance process before being entitled to

move into your accommodation. Please note that

children are not eligible as a roommate.

If your roommate decides to terminate their l icence

agreement, you accept that you will have

responsibility for the total room tariff on their

departure. To ensure a resident in such a position is

provided with fair notice, a departing roommate

must provide written evidence to AccommodationServices that they have informed their roommate of

their intention to depart at the time of submitting a

termination application. Failure to do so may result

in the resident intending to depart incurring

additional fees.

If your designated roommate is not a student at the

University of Newcastle, they will not be entitled to

reside in the accommodation unless you reside

there at the same time. A Goods and Services Tax(GST) amount will apply to the tariff of any non-

student residents.

1.21Moving inYou may receive your room keys and check into

your residence from the Accommodation Services

office located near the Edwards Hall residences.

You can only receive your room keys and check-in

during normal office hours on or after the move-in

date specified in this Contract. The normal office

hours are 8:00am 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Ifyou are unable to arrive during normal office hours,

you will need to obtain short-term accommodation

off campus until the office is next open.

1.22Early arrivalsAccommodation Services are under no obligation to

provide accommodation prior to the Contract

move-in date. However, requests to move in prior

to the Contract move-in date will be considered. A

request must be made in writing to

Accommodation Services. If approved, the

accommodation tariff and the terms and conditions

of this Contract will commence on the date of the

early arrival. You will still only be able to move-in

and receive your room keys during normal office

hours as specified in item 1.21.

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1.23Late arrivalsIf you plan to arrive more than ten days after your

move-in date, you must notify Accommodation

Services in writing. Accommodation not occupiedwithin ten days of your move-in date may be

cancelled and reassigned without further notice.

Tariff charges apply from commencement of your

contract move-in date, even though you may arrive

after this date.

1.24Room condition and housekeepingFollowing check-in you have seven days to

complete and submit a room condition and

inventory form. After your departure the room and

common areas will be inspected. Any missing items,damage not documented on your room condition

and inventory form, or additional cleaning required

will be assessed and will be charged to you.

If you prepare food and drink in your

kitchen/kitchenette, you are responsible for

cleaning up afterwards and for maintaining the

kitchen/kitchenette at all times in a hygienic

condition. The cost of any additional cleaning as

assessed by Accommodation Services staff or

contractor staff will be charged to you.

Residents with private bathrooms shall provide

unimpeded access to their bathroom for cleaning

purposes not less than once each two weeks.

Where there is a need to engage cleaning

contractors to provide extra cleaning in a shared

unit, if the residents responsible are not identified,

all residents of the unit will be charged accordingly.

Housekeeping services are provided primarily for

the public areas of the residences. You are

responsible for maintaining cleanliness within your

allocated living areas including your bedroom,

kitchens and bathrooms.

1.25Room changesThere are two types of room changes available:

a) A standard room change involves movingto new accommodation when it becomes

available

b) The second type of change is called aroom swap. This can occur between two

residents who mutually agree to exchange

or swap accommodation

The fee for a room change is $110 (GST inclusive)

per person.

If you wish to apply for either of these changes, you

are to complete a room change request form from

the Accommodation Services Office. Room changes

are not guaranteed and will only be offered at the

discretion of Accommodation Services.

Unauthorised room changes or swaps will result in

a fine of $250 and you may be required to move

back to your assigned accommodation and/or be

subject to disciplinary action.

1.26Unauthorised occupancy/sublettingSubletting is not permitted. You shall not sublet or

provide the use of a Hall of Residence bedroom to

any other party. This includes allowing a nonresident to sublet or share a space in single or share

rooms. Breaching of this condition may result in the

termination of this Contract.

1.27GuestsPlease refer to the Residential Life Community

Standards 2.41 Guests and visitors through to 2.46

Guests and staff.

1.28OverstayingIf you remain in your accommodation after themove-out or eviction date, no new right of

occupation is created and thereby the University

may, without notice, re-enter and take possession

of your accommodation, remove you and any other

persons and property and use such force and

assistance as deemed necessary.

If the University expressly grants its approval to

your continued occupation of your accommodation

and accepts payment of fees for that occupation,

then any right of occupation is only for the period

contained within that approval.

1.29Abandoned accommodation and personalproperty

Your accommodation and your, and any/or your

guests, personal property may be deemed by the

University to be abandoned when:

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a) Your personal property is substantiallyremoved and your tariff fees are unpaid 14

days after the due date; or

b) Your tariff fees remain unpaid 14 daysafter the due date and the University has

not received a response from you for a

period of 7 days after sending you a notice

If the University deems your accommodation to be

abandoned, the University may re-enter your

accommodation and, in addition to any additional

rights the University may have, the University may

re-rent your accommodation.

You acknowledge that in the case of abandonment,

the University will remove and dispose of your, and

any of your guests, personal property without any

compensation to you or your guests. You will agree

that the University will be under no obligation to

store any such belongings remaining in the

accommodation or to sell them or otherwise

recover their value.

