Conference Services

Regulations for Conference Guest Conduct

As a Conference Groups staff or participant of CSUN Conference Services, you are responsible for abiding by the following Rules and Regulations for Conference Guest Conduct. Guests must also comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws and all university statutes and regulations while on campus. These policies are comprised of three different types of regulations which include: Regulations Relative to State and Local Laws; Regulations Relative to the Safety and Security of Residents and Guests; and Regulations Relative to Community Living, as well as, cover aspects of Youth Protections at CSUN. The policies have been designed to benefit Conference staff, participants and students as well as the entire residential community. Failure to abide by Student Housing – Conference Services and/or University policies may result in removal from campus and criminal and/or civil action.

Section I: Regulations Relative to State and Local Laws

The University and its Conference Guests must adhere to the following guidelines concerning alcoholic beverages on campus and the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs.

Alcohol Beverages: Student Housing - Conference Services will enforce all state and local laws as well as Student Housing Policies relative to the consumption of alcohol. The following list of regulations comprise all appropriate local and state laws, as well as the University and Student Housing Policies governing the use of alcohol in on-campus housing.
Conference Service Guests who are under the age of 21 are not permitted to use, possess, or be in the presence of alcohol.
1. Providing alcohol to an individual under the age of 21 is prohibited. Possession of an open container or empty alcohol containers shall be interpreted as consumption of alcohol.
Conference Service Guests over the age of 21 may consume alcohol under the following conditions:
1. The Conference Service Guest must be in their apartment, with the door closed.
2. Not in the presence of anyone under 21 years of age (it is the responsibility of residents who are 21 years of age or older to ensure that they are not consuming alcohol in the presence of residents who are under the age of 21).
3. Not as part of a large group or party where the main purpose appears to be drinking alcohol.
Conference Service Guests over 21 years of age may possess quantities of alcohol that are intended for personal consumption only. Kegs or other large containers or large quantities of alcohol are prohibited in Student Housing – Conference Services.
Persons over the age of 21 may possess and consume alcohol as a guest in an apartment of a Conference Service Guest who is at least 21 years of age. The host Conference Service Guest must be present, the unit door must be closed and no person under the age of 21 may be present.
Open containers of alcohol are not permitted outside of personal residences. Possession of open alcohol containers in lounges, lobbies, balconies, etc., are prohibited.
Closed containers of alcohol are allowed in public areas only if they are being transported to a residential unit of a legal-age Conference Service Guest.
Any Conference Service Guest or visitor, regardless of age, who appears to be intoxicated or impaired to the extent that their behavior would endanger their own safety or the safety of others, is in violation of Student Housing Policy and civil authorities will be called upon for assistance.
Possession of empty containers of alcohol will be interpreted as consumption of alcohol. Certain alcohol-related paraphernalia and alcohol-related decorations that contain or once served as containers for alcohol is prohibited.
The sale or distribution of alcohol is prohibited in Housing.
Drugs, Narcotics, and Paraphernalia: Possession, usage, or manufacture of controlled substances (including paraphernalia for intended or implied use) of any sort is illegal and prohibited. Residents suspected of violating this policy may be confronted by Conference Services & Guest Housing Office staff members and/or by civil authorities. The following consist of additional violations under this policy:
1. Possession and use of marijuana or use of products that resemble or smell like marijuana is prohibited, regardless of California state law and/or the possession of a medical marijuana card/prescription.
2. The misuse of prescription medication and/or cleaning products or fumes.
3. Inability to exercise care for one’s own safety and/or the safety of others while under the influence of controlled substances.
4. Suspicion of using illegal drugs, which includes, but is not limited to, marijuana odor emanating from a unit, drug paraphernalia seen in a room, storage closet, balcony, etc.
5. The sale and/or distribution of drugs and/or paraphernalia is prohibited.
Computer Use: The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has subpoenaed information about individuals believed to have engaged in unauthorized peer-to-peer file-sharing of copyrighted music and other works. Unauthorized downloading and uploading of copyrighted music, movies, and software constitute illegal copyright infringement. Guests should be aware that the unauthorized sharing of peer-to-peer file copyrighted works, including music, pictures, movies, and software is a violation of campus computer use policy. It is also illegal and may carry significant monetary and/or criminal sanctions. It is the responsibility of guests who are downloading or uploading documents to make certain that they are not copyrighted works, or that the guest has the permission of the copyright holder. Please refer to the Student Housing Technology Services Policies for further explanation.
- Conference Organization shall have no rights to radio broadcasting, live television transcriptions, recording or photographic rights prior to the approval of the Conference Services Office.
Weapons, Firearms, or Ammunitions: The possession or use of firearms, ammunition explosive or combustible materials, pistols, revolvers, stun guns or Tasers, pellet guns, air guns, and/or injury-threatening weapons deemed by law enforcement to be deadly are strictly prohibited. This also includes but is not limited to dirks, daggers, machetes, slingshots, switchblade knives, weapons commonly known as blackjacks, sand-clubs, Billy clubs, and metal knuckles. Metal pipes, bars, razors with an unguarded edge or any knife being used for a purpose other than the purpose for which it was intended (i.e. a kitchen knife being used as a weapon or to instill fear in another). Conference groups guests in possession of any of these items are subject to immediate revocation of license and removal.
Disorderly Conduct: Behaviors whether through conduct or expression which are not civil or respectful and which breach the peace within or around the residence halls or at any residence-hall related function are not permitted. Acts that result in additional clean up in or around residential areas and/or interfere with others’ normal use of facilities are prohibited.
