The use of alcoholic beverages must be in compliance with California State Law and is strictly limited to those persons 21 years of age or older. The possession, transportation, and or consumption of alcohol by individuals less than 21 years of age is strictly prohibited. Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed in public spaces or common areas. When alcohol is being consumed by persons 21 years of age or older, the doors and blinds to the private room where the alcohol is being consumed must be closed, and no persons under the age of 21 may be present. Beer kegs and other common source containers are categorically prohibited from all residential and common areas, public or private. Residents under the age of 21 are not permitted to host in their living unit guests and residents of any age who are in possession of alcohol. Residents 21 years of age and older may not serve, provide, or purchase alcohol for residents or guests who are under the age of 21. At no time may persons under the age of 21 be present while alcohol is being consumed in the residence halls. Alcohol containers, open or closed, which are left in plain view shall qualify as evidence of alcohol consumption and can be assumed to be the property of any and all persons present, or of the residents of the living unit in the event that they are found in a room when nobody is present. Providing alcohol to minors is grounds for legal action and disciplinary sanctions including notice to move out of the residence and suspension.
Residents shall not use paint, ink, wallpaper, decals, or bumper stickers to make alterations to the interior or exterior of the premises or to the grounds surrounding the premises. No walls may be drilled to secure heavy objects such as bookshelves, artwork, mirrors, etc. No electrical fixtures, decorations, or hanging objects may be installed or suspended from the ceiling. Only blue painter's tape may be used to hang items on the walls. Signs may not be placed in or on the windows. No locks may be placed on interior doors. Upon checkout, residents agree to leave their room in the same condition as when they moved in. Residents will be charged for any and all damages to the premises.
Overloading of electrical circuits can present both fire and safety hazards. When additional electrical outlets are needed, residents must use electrical power strips with built-in circuit breakers. Extension cords are not permitted. All electrical appliances must be approved by Underwriters' Laboratories (UL).The following appliances are PROHIBITED in ANY room of the SFAI Residence Hall:
- Open element appliances such as toasters
- Sun lamps
- Skillets, toasters, rice cookers, George Forman grills, or any other food preparation appliance.
- Halogen lamps/tungsten lights
- Warming and hot plates
- Heaters of any type or any other appliance that draws significant electricity or generates heat or fumes.
San Francisco Art Institute will assign each resident a bed space within the SFAI Residence Hall. SFAI reserves the right to change bed space assignments, or to assign a new resident, or reassign a current resident to any unoccupied bed space within the SFAI Residence Hall at any time for reasons of health, student welfare, administrative necessity, or as a result of administrative action. A resident in a double or triple occupancy room may have a new roommate assigned to share their space at any time without prior notice.
Bed space changes will be conducted during designated periods during each semester. During all other times, bed space changes will be made on an emergency and administrative need basis only. Requests for changes in bed space assignments must be approved by the appropriate Residential Life staff and generally will not be considered during the first and last two weeks of each semester. Resident billing statements will be adjusted to reflect any changes in type of accommodations. Failure to follow the guidelines for changing bed space assignments will result in additional administrative charges.
Residents are prohibited from taking an unauthorized roommate or permitting any part of their room to be shared by any persons not assigned by SFAI. Residents are prohibited from relocating to another room or exchanging rooms with another resident without permission. A resident moving without approval may be required to move back, may be assessed a fine, and may face disciplinary action.
Students are allowed to bring bicycles into the Residence Hall, however, they are not permitted to store, park, or temporarily keep bicycles in common areas of the residence hall such as hallways, doorways, or lounge space where they may create a fire hazard. Bicycles that are left after move out are subject to disposal.
Candles and incense are not permitted in the Residence Hall.
Parking facilities are not included, and, given the central downtown location of SFAI housing; on-street parking is difficult. Therefore, students are discouraged from bringing cars, scooters, or motorcycles. Residents are responsible for any and all permit fees or other associated parking costs. The SFAI Residence Hall does not guarantee access to bike racks and residents are encouraged to use MUNI and other public transit.
While we realize personal hygiene and room cleanliness is in part an individual decision, as a member of the residential community, you are responsible for maintaining an environment that is free of offensive odors and excessive filth. Each resident is expected to maintain reasonable standards of cleanliness in private living areas and public spaces. If unclean conditions come to the attention of the Residential
Life staff, you will be notified and given an opportunity to clean the area. Common bathrooms and bedrooms with attached bathrooms should have windows open or exhaust fans on to prevent common mold and mildew. If this is not done in a timely fashion, you will be charged for the time and labor it takes to clean the problem areas. Building staff will repair all damages to the facility and the residents responsible will be charged. Upon move-out, each resident is expected to restore rooms and common areas to their original, clean condition (normal wear and tear excepted).