1.30Moving out of your accommodationCheck out time for all residents at the end of their

Contract is 12 noon. If you do not depart by 12

noon, you will be l iable for extra accommodation

charges that will be charged at the casual rate. All

keys and cards must be returned to the office at the

time of departure. Room charges will be incurred at

the casual rate until the room keys/cards have been

received and checked in.

Vacating your accommodation means removing all

persons and personal possessions from your

accommodation. If you fail to vacate possession

when required by contract, then in addition to anyother costs, you will pay all the Universitys costs

arising from such a failure to vacate. This may

include without limitation, the cost to clean your

accommodation and to provide hotel and meals for

the incoming resident who is scheduled to take

possession of your accommodation.

You acknowledge that in the case of any of your, or

any of your guests, personal property remaining in

your accommodation after you were due to vacate

possession, the University will remove and d isposeof your and your guests personal property without

compensation to any person. You will agree that

the University will be under no obligation to store

any such belongings remaining in the

accommodation or to sell them or otherwise

recover their value.

1.31Staying over the summer periodYou are able to nominate for accommodation

during the summer vacation period. Instructions on

how to do this will be sent via email by the

Accommodation administration to residents during

the month of October. If you do not receive this

information during October, please contact the

office staff.

1.32Applying for readmissionResidents who wish to return to on campus

accommodation for the following year and/or

semester must complete an on-line readmissionprocess. Accommodation Services staff will inform

residents by email when this readmission process is

open for the following year/semester.

Readmission places can be limited and students can

be excluded from consideration due to poor

payment history and reportable poor behaviour.

1.33Accommodation Services propertyYou are responsible for the custody and care of

your room keys, room, room content and jointlyresponsible (with the other unit residents) for the

common areas of your units. You will be charged

the cost of cleaning, replacement or repair made

necessary by lack of care of the Universitys

property for which you are responsible.

You are expected to report any damage within your

room or common areas within a timely manner.

You can report the damage by using the on-line

maintenance request system, reporting it to

Accommodation Services staff, or if urgent andoutside of normal office hours, to University

Security Services staff.

University property must not be removed from

rooms, units or other areas of the Residence

without the prior written consent of management

staff. In particular, the removal of furniture or

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equipment from common areas to individual units

or bedrooms is prohibited. Borrowed common

area furniture will be considered stolen and the act

of removal will be dealt with as a disciplinary actand/or with the issue of a fine.

1.34Room entryThe University respects the need for, and right to,

privacy of each resident. However, the University

reserves the right to enter and inspect residents

rooms at any time when it is deemed necessary to

protect and maintain University property, to ensure

the safety and wellbeing of residents and/or to

facilitate the maintenance of good order and

discipline. Reasonable notice will be provided priorto any staff member conducting routine checks.

If you have requested a repair or custodial task to

be performed in your room, the

caretaking/custodial staff will enter your room to

complete that request.

1.35Repairs and alterationsAll repairs and alterations to accommodation and

facilities will be carried out by the University.

Residents are prohibited from repairing or alteringthe exterior or interior of their room or unit or

facilities and should report any required repairs to

Accommodation Services using the online

maintenance request system.

1.36Construction and maintenanceThere are ongoing maintenance, renovation and

construction projects taking place in and around

the residences. The work typically takes placeduring regular business hours, but may begin earlier

or extend into evenings or weekends. The

University will take measures to ensure that

prudent construction practices are followed, but

there may be noise, dust, and temporary disruption

to some services. You may be required to

temporarily or permanently relocate to facilitate

construction or renovations to the residence area.

There will be no compensation or reduction to your

residence fees due to disruption and/or relocation.

1.37Non-residence furniture and appliancesYou must not bring in your own furniture or

equipment for the common areas of the residence,

or bedrooms for your personal use, without prior

permission. The cost of the removal of property will

be charged to you.

If you wish to have a bar fridge, or any other major

electrical appliance within your room, you must

request prior permission from Accommodation

Services. You must provide proof that it has been

tested and tagged by an authorised technician

within the previous three months, or that the

appliance is new and within the warranty period.

The arrangement of the cost of any testing and

tagging is your responsibility. If an unauthorised

and/or untested and untagged bar fridge is found

within your room, it may be removed by University

staff and you will be issued with a $250 fine.

1.38Fire systems, fire safety and smokingYou must abide by the fire safety regulations.

Interference with fire equipment including fire

hoses, fire extinguishers and smoke detectors will

result in immediate termination of the Contract.

Fire regulations prohibit cooking, burning of

candles, burning of incense and the use of electric

radiators, electric blankets, or any other heaters in

rooms. Cooking is only allowable in designated

kitchen/tea room spaces. Only the heater provided

by Accommodation Services may be used.