Fire Hazards & Safety: The following constitutes a list of violations that could result in prosecution and/or fines:
1. Tampering or damaging fire equipment or intentionally misusing fire alarms, smoke detectors, fire sprinklers, fire extinguishers, emergency exit signs or pulling a fire alarm when the cause is unrelated to notification of a fire.
2. Intentionally or negligently causing and/or creating a fire, explosion or release of poisonous gas or fumes that cause an alarm to sound.
3. Failure to evacuate a building immediately following the sounding of an alarm, unless otherwise instructed by CSUN Conference Services or Housing staff, fire-safety or other emergency response personnel.
4. Possessing or storing gasoline, fireworks and/or combustible decorations and chemicals.
5. Storing fuel-driven engines including motorcycles, mopeds, etc. in residential housing.
6. Open flames (including candles and incense), combustible decorations and chemicals, deep fat fryers, electric fry pans, space heaters and halogen lamps are prohibited (included on balconies).
7. Disabling, opening, damaging, or propping exits used exclusively as fire exits is prohibited (unless being used specifically during an emergency situation or drill).
8. Grills & BBQ grills cannot be operated anywhere but on balconies. The following items are strictly prohibited:
  - Propane Grills
  - Lighter Fluid
  - Using toasters or other cooking devices in areas outside of the kitchen
Gambling: All forms of gambling are prohibited on state property. This would include but is not limited to activities played for money, checks, or some other representative value.
Threatening Behavior: Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person within or related to the CSUN community, including physical abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, or sexual misconduct.
Harassment: Harassment based upon race, gender and/or gender identity or expression, color, religion, age, national origin, ethnicity, disability, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, marital status or citizenship status is illegal and will not be tolerated by the California State University, Northridge. Any form of such harassment that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work, academic or residential environment or adversely affects employment, academic or residential life will not be tolerated by the University.
Harm or Threat of Harm to Self or Another: Committing acts of physical or mental abuse or engaging in actions that intimidate, harass, threaten, coerce, or otherwise endanger the health or safety of self or another person is prohibited (including threats or attempts of suicide that cause disruption to the community on a consistent basis). This includes but is not limited to physical harm or threat of physical harm to any person and/or to self.
Sexual Assault: All sexual activity between members of the CSU community must be based on Affirmative Consent. Engaging in any sexual activity without first obtaining Affirmative Consent to the specific activity constitutes sexual misconduct and is a violation of this policy, whether or not the conduct violates any civil or criminal law.
1. Sexual Misconduct is a form of Sexual Harassment and may create a sexually hostile environment that affects access to or participation in CSU programs and activities. CSU prohibits all such conduct whether or not it also amounts to Sexual Harassment.
2. Sexual activity includes but is not limited to kissing, touching intimate body parts, fondling, intercourse, penetration of any body part, and oral sex.
3. Affirmative Consent means an informed, affirmative, conscious, voluntary, and mutual agreement to engage in sexual activity. It is the responsibility of each person involved in the sexual activity to ensure Affirmative Consent has been obtained from the other participant(s) to engage in the sexual activity. Lack of protest or resistance does not mean Affirmative Consent, nor does silence mean Affirmative Consent. Affirmative Consent must be voluntary, and given without coercion, force, threats or intimidation.
4. For further information, please refer to the Chancellor’s Office, Executive Order 1097.
Willful Disruption: Participating in an activity that substantially and materially disrupts the normal operations of the residential community, or infringes on the rights of members of the University community:
- Overt actions such as verbal attacks and physical assaults on students, University staff and/or their property.
- Physical or written defacement or destruction of residential property and/or Student Housing postings and posters.
- Disruptive behavior that negatively impacts the housing community and the ability of another and/or others to live and study.
Loitering: Loitering in residence halls/apartment complex entryways, lobby areas or blocking entry or exits is strictly prohibited. Conference Guests may not assemble in lobby areas; as such assembly may constitute a fire, health or safety hazard.
Smoking: Due to CSU policy, smoking is prohibited in all of our buildings, student rooms, residential hallways, restrooms, lounges, stairs, balconies, volleyball and basketball courts and pool areas. Smoking can only occur off campus. This includes the use of smoking devices such as hookah pipes, e-cigarettes and vapor cigarettes.
Destruction/Misuse/Theft of Property: Property damage is inappropriate and demonstrates a lack of respect for the community and the property of others. The following are violations of this policy:
1. Unauthorized possession, use or misuse, removal, defacement, damage, theft, and/or tampering of University owned property or leased property or equipment or any property belonging to a community member or guest is prohibited.
2. Any Conference Service Guest who maliciously or accidentally damages University owned property will be responsible for the cost of the damage and/or the cost of the labor to restore or repair the property to its original condition.
3. Conference Service Guests will be responsible for the actions of and/or damages incurred by their guests.
4. Conference Service Guests are prohibited from physically repairing damages to University property. If property is damaged, please report the damage to the Conference Services & Guest Housing Office staff immediately.
5. Common area damage charges not readily assigned to a particular individual may be charged to a group. University furniture may not be removed from residential units or common areas.
6. Furniture may not be stored on balconies/balcony storage. Conference Service Guests are responsible for the condition of their unit and the furnishings provided for them by housing.
7. Conference Service Guests must keep balconies clear of obstructions such as screens, bamboo or other coverings that block the view for safety personnel.