Residents are prohibited from using the residence halls for commercial activity. Residents may not conduct a business or other commercial activity using their room, room address, room phone, or any other residence hall space or service for commercial purposes, regardless of monetary gain.
The Residence Agreement includes the terms and conditions of the Agreement, the Facility Policy and Procedures, SFAI Rules of Conduct and all SFAI rules and regulations now or later in effect. Violations or attempted violations of the Residence Agreement may result in revocation of the Residence Agreement and other disciplinary and/or administrative action. Resident may be held responsible, under the current Residence Agreement, for policy violations occurring during prior residence periods. As members of the SFAI Residence Hall community, residents are held responsible for their own actions and for soliciting or assisting another's involvement in any SFAI policy violations.
If a resident's conduct warrants referral for action by SFAI, the resident will be formally advised of that process by the Assist ant Director of Student Life for Housing and Residential Life or another authorized Student Affairs staff member. Residential Life sanctions may include, but are not limited to, formal warnings, re-assignment of bed space, probation, community service projects, and/or termination of the Residence Agreement. Instructions on appealing will be provided in writing.
Attendance at scheduled appointments is mandatory, and residents who fail to make or keep a required appointment are subject to termination of the Residence Agreement. Violations of probationary or warning letters also subject a resident's Residence Agreement to termination. No refund of housing fees are provided to students removed from housing for disciplinary reasons.
Cooking is permitted only in the communal kitchen of the Residence Hall. Use of the kitchen, dining area and lounge areas is permissible provided that courtesy is shown to the use of the same areas by others.
Residents are responsible for checking their Residence Hall mailbox, SFAI email account, and any other email account that they designate in their housing application regularly as these are the channels through which SFAI will most regularly communicate with them.
Residents are held responsible for damages or loss to rooms or other areas of the SFAI Residence Hall community, and will be held financially responsible for appropriate repair or replacement costs. Conduct and administrative action may also be taken against anyone found to have destroyed, defaced or misused the SFAI Residence Hall and/or SFAI property. Because the SFAI Residence Hall facilities are shared by many members of the community, it is expected that you will leave your room in the same condition as when you moved in. Any damages to your room will be charged to you when you check out. The following charges will apply for missing or damaged items:
- Armoire $175
- Bed frame $65
- Bedside Lamp $55
- Blinds/Curtains $75
- Box Spring $125
- Carpet $500
- Mattress $300
- Desk $100
- Desk Chair $45
- Desk Lamp $55
- Disassembled furniture $150
- DVD Converter $45
- DVD Player $75
- DVD Remote $20
- Excessive cleaning $50
- Hole, nail/tack $5each
- Hole, medium $25
- Hole, large $50-100
- Mattress Pad $20
- Microwave $100
- Mirror, room $125
- Mirror, bathroom $65
- Mirror, full length $55
- Nightstand $100
- Painting (per wall and ceiling) $125
- Painting (per door) $125
- Refrigerator $175
- Key Replacement $25/per key
- Smoke detector $30
- TV $120
- TV Hutch $175
- TV Remote $25
- Under Bed Drawers $275
Charges for items not appearing on this list will be determined as necessary. The cost of repairs, replacements, and cleaning will be taken from the security deposit. If the amount of billable damage exceeds the security deposit, the difference will be charged to the student's account.
When common area damages occur, residents will be informed of the amount of the damage and asked for any information as to the cause of the damage. If no information is received after a week, the damage is divided equally among the residents of the room, floor, or other
affected area.
After the end of year check-out, SFAI staff will assess each unit and conduct the necessary cleaning and damage repairs as needed to return the units to their prior move-in condition. Any charges for damages repairs or items beyond normal wear and tear will be forwarded to the individual resident or to all roommates.
Appeals regarding damages must be made within 2 weeks of receipt of the damage invoice. Residents will be mailed information regarding their security deposit refund with further information regarding the appeal process.
Conduct that disrupts the normal functioning of residents or staff, threatens the health and welfare of a community member, or endangers personal or Institute property will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, water fights, sports in hallways, throwing or dropping objects from windows, tampering with elevators or safety equipment, and skateboarding in the Residence Hall.
Residents who show an inability to live appropriately in a group setting and/or refuse intervention will be subject to disciplinary action, up to, and including, the termination of the Residence Agreement.
In accordance with State and Federal law, possession, sale, use, or manufacturing of illegal or controlled substances or drug paraphernalia (medical marijuana included) is strictly prohibited in or around the SFAI Residence Hall. SFAI follows the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989. Illegal use of drugs is grounds for legal action and disciplinary sanctions including notice to move out of the residence and suspension. Please refer to the Student Handbook for the full text of this policy. These policies are designed to encourage responsibility in alcohol consumption and to protect the rights of others. You must always comply with all residence policies, even while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Violations of any portion of the alcohol and drug policy will result in disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Handbook Rules of Conduct.
