This document outlines key policies that Resident Success Assistants (RSAs) are expected to understand and enforce, including policies around alcohol, drugs, smoking, damage/vandalism, fire safety, guests, health and safety, noise, disruptive behavior, sexual misconduct, theft, weapons, and the expectations and responsibilities of RSAs in enforcing policies. It provides examples of how to properly confront violations and emphasizes consistently enforcing policies to ensure fairness. RSAs are expected to know and follow all policies, have resources available for assistance, and ask questions if unsure.

1. The Five W’s of Policy
RSA Training Module 2013-2014

2. Overview:
• Who enforces policy? Who are your
resources?
• What do we expect of you, as an RSA?
• Where can you find the Student Handbook?
• When do we enforce policy?
• Why do we enforce policy?
• What are the policies?
• TRUE Stories – These stories actually
happened to RSAs in the past. Names have
been changed to protect the participants, but
they actually could happen to you.

3. Who enforces policy?
And who are your resources?
• You enforce policy, along with Public Safety and the RHDs
• You are a representative, of the department of Residential Life
AND the Dean of Students Office. Remember that!
• You have resources and allies:
• Public Safety
• Director on Duty (DOD)
• Residence Hall Directors (RHDs)
• Central office staff
• Assistant Directors
• Director of Residential Life
• Assistant Dean of Student Conduct and Community Standards
• Wellness Center

4. What do we expect of you,
as an RSA?
• Know and understand the policies and why we have them
• If you don’t understand a policy ask your RHD
• Use the Blackboard Discussion to find out
• Document, document, document
• Write objectively
• Include all facts
• Submit the flowing day (By Noon)
• You don’t decide the sanctions
• Uphold the policies yourself
• Be a role model

5. Where can you find the
Student Handbook?
• Go to Sacredheart.edu -> Campus Life-> Life On & Off
Campus-> Student Handbook
• Contains information about the University’s:
• Mission
• History
• Alma Mater
• Academic Policies
• Academic Calendar
• Support Services
• Conduct Code
• Campus Policies and Procedures

6. STUDENT HANDBOOK
• Every RSA should read the Sacred Heart University Student
Handbook, especially the sections that pertain to policies
relevant to the RSA job like Campus Code and Procedures
section and Campus Life section.
• This is the link for last year’s book:
http://www.sacredheart.edu/campuslife/lifeonoffcampus/stu
denthandbook/
• We will be updating you at August training if there are any
major changes.
• If you don’t read the Student Handbook sections you will not
be able to answer some of the quiz questions correctly.

7. When do we enforce policy?
• Any day of the week that ends in ‘d-a-y’!
• Report suspicious things even outside of your Residence Hall
True Story:
You are always an RSA. Sally was an RSA in Scholars Commons
when she was coming back from the library late on a Thursday
night. She witnessed a student throwing up in the bushes by the
HC wing. The girl was by herself with no friends in sight. The girl
obviously was intoxicated and could barely stand. Sally called
Public Safety and the girl was transported to the hospital. What
would have happened if Sally had not done anything? Just
because you are not on duty does not mean you can’t help our
SHU community.

8. Why do we enforce policies?
• Health and safety of all residents
• Keep the residence halls a safe and positive academic environment
True Story:
Tom didn’t like all of the Res. Life policies. Especially the one
regarding Hall Sports. So he didn’t enforce it when his guys were
throwing a football around. Most days nothing ever happened,
but one day the football broke the sprinkler head and thousands
of gallons of water were unleashed on Tom’s floor. Tons of his
residents items were destroyed, but it also affected the four floors
below as well. Some policies may seem silly, but events have
happened that require these policies to be in place. By just asking
the guys to go outside to throw the football instead of letting them
play inside could have saved thousands of dollars of damage and
inconvenience.