Malicious or careless actions that lead to the

activation of crisis/fire systems may result in a

monetary fine and/or disciplinary action for those

residents responsible or involved. If a modification

of the fire safety system is found within your room

during your stay or, during room inspections

following your departure, a fine of $250 will be

charged to you.

You must not have in your possession or store any

combustible materials or liquids, firearms or knives

or any other dangerous or illegal substances or

items in the room or anywhere on University

property.

Smoking is not permitted within 3 metres of a

University building. In addition, smoking is not

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permitted inside rooms, adjacent to the entrances

of the building or the covered walkways outside

rooms and the University Smoke-free Policy must

be adhered to at all times. Please refer to theUniversity of Newcastle Smoke Free Environment

Policy at:

http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policylibrary/000329

.html

1.39Driving and parkingAll internal roads and parking lots at the University

of Newcastle, including those at accommodation

sites on campus are covered by the same laws as all

public roads in New South Wales. This means that

you may be fined if you are driving while over thelegal blood alcohol limit, do not obey speed limits,

drive in a dangerous manner or disobey parking

restrictions. Although the fine may be issued by a

University Security Officer, any fines issued are

administered by the New South Wales Police

through the Infringement Processing Bureau. Aside

from monetary fines, you can lose points from your

drivers licence and non payment of fines could

mean that legal action may be taken against you.

1.40Parking permitsIf you own a vehicle and wish to park at the

residences, you must apply for a University of

Newcastle Residential Parking Permit. The cost for a

year permit is $155. This permit will allow you to

park in the designated car parks at the

accommodation sites. To apply for a Residential

Parking Permit, you must contact the

Accommodation Services office. You will need to

provide your current vehicle registration papers

and the vehicle you use must be either owned by

you or a parent or guardian. You cannot apply for aResidential Parking Permit if your vehicle is not

owned by you and is owned by another non

resident student. Once issued with a Residential

Parking Permit, you must display your permit on

your vehicle whenever you park in a designated

residential car park. Failure to display your permit

on your vehicle may result in a fine. You cannot

park in any spaces marked Service or Staff. You

are not permitted to park or store an unregistered

vehicle at any accommodation site.

Please note: For those residents who become

employed as Residential Assistants, Senior

Residential Assistants, Residential Coordinators,

Residential Mentors or Senior Residential Mentors,

you still cannot park in any space marked Service

or Staff.

1.41Disabled parkingThe University of Newcastle provides parking

spaces close to buildings for people with

disabilities. These car parks are clearly marked. You

may only park in a disabled car space if you possess

a current Australian Disability Parking (ADP) permit.

Your ADP permit must be prominently displayed on

your front windscreen. You may be fined if you

forget to display an ADP permit and park in a

disabled car park.

1.42Pest treatmentYou should not allow conditions to exist that, in the

opinion of Accommodation Services, may

encourage the infestation of insects, rodents orother vermin. You are required to report the

presence or suspected presence of pests in your

accommodation to Accommodation Services.

Should treatment be required, you will be required

to comply with the prescribed treatment methods

and protocol. This may include relocation, cleaning

and/or removal and disposal of furnishings or

personal possessions. In such an event you shall not

be reimbursed by the University for any disruption,

relocation, loss or loss of use of any personal

possessions or furnishings.

1.43Lock-outsYou must keep your room keys with you at all

times. If you lock yourself out of your room during

office hours, you must come to the Accommodation

Services to register your lock-out and they will

provide you with access to your room. If you lock

yourself out after-hours you will need to phone the

on-call staff member.

If you lock yourself out of your room, a fine can be

charged to your accommodation account. You will

not be liable for a fine on the first occasion, but you

will receive a fine if this occurs a second or

subsequent time, with the value of the fine

escalating with the number of transgressions (see

Appendix II).

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1.44FinesFines will be applicable to a number of

misdemeanours. These are outlined in Appendix II.

Finable misdemeanours include:

Lock-outs

Lock changes

Tampering with fire detectors

Mattresses in common areas

Having unit front doors jarred open

Having unit fire doors jarred open

Untagged bar fridges

Unauthorised room changes

Placing obstructions in hallways or fireexits

1.45Computing and communicationsThe university will provide computing network

access to your accommodation. If you use this

service, you agree to abide by the Universitys

conditions of use. Refer to Appendix I.

1.46LinenYou are supplied with a mattress protector only.

You are responsible for the laundering of this item

during your stay. This must remain in your

accommodation on your departure. If not, you will

be charged for the replacement.

1.47StorageThere is no storage space provided by

Accommodation Services. If you are vacating your

accommodation temporarily or permanently and

wish to store your possessions for a defined period,

you will need to make your own arrangements.

1.48Equipment loan rulesThe maximum period of loan for sporting

equipment, BBQ keys, etc is 48 hours. It is also

possible that a shorter loan period may be required

by Administration staff. Equipment borrowed over

the weekend must be returned by 10am on the first

working day of the next week. If you fail to return

loan equipment by the due date you may be

charged for lost property or temporarily banned

from obtaining further loans.