Residents must be currently enrolled, full-time student in an academic program at SFAI. Failure to maintain full-time student status may result in revocation of the Residence Agreement. Residents under the age of 18 years old must have the signature of a parent or guardian on all documents. Any individual convicted of a crime demonstrating violent, anti-social behavior will be denied permission to utilize the SFAI Residence Hall facilities.
Residents are required to evacuate the building in an orderly fashion any time an alarm sounds, regardless of whether the alarm is signaling a drill or an actual emergency. During evacuations residents must follow the instructions of building staff and emergency personnel, and may
not re-enter the building until being cleared to do so. Residents who do not evacuate during alarms will be subject to disciplinary action, up to, and including, the termination of the Residence Agreement.
Residents are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the location of fire alarms, fire safety equipment and emergency procedures for the SFAI Residence Hall. It is a criminal offense to tamper with fire alarms, smoke detectors and firefighting equipment. Students found responsible for sounding false fire alarms or tampering with fire extinguishers will be subject to suspension or dismissal from SFAI.
All rooms are furnished with beds, and may contain other furniture. Upon checkout, residents are expected to return room furniture to the original arrangement. Removal of furnishings from the SFAI Residence Hall and/or from its original location within the Residence Hall is strictly prohibited.
Residents are responsible for maintaining their room and the areas surrounding it in a neat, clean, and sanitary condition.
Residents will be held accountable for the conduct of their guests and must accompany guests at all times in the Residence Hall. Guests are not permitted in common areas or individual rooms unless the Resident is present. Residents must sign-in their guests at the Front Desk before allowing the guest to enter the Hall. All guests must leave photo identification at the Front Desk. Overnight guests must be approved by all roommates and suitemates, and are permitted to stay no more than three nights per month. The Resident Director and/or the Student Affairs Office reserves the right to alter or revoke this guest policy at any time.
Abusive behavior directed toward any member of the residential community is a violation of SFAI Rules of Conduct and is prohibited. Please refer to the Student Handbook for the complete text.
If a resident is hospitalized during the time they are living in The SFAI Residence Hall, the Residence Life staff must be notified prior to the resident returning to their room. SFAI reserves the right to contact the resident's parents or their emergency contact if a student is hospitalized or is a danger to self or others.
Every resident is required to complete a Roommate Agreement in addition to their Residence Agreement and participate in building-wide or floor meetings as announced by the Residential Life staff.
Each resident will be issued a room card and an entrance door card. While SFAI makes every effort to make the residence hall a secure environment, residents must also take responsibility for maintaining the security of the building by never propping open exterior doors,
questions? contact sfai housing and residential life at 415.351.3556 or housing@sfai.edu
Residents are expressly forbidden from making copies of room card keys or from allowing anyone else to use their room card key or entrance door card key for any reason. All missing card keys must be reported to the Residential Life staff immediately. Failure to report missing keys may subject the Resident to disciplinary action, including fines or educational sanctions. Residents who lose their entrance door card key will be assessed a fine of $25. Residents who lose their room card key will be charged the cost of replacing the door lock, cutting new keys, and time for labor in addition to a $25 fine. These charges will be reflected on her/his student account. Any student found responsible for making copies of room keys or loaning Residence Hall keys to other individuals will be subject to disciplinary action.
Residents who are locked out of the building or their rooms must contact the RA on duty or report to the Front Desk for assistance. Each resident will receive three (3) free lock outs. After being locked a third time, residents will be required to pay a $20 fine per each additional lock out.
In the event that a resident's student status should end, the resident is required to vacate the SFAI Residence Hall immediately. Failure to follow check-out procedures at the time of check-out will result in a $200 Improper Check-out Fee, in addition to other possible charges or fines.
When changing rooms or moving out of the SFAI Residence Hall, residents are required to follow proper check-out procedures, which include:
- Making an appointment to check-out with an RA or the Resident Director at least 24 hours in advance.
- Removing all personal belongings from the room and cleaning the room.
- Completing a final room condition/check-out form.
- Returning room card key and building card key.
All residents must vacate the Residence Hall on official ending/move-out dates (as listed in the Agreement) by 12:00 PM (noon). Failure to do so will result in an improper check-out fee.
Respect and courtesy for others are an essential part of living in a community. Residents should respect each other's rights to an atmosphere conducive to studying, living, and sleeping. Residents must decrease the volume of any noise disturbing other residents when asked by either residents or staff. The use of amplified equipment in or around the SFAI Residence Hall, with the exception of stereos, or any disruptive level
of noise is prohibited at all times. Quiet Hours (noise should be low enough to be conducive to serious study or sleep) are in effect from
10:00pm to 8:00am Sunday through Thursday, and from 12:00midnight to 9:00am Fridays, Saturdays, and nights preceding holidays. During Quiet Hours, noise must be kept to a minimum. Courtesy Hours are in effect 24 hours a day. During Courtesy Hours, residents should still maintain noise levels that are considerate of the needs of others and must decrease their volume if asked.