Section II: Regulations Relative to Safety and Security

Pool Use: Ensuring safety is just as critical throughout the entire Student Housing community and grounds. There is no lifeguard on duty. All rules and policies must be adhered to:
1. Pool Hours are 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily.
2. Alcoholic beverages and glass bottles are prohibited.
3. All events within the pool area must be registered and approved by the Conference Services & Guest Housing Office at least 48 hours prior to the event.
4. Visitors of Conference Guests are prohibited.
5. Minors must be accompanied by adults at all times.
6. Courtesy hours must be observed at all times.
7. No diving, running or general horseplay is allowed at any time around or in the pool and surrounding areas.
Balconies: Using one’s balcony as a means of entry or exit; or using it to store unsightly articles, garbage, or university owned or leased furniture is prohibited. Sitting, perching on or jumping over a balcony railing will not be tolerated and is subject to removal from the University premises.
Dangerous Behavior: Any activity which can be interpreted as endangering to or harming oneself, any community member, or guest is prohibited.
Safety/Security: Safety and security policies are necessary for the safety of residents and therefore must be followed. The following is a list of safety/security violations:
- The unauthorized use, possession, or duplication of room or master keys including lending keys to any person.
- Bypassing or tampering with the electronic locking mechanisms for the lobby or unit doors. Propping of any door, other than your own unit door, is prohibited.
- Unauthorized entry into a building other than the one in which a Conference Group has key access.
- Unauthorized presence on rooftops, ledges, or areas marked for restricted access.
- Unauthorized use of or entry/attempted entry into computer or telecommunications systems.
- Providing access to buildings or units within buildings to those other than Conference Groups with key access, staff, or attended guests.
- Failure to lock or secure entrance doors, or allowing a person entrance into a building and leaving them unattended in a public area.
- Removal of any window screens — except for evacuation in an emergency. All residents of a living unit may be fined if a screen is removed for a non-emergency purpose.
- Throwing, dropping, or projecting any objects from any residence hall building, doorway, window or balcony.
- Using one’s balcony as a means of entry or exit is prohibited. Using the balcony to store unsightly articles, garbage, or university owned or leased furniture is not permitted. Sitting/perching on or jumping over balcony railings is prohibited.
- Use of sporting and recreation equipment is prohibited in indoor common areas such as lobbies, hallways and entrances.
- Locking bikes to anything other than authorized bike racks (i.e. handrails, fire hydrants, etc.) is prohibited.
- Failure to follow procedures at security gates is prohibited.