1.49Non waiverNon enforcement of any part of this contract by the

University does not waiver any rule nor breach of

this contract.

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TABLE OFCONTENTS 20IIRESIDENTIAL CONTRACTADMIISTRATION & CATERING 20IIRESIDENTIAL CONTRACTRESIDENTIAL LIFE 20IIRESIDENTIAL CONTRACTRESIDENTIAL LIFE COMMUNITY STANDARDS 20II

We all live in a community and to belong to a community

means having the security, stability and support to live a

happy and fulfilling life.

In choosing to live on campus, you are choosing to be a

member of the Residential Life Community. The strength

and success of your new community grows from your

and the other residents care and attention to the

Residential Life Community as a whole. The common

welfare of all members of the Residential Life

Community should always be kept firmly in mind. This in

turn will enable your new community to meet your

needs and the needs of other residents living on campus.

Participation is a key to harmony and personal progress

for the greatest number depends on a harmonious andsafe community.

The primary focus of the Residential Life Community is to

support you and all other residents living on campus in

the continuum of your developing self awareness, social

confidence and academic endeavour.

Your rights and responsibilities within the Residential Life

Community are interdependent of your attitudes and

behaviour.You and every other member of the

Residential Life Community can expect consideration andrespect for your feelings and needs. In return, you have

the responsibility to make reasonable adjustments when

accommodating others needs and to show respect for

the rights of every other member of the Residential Life

Community.

Self Care

2.01Alcohol and Other Drug policyThe University of Newcastle has granted you the

privilege of being able to drink alcoholic beverages

while living on campus. This privilege will be granted

so long as you follow the University of Newcastle

Alcohol and Other Drug policy (see appendix 1) and

the Residential Life Community Standards. You are

expected to be no more than a moderate drinker.

Where drinking leads to antisocial behaviour or

there are repeated breaches of the Universitys

Alcohol and Other Drug Policy, the University of

Newcastle through its Student Discipline Committee

may, at any time, institute partial or full bans ondrinking alcohol in campus accommodation sites.

Such bans may be extended for any period of time.

2.02Scope of the Alcohol and Other Drug policyAny person, whether staff, student, resident, guest

or visitor on any accommodation site at the

University of Newcastle will be held accountable to

the Universitys Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and

the Residential Life Community Standards. Where

Staff and Students of the University of Newcastle

are also residents in campus accommodation, the

Universitys Alcohol and Other Drug policy and the

Residential Life Community Standards will also apply

to all events occurring on all campuses and at any

event, at any location, sponsored by the University

of Newcastle, affiliates of the University or the

Residential Life Community. If you are a

representative of the University of Newcastle, any of

its affiliates or the Residential Life Community you

will also be held accountable to the Universitys

Alcohol and Other Drug policy and the Residential

Life Community Standards at any event you attendat any location including locations overseas.

2.03Respecting others choices with alcoholYou may decide not drink alcoholic drinks at all.

Abstinence is supported by the Residential Life

Community as a valid personal choice. There will

always be alcohol free events provided by the

Residential Life Community. Non alcoholic drinks,

including water, are available at all events where

alcohol is also served. Whether you drink alcohol or

not, you are asked to respect the choices otherpeople make when deciding what they may like to

drink.

2.04Responsible alcohol consumptionIf you choose to drink alcohol while living on campus

you are strongly encouraged to be a leader in

promoting responsible drinking of alcohol to your

peers. Irresponsible behaviour and/or excessive

drinking may result in sanctions at any level. You are

prohibited from organising, promoting or

participating in drinking games, pub crawls, keg

parties or any event where excessive use or

excessive availability of alcohol is present. You are

also prohibited from using or providing drinking

devices such as hoses, funnels, beer bongs, buckets,

punchbowls etc in which to mix or consume alcohol.

You cannot brew your own beer, ferment or distil

any alcoholic beverage in any part of the residences

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or on part of any campus of the University of

Newcastle.

2.05Healthy limits with alcoholThe Australian Alcohol Guidelines state that men

should drink no more than four standard drinks a

day and never more than six standard drinks on any

day. Women should drink no more than two

standard drinks a day and no more than four

standard drinks on any day. Everyone should have

at least one alcohol free day every week. Please go

towww.alcohol.gov.au for definitions of a standard

drink.

2.06Alcohol free areasThere are specific areas of the residences that are

alcohol free at all times. You must not drink any

alcoholic drink at any time in any of the corridors,

stairwells, foyers, study rooms, computer labs,

design room, tutorial rooms or car parks. The rest

of the Universitys campuses are designated alcohol

free zones and alcoholic drinks are only permitted

in licensed premises on campus, or where a

temporary liquor licence has been obtained for an

event. You must not drink alcohol at any sporting

event associated with the University or the

residences or at any of the Universitys sporting

facilities. Alcohol is permitted in the Dining Hall only

during special events.