9. Alcohol
• No one under 21 may acquire, purchase, obtain, possess, consume
or be in the presence of alcohol.
• No person, regardless of age, is permitted to possess or consume
alcohol within the on-campus residential areas; if everyone is of age
in an off campus apartment, then alcohol may be consumed
• The following are prohibited:
• Drinking games
• Kegs, beer balls, alcohol paraphernalia (beer funnels, etc)
• Open containers, including water bottles
• Fake IDs
• Drunken behavior/ public intoxication
• Operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence

10. Confronting Alcohol
• State who you are:
• RSA
• State what you are doing:
• Documenting the violation
• Know where to stand:
• Have one RSA go with the resident to dump the alcohol out while
the other stays with the door open and writes everything down
• Put all empty containers and paraphernalia in a plastic trash bag
• Know when to ask for help
• Don’t forget to state why you are there and to answer
questions and let the residents know that they will be
receiving an email from the RHD
• “We heard lots of noise OR we heard bottles clanking, etc”

11. Good Samaritan Policy
• Why do we have this policy?
• To protect students
• To ensure that students receive medical attention when needed
• Who does this policy involve/effect?
• Any member of the Sacred Heart University community
• Students
• Residence Life staff member
• Public Safety
• What does this policy entail?
• Students that seek assistance from Public Safety and/or Residential Life staff and the
individual(s) assisted, should not fear disciplinary action should they seek help for a
friend who has had too much to drink. Instead, under the guidelines of this policy,
these violations will be dealt with through health and safety education initiatives
instead of disciplinary action with respect to the alcohol policy.
• When does this policy apply?
• Students will be considered for a one time acceptance under the guidelines of the
policy through a review of the sequence of events that occurred during their
incident. The spirit of the Good Samaritan is that there is an ethical responsibility to
help people in need and this policy is designed to save lives. It is an expectation that
our students will take active steps to protect the health and safety and well-being of
the community and one another.

12. Drugs & Paraphernalia
• The possession, use, misuse, manufacture, distribution, improper
possession, possession with intent to sell and/or sale of
illegal/unauthorized harmful drugs, prescription medication, drug
paraphernalia (including but not limited to hookahs, pipes, bongs,
bowls, E-cigs, etc.) misuse of any product to act as a drug is a
violation of state and federal laws, and is contrary to Sacred Heart
University policies.
• Students found responsible for violating any part of this policy, are
subject to university disciplinary action and/or arrest and
prosecution by state and/or federal authorities.
• For students with alcohol or drug addictions, the Counseling &
Health service Offices serve as a resource to assist the student in
receiving the appropriate assistance for recovery.

13. Confronting Drugs
• Know when to ask for help
• Always call the DOD and Public Safety when you suspect drug use
or paraphernalia. DOD will do a drug search
• State who you are ( and knock on door!):
• RSA
• State what you are doing:
• DOD and Public Safety on the way
• Documenting the violation
• Know where to stand:
• Take notes for the DOD and stand by the door
• Don’t forget to state why you are there and to answer
questions and let the residents know that they will be
receiving an email from the RHD
• “We smelt something in the hallway…”

14. Smoking
• SHU is a smoke-free campus. This is a new policy that took
effect on January 1, 2012.
• Smoking is only allowed in designated areas. A map of these
areas can be found online at sacredheart.edu-> Smoke-Free
SHU Initiative-> Designated Smoking Areas
• This website contains information/ answers for FAQs as well
• It’s everyone’s responsibility to enforce the policy
• Just kindly ask the person(s) to move to the designated areas
• Knowing where the areas are located in your area is helpful
• If a person or student is resistant or rude, let your supervisor or Public
Safety know and they will enforce the policy

15. Damage & Vandalism
• Students who willfully/maliciously damage property are
required to pay for damages and are subject to disciplinary
action.
True Story:
The fourth floor of Merton was a very tight community. Some of
the guys were very destructive when they were intoxicated and
destroyed a bathroom. Although the residents knew who did the
damage no one said a word. The entire floor was going to absorb
a $5,000 damage bill that was going to be about $200 per person.
Billy’s finances were shaky to begin with and once his parents
received this bill they questioned why he should go back to
school when they could barely afford normal costs. Finding out
who does damage is important so that innocent people do not
have to pay for other people’s reckless actions.

16. Fire Safety
• Fire Drill vs. Fire Alarm
• Drills are planned
• Alarms are intentional or accidental and very dangerous
• Evacuation Plan
• Each building has it’s own plan – Know yours
• Windows/Screens are in place for your safety
• Items not allowed
• Candles/Incense
• Ceiling/Wall Coverings – Easy to light on fire
• Holiday Decorations – Only 60% of your door can be covered
• Open Coil Appliances
• Room Gatherings
• Too many people in a room can lead to a fire hazard
• Maximum of 2 people per resident (Triple = 9 people in a room, etc.)
• Fire Safety Equipment:
• Fire Extinguishers – Training will be held w/ Fairfield Fire Department in
August
• Pull Stations – Every building has them and if you see a fire use them.
• Emergency Exits – Make sure they are not blocked and work properly
• Call Boxes – All over campus for a direct line to Public Safety

17. Guest Policy
• The Guest Policy is the same for every area on campus
regardless of age and location.
• Residents are permitted two overnight guests of the same sex.
• All hosts must obtain authorization from RSA/RHD for the
guest 24 hours in advance, in addition to roommate signature
using the Overnight Guest Registration Form. (Every area has
guest passes that are supposed to be used for overnight
guests)
• Residents are responsible for the actions/ behaviors of their
guests/visitors regarding all policies.
• It is the RSAs responsibility to make sure the residents of your
area know how to obtain Overnight Guest Passes.