In accordance with California State Fire Codes, open flames are prohibited. Any item requiring an open flame is strictly prohibited.
Pets are not allowed in the Residence Hall. All pets are prohibited under the terms of your Residence Agreement, except in the event of approval of a disability accommodation under the SFAI student disabilities policies.
Use of power tools (such as power saws, drills, etc.) is not permitted in the SFAI Residence Hall.
In accordance with the federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g), SFAI policy allows the release of personally identifiable information to others (except to verify student status) only with the student's prior consent or in the case of an extreme emergency or where there is clear and imminent danger to the student, to others, or to society. Please refer to the Student Handbook for the full text of this policy.
For requests, please email housing@sfai.edu with your name, room number, and detailed description of maintenance request. Report all after- hours emergencies to the RA on duty. Examples of emergencies requiring immediate attention are broken and flooding pipes or potentially dangerous electrical problems.
Accessing the roof of any SFAI Housing facility is strictly prohibited except in an emergency evacuation of the building. Students found on the roof for any other reason may be subject to cancellation of their Residence Agreement.
Initial room assignments are made by the Resident Director who attempts to match residents based on habits and shared interests. However, this is far from an exact science and we recognize that in some cases a change of rooms or roommates may be desired by residents. The Residential Life staff promotes the healthy development of roommate relationships through activities, mediation, and completion of Roommate Contracts. Room reassignments will not be made during the first two weeks of each semester. All room change requests must be sent to the Resident Director. Requests will be granted at the discretion of the Resident Director only after efforts to mediate any conflicts or concerns. Unauthorized room changes are prohibited and may result in any and all of the following: a notice requiring the resident to move
questions? contact sfai housing and residential life at 415.351.3556 or housing@sfai.edu
back to their original room, a fine of no less than $200, disciplinary action, and termination of the residence agreement as determined at the sole discretion of SFAI
Authorized SFAI staff members and its agents or building personnel may enter units without prior notice for maintenance purposes, fire and safety inspections, and for damage inspections, if there is a reasonable belief that someone's safety is in jeopardy, or if there is a reasonable belief that a violation of an SFAI regulation, city, state, and/or federal statute has occurred or is in progress. Before entering, authorized personnel will knock on the door and announce themselves. Residents must cooperate and open the door immediately. In emergency situations, the Residence Life staff maintains the right of immediate access to the premises without prior notice.
In accordance with the SFAI Residence Hall and SFAI policies, all residents are expected to consistently demonstrate the ability and willingness to maintain reasonable relationships with their roommates and neighbors. Residents who anticipate or observe violations of the SFAI Residence Hall policies are expected to remove themselves from participation and are encouraged to report the violation to the Residence Life staff. Residents and/or their guests who are present during any policy violation are considered condoning, supporting, and/or encouraging the policy violation, and will be held responsible for the violation. Residents are strongly encouraged to seek the assistance of an RA when needed in roommate or community situations.
Residents are expected to avoid endangering or causing to be endangered (directly or indirectly) the safety of any person. Examples of safety violations that can lead to termination of a resident's housing agreement include (but are not limited to) expelling items from the living units; bomb threats; the activation of false alarms; the accessing or use of a fire escape in the absence of an emergency evacuation of the building; tampering with emergency equipment such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. Windows are not to be used as entrances or exits for people or other objects. Tampering with windows or screens is strictly prohibited.
Acts of sexual aggression violate California statutes, are a violation of SFAI Rules of Conduct and are prohibited. Please refer to the Student
Handbook for the complete text.
Disconnecting, covering, tampering with, or disabling a smoke detector is strictly prohibited. You must contact a Residence Hall staff member immediately if your smoke detector is not working properly.
Smoking is not permitted inside the SFAI Residence Hall. This includes all types of smoke producing items ex: e-smoking or Blu Cigarettes. Smoking outside the building must take place at least 25 feet from the premises. Any student found smoking in their room will forfeit their housing deposit.
Unapproved solicitation or publicity is prohibited in or around the SFAI Residence Hall.
Residents are required to comply with reasonable requests from any SFAI staff member or building staff member.
Residents in the SFAI residence halls sign a license agreement, not a lease, and therefore have no rights with regards to subletting or reassigning their bed space to another person. Allowing another person to occupy a bed space to which they are not assigned, regardless of monetary compensation, is strictly prohibited and grounds for removal from housing.
Waterbeds are not permitted in the SFAI Residence Hall.
Possession, sale, or use of any type of explosives, inflammables, or deadly weapons is strictly prohibited in the SFAI Residence Hall.
In the event of any conflict between these provisions and the Residence Agreement, the Residence Agreement shall control.