2.07Alcohol free periodsYou must observe the alcohol free times for all

common areas used by residents. From Sunday to

Thursday you are permitted to drink alcoholic

beverages from 12 noon through to 12 midnight of

that day and on Friday and Saturday you are

permitted to drink alcoholic beverages from 12noon through to 1am the following morning. All

other times are alcohol free. Common areas

include the lounges, kitchens, kitchenettes, BBQ

areas, lawn areas around the residences, the

internal courtyard of Barahineban and the grassed

area outside the pool fence behind the Dining Hall.

If you are drinking alcohol and smoking on the

lawns, please remember not to smoke within three

metres of any building.

2.08Excessive alcohol useRegular excessive use of alcohol, binge drinking and

drinking to be drunk, has serious health and social

impacts. If you are identified has having a pattern

of alcohol use that is considered excessive or

problematic you may be asked to attend a health

assessment or counselling. If your behaviour

becomes antisocial as a result of excessive use of

alcohol you may receive sanctions at any level. Such

sanctions can range from counselling to the

termination of your contract and eviction from your

residence.

2.09Alcohol age restrictionsSome residents living on campus will be under the

legal drinking age of 18. If you are under the age of

18 while living on campus, it is against the law for

you to drink alcohol or for you to be served or given

alcohol by another resident or any other person. If

you are over the age of 18, it is illegal for you to

supply alcohol to any person under the age of 18.

You are also not allowed to promote alcohol to or

entice any underage resident into drinking alcohol.

2.10DrugsThe possession, use or sale of illegal drugs is

prohibited by law. Allegations of illegal drug use

may involve a range of interventions from referral

to counselling or a drug rehabilitation service to

referral to the police for investigation. Possession

of any illegal drug will be reported to the police and

may result in the termination of your contract and

eviction from your residence. Possession of any

equipment associated with drug manufacture oruse may be referred to the police for investigation.

Improper use of prescription medication or the sale

or unregulated supply of prescription medication

can also be illegal and may also be referred to the

police for investigation.

2.11Personal hygieneIt is expected that you will maintain a healthy

standard of personal hygiene. While people vary in

their personal needs, a minimum healthy standard

of personal hygiene will be considered to consist of

regular showering, cleaning teeth and wearing

reasonably clean clothing. Lapses in maintaining a

minimum standard of personal hygiene can

constitute a health issue, and where such lapses are

noted, you may be asked to attend counselling.

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2.12SmokingIt is your choice if you wish to smoke tobacco or

other legal non tobacco products but p lease be

aware that the University of Newcastle is a smokefree place for all residents, staff and visitors to the

University. What this means for a resident who

chooses to smoke is that you may not smoke

indoors at any site on campus including your room,

the common area you share with other residents,

the Dining Hall, any corridor, stairwell or covered

space near any building on campus. This will include

all recreational areas such as the BBQs, pools and

all sporting facilities. You must not smoke within

three metres of any building. Smoking will include

the use of cigarettes, cigars, pipes, shisha, hookahs

etc. Chewing tobacco is not permitted as there are

no facilities such as spittoons on campus.

Community

2.13Respecting othersYou are expected to be honest at all times and to

not knowingly provide false written or verbal

information. You are also to remember that it can

be against the law to engage in racist,

discriminatory, sexist conduct or other behaviour

likely to cause offence. Bullying, discrimination,

harassment, racism, sexual harassment and verbal

or physical violence are not tolerated in the

Residential Life Community. You must abide by all

University policies directed at protecting the rights

of individuals. (see appendix 1). You will be

assisted, through compulsory orientation

workshops, to understand your responsibilities to

uphold the Universitys policies.

2.14BullyingYou and all other residents have the right to live

and study in an environment free from harassment,

bullying or intimidation. You can expect not to be

pressured to take part in any event if you do not

wish to join. In return you will preserve the comfort

of other residents, respect their right to make

personal choices and not pressure others to

participate if they choose not to do so.

2.15InitiationsInitiation can also be called rite of passage, hazing,fagging or having/taking on an apprentice. You

must not organise, be involved with or promote any

practice where a resident or residents are made

subordinate to any other resident and requested or

made to perform services to another resident or

group or residents. You must not participate in any

activity that creates mental, emotional or physical

discomfort or exposes another to undue

embarrassment or ridicule.

2.16PranksNo-one is permitted to start, take part in, or

encourage malicious pranks. Malicious pranks

include any planned or spontaneous activity that

may induce excessive fright, disgust,

embarrassment, offense or cause physical, mental

or emotional discomfort to anyone, whether they

are the target of the prank or an observer.

2.17Inappropriate images or messagesWhat you may find amusing, others may find

offensive. Take care in what images or materials

you display in your residence, on your books, yourt-shirts or other objects that may be used for

display. You should also consider what messages,

images or attachments you send through any

media, whether physical or electronic. Take note

that any material that is sexual in nature or

denigrates any person, gender, race, religion, ethnic

background, culture etc or any material that incites

hatred against any person or people is not

permitted. To display, send or promote such

material is against University policy and will incur

sanctions and may be referred to an external

agency for further investigation.

