Guides

8 The Washington Center • Code of Conduct Spring 2025 III. Community Life Misconduct Living with The Washington Center in the Residential and Academic Facility (RAF) or any other affiliated properties requires all individuals to respect the policies, procedures, and standards established. These safeguards have been implemented to maintain the safety of residents and guests, TWC property protected and a reasonable sense of order and structure within the living environment. The following section outlines the policies and procedures necessary to maintain a healthy and respectful community for all those participating in TWC programs. TWC reserves the right to review participant conduct that occurs when such behavior is inconsistent with these expectations. Alcohol Use and Intoxication: In the District of Columbia, only persons 21 and over may legally consume alcohol. Therefore, individuals not of legal age are strictly prohibited from consuming alcohol while participating in TWC programs or residing in TWC properties. Persons of legal drinking age may not distribute alcohol to those underage (furnishing alcohol to persons under age 21). All residents of the apartment are responsible for their guests' behavior and actions, regardless of their presence or involvement. This includes underage drinking. • Persons presenting symptoms of extreme intoxication will be referred to emergency personnel for medical evaluation. These incidents will be reported as conduct violations and are subject to sanctions. • Possession or consumption of an open container (i.e. unsealed bottles, cans, cups of alcohol, and others) of any alcoholic beverage on apartment balconies or in TWC public areas (hallways, elevators, lounge space, etc.) is prohibited. Kegs or large volume alcohol containers are also strictly prohibited within TWC residential facilities. Washington, D.C laws also prohibit the possession of open alcoholic beverage containers in public. Cleanliness: If building management or TWC staff deems an apartment below acceptable standards of cleanliness, notice will be given to improve the conditions of the apartment in a reasonable time frame. If the conditions in the apartment are not improved within the provided time frame, building management or TWC staff reserve the right to have the apartment professionally cleaned. Professional apartment cleaning services will result in an Apartment Damage fine charged to the responsible residents, and does not include shampooing of carpets or painting, which incurs additional fees. Failure to maintain the apartment at a reasonable level of cleanliness and safety may also result in eviction. Residents who are evicted will not have their housing security deposit refunded. • TWC Residents are expected to disinfect and clean their apartments, particularly shared spaces, each week. TWC officials may conduct apartment inspections as needed to ensure the health and safety protocols are being taken seriously. • Building management and/or TWC staff reserve the right to assess damages to an entire suite, floor, or building for any damages to or excessive trash left in any of the building common areas, including trash rooms, lounges, classrooms, the fitness center, or public restrooms. Criminal Activity: Any incidents involving criminal/illegal activity or suspected criminal/illegal activity must be reported immediately to all authorities including: Housing and Community Life staff, the security/management of the housing facilities (if applicable), local police, and/or other area police departments (e.g., National Park Police, Capitol Police or Metropolitan Police). Participants who are victims of criminal activity are encouraged to file a report with the proper authorities (such as the local police) and provide Housing and Community Life staff members with the case number of any case filed to ensure appropriate follow-up. Drugs: The use, possession, and/or distribution of unauthorized/illegal drugs or controlled substances is strictly prohibited. This also applies to possession of paraphernalia containing drug residue and the unsanctioned use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Such use, possession, or distribution of drugs will be reported to the local police department, the participant's academic institution, and the Office of Housing and Community Life at The

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