Community Living

Your on-campus residential experience is a great opportunity to learn about yourself, others, and how to truly be a part of a diverse community. Involvement in this unique environment can significantly enhance your overall collegiate experience academically, socially and developmentally.

All students who live in on-campus residential communities should feel welcome, valued and safe, and deserve to be treated with respect. Behavior that strays from the goals and mission of the University and Student Housing Services (SHS) will not be accepted. Any form of bigotry, threats, intimidation, violence, or other forms of harassment or oppression against any member of our community is not welcome and will be addressed by SHS staff.

The University is committed to providing a workplace and educational environment, as well as other benefits, programs, and activities, that is free from discrimination on the basis of sex. The Office of Title IX has the specific responsibility for providing prompt and effective responses to all complaints of Title IX sexual harassment. For detailed information, access the website of the Office of Title IX at: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/titleix/.

For details on the community standards related to Title IX sexual harassment including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking, refer to the section: 4. Assault/Harassment/Discrimination, 4-A. Sexual Harassment. Incidents of Title IX sexual harassment are referred to the Office of Title IX.

Roommate Relationships

A. Living Agreements: residents are expected to participate in good faith in the creation of a roommate/suitemate/apartment-mate living agreement with all roommates at the start of the semester or when there is a change in occupants. All parties are expected to abide by the agreement or to advocate for modifications to the agreement as necessary. Open and honest communication is encouraged.

B. Roommate Conflicts: when conflicts arise, residents are encouraged to engage in open discussion of issues. RAs are available to assist with mediating disagreements so that residents grow in ability to communicate, resolve differences, and compromise. Residents requesting room changes based on interpersonal conflicts will participate in a conflict resolution discussion with an RA, Assistant Residence Director, or Residence Director prior to the consideration of any room change request. If safety concerns are present, residents should notify hall staff immediately.

C. Health and Safety: all residents are expected to contribute to an environment that promotes the health and well-being of all roommates including an attention to personal hygiene. Residents are encouraged to have discussions with their roommates on how they will manage any communicable illnesses among roommates should they arise. Some options for illness management include the wearing of face masks, extra sanitization/cleaning efforts, or isolation from roommates. Residents can also seek the guidance of the University Health Services office or their own Personal Care Physician (PCP) when illnesses arise. If safety concerns exist, residents should notify hall staff immediately.

Community Standards 2023 - 2024

The Community Standards are established to help students be part of communities that are inclusive, respectful and conducive to academic pursuits. Disciplinary action may be taken against any member of the residential community for any misconduct or violation of University and/or SHS policies and regulations including, but not limited to, the following types of conduct:

  • Violation of rules and regulations as contained in the current Student Housing Services application forms, Residence Hall or Apartment Contract, Community Standards, and specific hall regulations.
  • Violation of standards of conduct and/or regulations contained in the current University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Handbook, catalog, and UHM Student Conduct Code. The UHM Student Conduct Code can be found on-line at http://studentaffairs.manoa.hawaii.edu/policies/conduct_code/.
  • All residents are expected to know and comply with all applicable Federal, State and local laws and guidelines.

All residents are responsible for knowing and complying with SHS Community Standards and University regulations. Please take time to review all the policies and standards on this website. If you have any questions, please ask a Student Housing Services staff member.

For information on Student Housing’s conduct process, see our page on the Conduct Process and Procedures.

Updated 7/28/23