2.18Online behaviourAs a student of the University of Newcastle you will

be expected to use online resources as part of your

study and are allowed to use the Universitys

computing resources for your study. You also are

granted internet access as part of your

accommodation contract. The University

Community exists as an online presence as much as

it exists physically and you must extend your

respect of University resources and property to all

online resources owned or managed by or on

behalf of the University or its affiliates. You must

not defame any member of the University

Community or the University itself in any public

online forum. You are not permitted to use online

resources such as email, blogs, social networking

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sites or any electronic transmission to bully or

harass any person, group or organisation whether

or not they are a member of the University

Community.

2.19SwearingAll residents are also reminded to develop an

awareness of their language usage, particularly at

times of stress. If you have the habit of frequently

swearing, you may cause offence to others. If you

shout at someone and swear in an argument, this

may be considered verbal abuse.

2.20ModestyYou are not permitted to be naked outside of yourbedroom, or to be seen naked from within your

bedroom through the window or an open door. You

must always wear clothing when walking to and

from the bathroom to your room. Covering your

genitals with your hand or hands while not wearing

any clothes is still nudity. You should also consider

that some people may feel discomforted if you walk

around your residence in just your underwear. It

may seem contradictory to you that the same

person may not be bothered by seeing a person

wearing swimming briefs or a bikini at the beach orpool but be upset by seeing you in your underwear

in your residence. Please be considerate of other

residents whose culture has different ideas of

modesty compared to yours.

2.21StaffThe staff of the University of Newcastle are

required by the Universitys Code of Conduct to

treat all residents with respect and ensure that theappropriate duty of care for them is maintained.

During your time with the Residential Life

Community you will need to interact with different

members of staff. Staff will include the

Accommodation Services office staff, the

Residential Life team, Caretakers, Catering Staff,

Cleaners and Security Services staff. You must

comply with any reasonable request by any staff. It

is also expected that you will show respect for staff

members while they undertake their duties.

2.22Respecting others propertyStealing is an offence and will not be tolerated in

the Residential Life Community. Any allegation of

stealing will be investigated and may be referred to

the police. You will respect the property of other

residents, guests of residents, staff and property

owned by the University of Newcastle. It is

expected that you will take reasonable care with

any device, equipment, sporting equipment or

goods entrusted to you that belong to anotherresident, staff member or the University of

Newcastle. If an item is damaged or lost when

registered in your name you will be asked to explain

the loss or damage. If it is found that you were

responsible for the loss or damage, you will be

charged the cost of repair or replacement. Where a

replacement cost is incurred, you will be expected

to pay for the current value for a new replacement

regardless of the age of the original or damaged

item.

2.23Respecting University propertyYou are required to also respect the buildings,

grounds and facilities owned by the University of

Newcastle. This includes all residential buildings,

grounds and sporting venues. Specific areas of the

University of Newcastle, such as sporting venues,

have particular rules to their use. Rules can include:

not drinking alcohol or not using glass containers or

glass drinking vessels while at such venues. It is

your responsibility to check the usage rules for such

venues and to adhere to any restrictions. Anyreport of misuse of University property or venues

could result in a ban in the future use of the

property or venue and the possibility of sanctions.

2.24Damage to propertyIf you are involved in an incident where damage to

University property happens as an unintended

result of your actions you may be expected to pay

for part of or all of the cost of the repair to the

property. An example of such an incident would be

wrestling in a common area and breaking furnitureor damaging a plastered wall. If it is determined

that the damage to University property is

deliberate, you will be charged for the repair and

you may incur other sanctions and the matter may

be referred for external investigation.

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2.25Damage preventionTo prevent possible accidental damage to the

interior of the residences and other University

Facilities, you must not use any sporting equipmentin your room, common areas, hallways, stairwells or

in the Dining Hall. Sporting equipment can include

but is not limited to items such as; any type of ball

used for sport, any bat, racquet, stick or pole etc.

You must not ride or use skate boards, inline or

roller skates, unicycles, bicycles or any other type of

small vehicle indoors. You must not misuse

wheeled furniture such as chairs or trolleys for

racing in corridors etc. The use or misuse of any of

the previously mentioned equipment indoors will

result in sanctions.

2.26LitterYou are expected to be responsible for any garbage

you produce by placing it in the appropriate bins.

Leaving garbage in any common area or on any part

of the University Campus, including all outdoor

areas of the residences, will not be tolerated. If you

litter you may be fined, have to pay for clean up

costs or subject to other sanctions. Fines for littering

are on a sliding scale, with a verbal warning for the

first instance, $5 for the second and for each

subsequent incident the fine will double; for

example, for third instance the fine will be $10 etc.

