Updated August 2026
4.16 | Decorations
4.16.A | Pictures, posters, and other items used to decorate a student's room are encouraged, as long as they do not create a health or fire hazard, or cause damage to the room. Residents may not make alterations to their room. Alterations could include but are not limited to nail or screw holds in walls, window frames and door frames, or installation of tile or carpet squares, adhesive carpet and painting, or plumbing devices. The alterations will be corrected by maintenance staff, and the resident will be charged to return the room to its original condition.
4.16.B | No decorations may hinder use of or restrict access to hallways, breezeways, doorways, stairs, corridors, or fire safety equipment. No one should attach anything to or tamper with light fixtures, sprinklers, or exit signs. Staff may remove decorations, and resident(s) may be billed for cleaning or damages.
4.16.C | To maintain compliance with Fire Safety rules, decorations may not take up more than 20% of the wall on which they are attached and must not cover or block access to emergency equipment such as fire alarm pull stations or notification appliances. Decorations may not be hung from the ceiling.
4.16.D | Appropriate Adhesives: Residents may not nail or drill into the walls. Use of Command Strips is allowed; however, students are responsible for correct application and removal. If removal causes damage to the wall, cost will be assessed and charged to the student upon check-out.
4.16.E | Public View: All decorations visible through the window or on the door should be appropriate. Pictures and other materials that may be considered objectionable should not be displayed in areas that may be visible outside the student's room.
4.16.F | Painting: Residents are not permitted to paint any section of their room or hall. Students will be charged for altering any portion of their room and the cost of repainting.
4.16.G | Lights: Miniature holiday string lights, or rope lights, may be used year-round if: they are appropriately hung or attached to the wall, are Underwriters Laboratories (UL), ETL, or FM Global (FM) approved, and are plugged directly into the wall outlet, or an approved surge protector.
4.16.H | Holiday Decorations: If students decorate their rooms for the holidays, these guidelines must be followed:
- Trees and other greenery must be artificial and must have proof of flame resistance.
- Fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguisher cabinets, smoke detectors, sprinkler heads, and exit signs must not be covered, and exits must not be impeded.
4.16.I | Street and Road Signs: Street and road signs are considered the property of the respective government agencies where the sign is located, and any inappropriate removal or possession by unauthorized individuals may result in judicial or legal action. Individuals possessing street or road signs may be requested to provide proof of ownership.
4.16.J | Wallpaper and Border: The use of wallpaper and border is not permitted within the residence halls.