18. Health & Safety
• Be aware of the prohibited items in the student handbook.
• SHOT GLASSES even for decoration are not allowed in an under
21 area
• The University reserves to right to search a room/apartment
of any resident upon reasonable belief that violations of
federal, state, or local laws, or SHU policy are occurring, or for
safety/wellness/emergency reasons.
• Once a semester Health and Safety Checks will be completed
by the RSA’s with the direction of your RHD.
• Residence hall staff are authorized to confiscate items that are
not permitted. Items should not be disposed of unless it is
alcohol. Items should be kept in the RSA office and only given
back with the RHD’s permission.

19. Lockouts & Lost Keys
• Residents must carry their Student ID and keys at all times and
may not duplicate or lend them out.
• Lost Student IDs can be replaced by the Student Union and
the resident can go online to deactivate the card so that it is
not used to purchase items on campus.
• Residents must report lost keys immediately to Residence Life.
Lost keys may result in a lock change and a could result in a
$35 fine.
• If a resident becomes locked out of their room they should
first contact an RSA to be let in at cost of $5 to be paid at time
of entry. Public Safety will admit a student at the cost of $10.

20. Noise & Respectful Living
• Courtesy house are in place at all times:
• 24/7
• Quiet hours:
• Sunday- Thursday 9 PM- 8 AM
• Friday- Saturday 1 AM- 9 AM
• Your staff determines how strict this policy can be. One RSA not
enforcing policy will effect the entire building/area.
• During final exams:
• Quiet hours are 24 hours
• Any violation that disrupts the community may result in immediate
removal for the remainder of finals
• Non-overnight guests are permitted in the halls 9 AM- 1 AM
Sunday- Thursday, 9 AM -2 AM Friday- Saturday

21. Disruptive Behavior
• Disruptive behavior, that which interferes with the educational
process or which prevents reasonable free access to SHU
property and activities, is not permitted.
• Offenders will be subject to disciplinary action.
• Students are expected to conduct themselves responsibly at
all times, respecting the rights of others.
• Any behaviors that show disregard or disrespect for the
personal/property rights of others or of SHU are unacceptable
and considered inappropriate (see judicial system violations).

22. Sexual Misconduct
• These topics will be covered in depth during RSA training
• They are currently being rewritten and the process is changing
• You will be receiving training in August regarding the proper
procedures to follow.
• This is an area that no one expects you to be able to handle on
your own and NO MATTER WHAT you should contact a higher
person (DOD, Your RHD, Wellness Center, or Public Safety)

23. Theft
• Theft of money or property from SHU, from any member of
the Community, or on SHU premises as well as the
misappropriation or unauthorized use of any SHU facility is not
permitted.
• Those violating this rule will be subject to disciplinary action.
• All thefts should be reported to Public Safety immediately
when you are notified of them.
• Contact your RHD with all of the details your residents give
you as well.

24. Weapons
• Weapons, including, but not limited to, firearms, explosives
and knives are not permitted on any property owned or
leased by SHU. Violators are subject to disciplinary action.
• Knives over 3” long that are not used for culinary purposes are
prohibited from the SHU community.
• Immediately inform Public Safety, the DOD or your RHD if you
find anything you think is considered a weapon.

25. RSA’s and Policies
• Policy Enforcement is one of the key elements to the RSA job.
• RSA’s should never go looking for trouble. Trouble will find
you.
• The more consistent you are with your policy enforcement the
more fair the entire system of policies is for everyone.
• Once you let one person get away with a policy you run the
risk of having everyone believe that they can get away with a
policy. DON’T BE THAT RSA!!!
• There is always someone to support you 24 hours a day with
policy enforcement. You can call the Director on Duty or Public
Safety at any time for assistance.
• If you don’t know ask. We would rather you check than make
a mistake.