2.27RecyclingRecycling bins are provided for residents use and

you are expected to sort your waste packaging into

the bins provided. The accumulation or collection of

glass bottles, other glass containers, aluminium,

plastic containers or other packaging in bedrooms

or common areas is an occupational health and

safety hazard. Failure to use the recycling bins andallow the accumulation of waste packaging will

result in sanctions.

2.28Permission to enter bedroomsYou must not enter or make use of any vacant

bedroom or use or remove any items from a vacant

bedroom. You must also not enter the bedroom of

another resident without their permission. Please

do not assume that because you are a good friend

of someone or their door happens to be open that

you have permission to enter without themagreeing. You should also remember that

permission granted to enter someones room on

one occasion does not mean that you will have

permission to enter on any other occasion without

first asking. Finally, you should also respect that

anyone may change their mind as to what access

they grant and may at anytime withdraw

permission to enter their room without notice or

explanation. You have the same right to grant or

deny entry to your bedroom.

2.29Beds and MattressesIf you need a bed or mattress other than those

provided by Accommodation Services, particularly if

the need is for a health reason, you must provide

the relevant documentation from a registered

health professional. In any instance where a

request is granted to replace a bed or mattress for

health reasons, you will be required to provide the

replacement bed or mattress yourself.

2.30FurnitureAll furniture that is required for your needs has

been provided by Accommodation Services. You are

not permitted to keep personal furniture,

equipment, overly large plants or excessively large

decorative objects in your room or in the common

areas of your residence. You may be charged for

the removal of such items. Where such items are

deemed to have collective ownership, all

individuals claiming ownership will be charged

removal costs. If you wish to bring in some of your

own electrical goods such as bar fridges ortelevisions etc, you must first contact

Accommodation Services to seek permission and

provide proof that all electrical appliances have

been tested and tagged as fully functional by a

licensed electrician. All costs associated with testing

and tagging electrical appliances is your

responsibility.

2.31PetsYou are not allowed to keep a pet or pets in your

bedroom or any common areas. The only exceptionis a fish or a small number of fish kept in a small fish

bowl or a small aquarium of no more than 15 litres

capacity. If you wish to keep fi sh you must receive

permission from the Accommodation Services

Office before you bring them into your residence. If

your fish are to be kept in a common area, you

must also seek approval from other residents with

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whom you share the common area. Approved

companion animals such as a guide dog for people

with a visual disability are not considered pets and

are allowed.

2.32Posters and decorationsIf you wish to put up posters or other decorations

on your walls, you can use Blu-Tak or a similar

adhesive which leaves no trace when removed. You

must take care when removing your posters or

decorations to make sure that the surface has not

been damaged and that no trace of the adhesive is

left. You cannot use tape, nails, thumbtacks, pins,

staples or any type of glue to fix posters to wall. If

in doubt, please ask one of the caretakers who willbe happy to advise you. You are not permitted to

write or draw on the walls, doors, cupboards,

refrigerators or any other surface with pencil,

crayon, paint, markers, pens, lipstick or any other

material. You may have to pay for any cleaning or

repair costs associated with the removal of

damaging adhesives, for writing or for drawing on

surfaces. You may also incur sanctions.

2.33AlterationsYou are not allowed to make any renovations oralter the physical structure of your room or any

other room in the residences. You must also not

erect any outdoor television or radio aerial of any

kind. This includes any small device that can be

clipped to a window frame or hung out of a window

or from a balcony. You must also not build any

computer networks or interfere with the computing

facilities provided by Accommodation Services.

2.34KitchensIf you have access to a kitchen and prepare food,

you are responsible for cleaning up afterwards. If

you use a kitchen you will also have a shared

responsibility for keeping the kitchen clean. All

food must be stored in the cupboards and

refrigerators provided in all self catered units and

the refrigerators provided in Edwards Hall. Your

food must be kept in sealed containers and any

food, which in the opinion of Accommodation

Services or the Residential Life staff can constitute a

health hazard, may be removed and disposed ofwith no compensation payable to you. Food that

may constitute a health hazard may include any

food stuff that is in a sealed or unsealed container

where an expiry date has expired or any food stuff

which is stale or mouldy. Upon finishing your

contract and leaving your residence, you must

dispose of all remaining food items by throwing

them in the bin provided in your residence.

2.35HousekeepingYou are expected to keep your bedroom tidy. Foryour bedroom, tidy will mean an orderliness of your

personal items, including your clothing, with

minimum obstruction of floor space. You will also

have a shared responsibility to keep tidy any

common area in your unit or floor. For a common

area, tidy will mean minimum obstruction of floor

space and no food scraps, dishes, glasses, drink

containers or cutlery left in the common area.

Under no circumstances are you to leave spilt food

or liquid on the floor or on surfaces in kitchens or

other common areas. You are expected to cleansuch spills immediately. If you are living in a unit,

you will be expected to help create a cleaning

roster for your unit. Help in preparing a cleaning

roster will be provided by the Residential Life Staff.