Section III: Regulations Relative to Community Living

Failure to Comply with an Administrative Request, Directive or Requirement: Failure to comply with an administrative acting in their official capacity including: cease inappropriate behavior, failure to appear/meet, to vacate a unit, to identification, and/or to exit a facility when requested by a university Conference Services & Guest Housing Office staff member.
- Providing fabricated, falsified, or misrepresentative information or documents.
Room Swaps & Changes: Unauthorized room transfers are strictly prohibited. Guests must refrain from room changes without obtaining approval from Student Housing or the Conference Services Office. Guests making unauthorized room changes will be subject to removal from University property.
Cleanliness: All Conference Service Guests are expected to maintain a level of cleanliness and hygiene in their living unit. Some causes for concern would include but are not limited to significant odors, excessive rotting trash or spoiling food not refrigerated and left in the open and debris covering exit ways and subject to removal and fines.
Common Area Care: Common areas and property are the responsibility of all residents and Conference Guests. This is including, but not limited to lounges, study rooms, lobbies, stairs, recreation areas, laundry rooms, doors, swimming pools, walkways, fire extinguishers, elevators, exit signs and lights. Trash and recyclables should be removed to the proper receptacles outside the buildings. Common area damage charges not readily assignable to a particular individual will be charged to the Conference Group. No Conference Participant or Guest may sleep in the lounges, lobbies or public areas.
Furniture: (including mattresses) may not be removed from the apartment. Furniture may not be disassembled and/or stored in the balcony storage closet. Furniture may not be assembled atop bricks or other structures not originally designed to support it. Summer Conference Services Guests are responsible for the condition of the apartment they are staying in while at Student Housing – Conference Services.
Intolerance: Acts of intolerance towards a community member of any Student Housing Staff member disrupts the educational environment necessary for furthering the mission of the University. Acts of intolerance or bias-related incidents are behaviors, which by intent, action and/or outcome harm or threaten to harm a person or group of people. Acts of intolerance include but are not limited to:
1. Acts motivated by prejudice toward a person or a group of people because of their race, religion, ethnicity, disability, national origin, age, gender, and /or sexual orientation, and/or any other protected class.
2. Overt actions such as verbal attacks and physical assaults on students, University staff and/or their property.
3. Physical or written defacement or destruction of residential property and/or Student Housing postings and/or posters.
Gatherings: A gathering of more than six (6) people in an apartment or common area without the approval of the Conference Services Manager is a violation of policy.
Littering/Trash Removal: Littering, inappropriate disposal of trash, and/or sweeping debris into a public hallway or area in the residence communities or the surrounding grounds is not permitted. If the problem is persistent and not able to be resolved by the Conference Group, fines may be issued for violations of this policy.
Visitation: The visitation policy is designed with the safety and consideration of our community members and property in mind. In addition, these policies are dictated by California law Title V of the California Code of Regulations.
1. Short Term Visitors Policy: Conference Guests and residents who have been approved by the Conference Services & Guest Housing Office in advance are expected to be with their visitors at all times. Conference Guests are held responsible for any visitor’s improper behavior when it constitutes a violation of any Student Housing Policy.
2. Visitors must show ID at all times when requested.
3. Visitors must leave the University premises by 10:00 PM
4. Guests may be asked to leave at any time by Conference Services & Guest Housing Office Staff or University Police for violating policy.
Locks: Installation on any door locks other than those provided by Student Housing and approved by professional staff is prohibited. Unauthorized duplication of keys is also prohibited. The lock will be removed at the expense of the Conference Guest or Conference Group.
Quiet Hours/Noise: Quiet hours mean that community members must keep noise at a very minimal level in all of our housing, surrounding grounds, and recreation areas. Courtesy hours mean that residents are expected to maintain a reasonable or moderate noise level. During quiet and courtesy hours, requests for less noise from community members and Student Housing staff members will be respected in our community.
- Quiet hours are:
- 10 p.m.-8 a.m. Monday through Sunday
- Courtesy hours are in effect at all other times.
Courtesy Hours: Courtesy Hours are in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please be respectful of your noise level. Do not interfere with another person’s/conference group’s ability to study, rest, or enjoy our community.
Pets: Animals are not allowed on campus, in Student Housing – Conference Services at any time.
Exceptions: Assisted living animals approved in advance by the Conference Services Manager.
Posting of Signs & Flyers: Non-residential individuals and Conference Groups must obtain written permission from the Conference Services & Guest Housing Office to post material in Student Housing Residential Halls.
1. No offensive or alcohol/drug-related materials may be posted in a public area or a place where they can be viewed from a public area in accordance with California State University, Northridge’s Policy on Time, Place and Manner of Free Expression and Use of Campus Buildings and Grounds:
2. The outside of buildings (walls, doors, roofs, steps, or windows when visible from outside).
3. With the exception of private offices and personal workspaces, temporary signage may not be placed on interior doors, windows, walls, floors, or ceilings.
4. Trees, poles, traffic signs, trashcans, or fences.
5. Obstructing the entrances or exits of buildings or the line of vision of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
6. On vehicles without owner’s permission.
Skateboards/Skates/Vehicle Safety: Riding skateboards, roller blades, scooters or skates within residential hall buildings, including hallways and lobbies is prohibited. Parking, locking or riding any bicycle, motorcycle, moped, scooter or automobile within the residence halls or at any location other than paved roads or paths specifically designated for such use that would jeopardize the safety of the community and surrounding pedestrians is strictly forbidden and will not be tolerated.
Solicitation: Door to door solicitation is expressly prohibited. CSUN Student Housing does not grant permission to any individual or organization not affiliated with housing or the campus to sell or advertise door to door within the buildings.

