Rules

The primary rule of House life is consideration for the other members of this community. Residents must not conduct themselves in a way that unreasonably disrupts the lives of those around them.

General Regulations You should, of course, be aware of the general regulations governing behavior as set forth in the Handbook for Students. Among other things there is a clear ban on excessive noise at any time, a limit to non-Harvard guests staying in the House and prohibition of unlicensed pets in student rooms. The importance of keeping your doors locked cannot be stressed too often. Thefts are common when students opt to tape doors open.

Noise Loud music late at night can be a major source of tension. After 11:00 PM on weeknights and 2:00 AM on Friday, Saturday, and nights before holidays, no loud music or parties are allowed in the House without specific written permission from the House Office. Students MUST get consent from their entry tutors in advance before hosting any party and submit a Private Party Form to the House Office at least 2 days in advance. At any time of day, do not play loud music with doors open, or face speakers into the courtyards. Please note that courtyards and hallways amplify sound therefore please keep voices at a reasonable level in the public areas, especially at night.

Guests Students may have guests visit periodically, or stay overnight with them for a total of ten nights per semester, but for no more than three consecutive nights. Whether a daytime visit or overnight visit your guest must be registered by the staff in the Building Manager’s office during his or her stay. (This is for the purposes of safety and emergencies; we do not retain the data for any other purpose) We limit the frequency and duration of overnight visitors for two very important reasons: First, roommates understandably feel uncomfortable sharing their space with people with whom they have not agreed to live. In our experience, roommates are also quite reluctant to be honest about how uncomfortable they feel since no roommate wishes to give even the appearance of policing their roommate’s behavior. Second, Lowell House is academic housing, and, as such, should never be considered an apartment or hotel. Lodging is available to Lowell students only while they are attending school.

Pets Undergraduates are prohibited from keeping animals in Lowell House. Exceptions must be vetted directly by the Disability Services Office (DAO) and cleared with the Resident Dean.

Security Attention to security is important in Cambridge and, unfortunately, Lowell House is no exception. We live in a city. Keep your suite door locked when you are not in direct view of the door -- items have been stolen from rooms while the occupants were sleeping or in the bathroom -- as well as when you are out. Entry doors must not be propped or taped open. Leaving an entry door propped open and unattended is a serious security violation.

Key Policy The Building Manager is custodian of all keys and in charge of dispensing them. If you are a Lowell student or affiliate, your I.D. card will allow you swipe/tap access to the House and entryways during term time. If you should encounter any difficulty with the system, please see the Building Manager. An effective security culture is knowing who has keys to Lowell House and it is for this reason that you must see the Building Manager in order to obtain any keys to any room in the House including your own. These keys cannot and should not be copied.

Lockouts Seven days a week from 5:00p.m. to 8:00a.m. a night-guard will usually be available in the Building Manager’s Office to let you into your room if you have locked yourself out. During the day on weekends when there is no guard, there is a Securitas Lockout Phone number you can call: 617-496-9370. Keep in mind that the dining hall is open 24/7 as a safe haven. In any true emergency you must call HUPD at 5-1212 first and not simply the lockout number or the tutor-on-call phone.

Courtyards The courtyards are among the most attractive features of Lowell House and they can be ruined quickly by misuse. Organized athletic events (playing a ball game, games of Ultimate Frisbee, etc.) endanger both the grass and the windows and are *not* permitted, however, a game of catch is fine. Remember that blankets and towels quickly kill large areas of the lawn. Feel free to relax on the lawn, but do not leave blankets and towels on the lawn overnight.

Fire Safety We must remind you that the rules of the College expressly forbid students to use cooking appliances anywhere except in the Dining Hall. Students who wish to use cooking facilities may check out a key to the kitchen. Emergency exit doors or egresses must not be blocked anywhere in the House at any time. Please make sure you take proper precautions with in-room electrical appliances and remember that any other open flames, including those used for religious observances, are prohibited.

Smoking Like all Harvard buildings, Lowell House is a smoke-free environment; smoking is not permitted anywhere in the House. Every student has the right to a smoke-free environment, and it is the obligation of the student who wishes to smoke to be considerate of those around him or her.

Alcohol & Drugs Harvard expects its students and employees to maintain an environment that is safe and healthy. The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on Harvard property or as a part of any Harvard activity are violations of University rules as well as the law. Possession, use, or distribution of certain nonprescription drugs, including marijuana, amphetamines, heroin, cocaine, and nonprescription synthetics; procurement or distribution of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age; and provision of alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age are violations of the law and of Harvard policy. Although Massachusetts law now permits adults aged 21 or older to possess and consume marijuana under certain circumstances, federal law prohibits the possession, use, or distribution of marijuana, including for medical purposes, on Harvard property or as part of a Harvard activity. Thus, even if possession or use of marijuana would be permitted under Massachusetts law, it remains prohibited on campus. College policies and procedures also reflect additional expectations for student conduct based on the College’s concerns about high-risk drinking behaviors, such as binge drinking and the rapid competitive consumption of alcohol, and their many adverse consequences for students’ health and lives. All students are expected to comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with all College rules governing possessing or serving alcohol. More information is available on the website for the Dean of Students Office (https://dso.college.harvard.edu/). The University holds its students and employees responsible for the consequences of their decisions to use or distribute illicit drugs or to serve or consume alcohol. Additionally, the misuse of prescription drugs (sharing, buying, or using in a manner different than prescribed) is a violation of University policy.