2.36Respecting the cleaning staffCleaning staff will regularly enter your living space

to carry out their duties. You are expected to

comply with any reasonable requests from the

cleaning staff and may not hinder them from

cleaning. Inspections are conducted at regularintervals and not meeting the minimum level of

cleanliness or not participating in a cleaning roster

may result in sanctions. If the common areas in

your unit or floor are unavailable for cleaning due

to obstruction or not meeting the minimum

standards for cleaning this may result in a sanction

which could include further cleaning costs being

charged to you.

2.37LaundryLaundry facilities are available free for your use.You are responsible for doing your own laundry as

there is no laundry service provided. As the

laundries are shared you must take care not to

monopolise any washing machine or clothes dryer

for too long. You must not stop a washing machine

cycle and remove another residents clothes or put

your clothes in a washing machine or clothes dryer

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that is currently in use. There are posters displayed

in each laundry with operating instructions and a

full list of laundry etiquette. Any clothes that are

not collected from a laundry in 48 hours will placedin a specially marked basket and if not then

collected by the end of semester, these clothes will

be donated to charity.

2.38Catering and the Dining HallIf you are paying to have meals catered, then you

will use the Dining Hall. Please remember, you

cannot transfer your catering rights to anyone else,

whether a fellow resident or a guest. Stealing food

for yourself, another resident or a guest is strictly

prohibited and may result in sanctions and may bereferred to external agencies for investigation.

2.39Acceptable behaviour in the Dining HallDuring meals you are expected to behave in a civil

manner and not disturb others eating their meals. If

you start or join in a food fight, or create a mess

with food or drink, or create some other

disturbance, you may incur sanctions. You are not

permitted to remove cutlery, crockery or furniture

from the Dining Hall. Deliberately wasting food is

not permitted. Occasionally catering staff may askyou to wait while the meal is being served or to

help with some small task related to serving meals.

You are expected to help the catering staff with any

reasonable request.

2.40Dining Hall dress codeYou must adhere to the dress code whenever you

are eating in or using the Dining Hall. Both men and

women must wear clothing that covers their bodyfrom the mid thigh to the base of their neck and

wear footwear. For example, a t-shirt or singlet and

shorts for either gender are acceptable. Swimming

briefs for men and bikinis for women are not

permitted. Footwear must not include sporting

footwear such as soccer boots with studs.

2.41Guests and visitorsWhenever you invite someone who is not a

resident on campus to visit you or stay with you in

your residence, that person becomes your guest.You will always be held responsible for the

behaviour of any of your guests, whether they

received a direct invitation or not. Any invitation

may be direct or implied. A direct invitation is

where you speak to someone or send them a

message, asking them to visit or to stay. An implied

invitation can be where a friend or someone you

know may hear of an event being held in a

residence and invites themselves without receiving

an invitation from you or any other resident and

when they arrive, you accept their presence

without question. If you hold open a door for a

stranger and let them enter a residence or common

area, then this is also an implied invitation and you

will be held responsible for the actions of that

stranger.

2.42Guests and University policyAll guests will be bound by University policies and

guidelines, particularly those that relate to drinking

alcohol and what constitutes acceptable behaviour.It is your responsibility to explain to your guest

what is acceptable under the Residential Life

Community Standards. In any event where your

guest removes or damages any item belonging to

another resident or the University of Newcastle,

you will be charged for the replacement costs of

the item. Where the damage is to University

facilities, you will also be charged for the cost of

repairs. Please note that if your guest is involved in

any illegal activities while visiting or staying in the

residences or visiting any of the Universitys

campuses while staying as your guest, you may also

be subject to police investigation and possible

charges related to the crime committed.

2.43Seeking permission for a guest to stayYou may wish to invite someone to stay with you.

You need to register your guest and apply to the

Residential Life Manager to have them stay. To

register your guest there is an online Guest

Registration form that you must complete which

can be found on the Accommodation Services

website. Your guest can only stay one night during

the week or two consecutive nights during the

weekend during term. Your guest is not permitted

to stay more than five nights in total during the

year. You are not permitted to host a guest during

exam preparation times. You are also not permitted

to give your keys, swipe cards or electronic tags to

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your guest. You must stay on campus when your

guest uses your room or any common areas in your

residence. Your guest must sleep in your bedroom

and may not sleep on any couches or on anyimprovised bed in any common areas. You may not

move a bed or any other furniture into a common

area for your guest.

2.44Guests and other residentsIf you are living in a shared unit with shared

common areas, you will need to talk to the other

residents in your unit and ask the other residents if

it is okay for your guest to stay. Your guest will be

permitted to stay unless the majority of the other

residents in your unit object. It is always wise tocheck first as this can avoid any misunderstanding

or discomfort for yourself, your guest, and the

other residents in your unit. You will also need to

check with the other residents if there are

particular communal habits that your guest should

be aware of or observe. For example, some people

may expect a gue

Newcstle Residential Contract 2011

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