Section IV: Regulations Relating to Youth Protection Program

No violence of any kind will be tolerated in Student Housing.
The following are strictly prohibited:
1. Violence
2. Theft
3. Harassment
4. Discrimination
5. Hazing or Bullying (physical, verbal, cyber)
Conference Groups are instructed to address prohibited minor-to-minor interactions among their participants. The following are unacceptable behaviors between minors and are strictly prohibited:
1. Hazing
2. Sexual innuendos
3. Verbal and physical aggression
4. Bullying
5. Harassment
6. Intimidation
7. Name-calling
There are restrictions with regard to digital privacy/misuse:
1. Cameras and/or recording devices are strictly prohibited in bathrooms, showers, locker rooms and in private, restricted areas.
Emergency parent/guardian notification procedures:
1. Each Conference Group must develop their own procedures for notifying parents of medical, behavioral and safety concerns with participants of their group.
2. This communication should include who from the Conference Group contacts them and the timeline.
Parent communication access:
1. Each Conference Group must develop their own procedures for how parents can contact participants during their program (phone/email/staff contact, etc.).
Rules addressing leaving Student Housing/Campus:
1. Each Conference Group must develop their own procedures for if/when their participants are allowed to leave campus and specify under what circumstances, who must be informed, etc.
Drop-off and pick-up procedures:
1. Each Conference Group must develop their own procedures for drop-off and pick-ups, including approved drop-off and pick-up locations, authorized individuals, and document and inform on their release process.
Conference Group reporting and responding:
1. CSU Executive Order 1083 “Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect” requires all University employees, campus community volunteers, and independent contractors to report and reasonable suspicion of child abuse. To learn more about these reporting and responding requirements, please visit the CSUN Youth Protection Program website at https://www.csun.edu/csun-youth-protection-program.
Removal and dismissal procedures:
1. Should the Conference Services Office staff witness or be made aware of prohibited behavior by either participants or staff they can be subject to removal. Alternatively, if a particular Conference Group witnesses or becomes aware of prohibited behavior by their own participants or staff they must notify the Conference Services Office staff.
2. If any of the prohibited actions outlined in this handbook are found to have occurred, the Conference Services Office staff may dismiss a guest and may alert other campus authorities as well. If someone is dismissed, it is the Conference Groups responsibility to contact the parent or guardian of the participant and secure and stay with the participant until their parent/guardian can collect them. All participants must be picked up by an authorized adult and cannot leave Student Housing on their own.
Housing-specific rules:
1. Curfew is 10:00 pm and all groups and participants must be in their assigned buildings unless they are coming and going from being off campus for an organized excursion.
2. Conferences Services strongly advises against in-room visitation by participants of the opposite gender for groups with minors. The Conference Group is advised to adopt this rule, but also can develop their own based on the needs of the group.
3. Conference Services requires that visitation by non-participant guests should be restricted to public spaces and only during Conference Group approved hours as specified by the Conference groups program.
4. Conference Services requires that youth program personnel must have separate sleeping accommodations from youth, except in cases where youth are staying with their parents or guardians.
5. All Conference Group program participants, employees and volunteers must comply with all security measures and procedures specified by CSU Police and Housing Services.

I, THE UNDERSIGNED HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE ABOVE CONFERENCE HANBOOK AND ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I MUST FOLLOW THE CSU REGULATIONS OR I CAN BE REMOVED FROM STUDENT HOUSING-CONFERENCE SERVICES.