POL - 40.08.2 Residential Life Appliance Policy
1. Purpose
To promote a safe residential environment and reduce the risk of fire hazards, electrical overload, and energy waste within university housing facilities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all students and occupants residing in university-owned or operated residential facilities, including residence halls, suites, and apartments (unless otherwise specified for apartment-style housing with full kitchens).
3. General Safety Standards
3.1 Appliances with open flames, exposed heating elements, or high wattage consumption (as defined as 1,000 watts or greater, or any appliance that may overload residential electrical circuits, including but not limited to space heaters, hot plates, air fryers, and toaster ovens) are prohibited in residential areas.
3.2 All appliances must:
3.2.1 Be UL-listed (or equivalent nationally recognized testing laboratory approved)
3.2.2 Be in good working order
3.2.3 Remain in original manufacturer condition (no modifications)
3.3 Appliances must be plugged directly into wall outlets or in UL-listed power stripes with built-in surge protectors. The use of extension cords as permanent wiring and the practice of “daisy chaining” (connecting multiple power strips, surge protectors, or extension cords together) are strictly prohibited.
3.4 The University reserves the right to inspect, confiscate, and/or require removal of unsafe or unauthorized appliances.
4. Prohibited Appliances
4.1 The following items are not permitted in residence halls due to fire and electrical safety concerns:
4.1.1 Hot plates or single-burner cooking devices
4.1.2 Air conditioners (unless provided by the University)
4.1.3 Space heaters of any type
4.1.4 Halogen lamps
4.1.5 Toaster ovens
4.1.6 Electric grills, George Foreman-type grills
4.1.7 Charcoal or propane grills (gas powered heaters & grills)
4.1.8 Deep fryers
4.1.9 Appliances with exposed heating coils
4.1.10 Any device exceeding approved wattage limits
5. Permitted Appliances (With Restrictions)
5.1 The following appliances are generally allowed, provided they meet the stated criteria:
5.1.2 Microwaves
5.1.2.1 Maximum wattage: 700–1,000 watts
5.1.2.2 Must be compact models, defined as microwaves with a capacity of no more than 1.1 cubic feet and a maximum power rating not exceeding 1,000 watts.
5.1.2.3 Must be plugged directly into a wall outlet
5.1.2.4 Only one microwave permitted per room unless otherwise approved
5.2 Mini-Refrigerators
5.2.1 Maximum size: 4.5 cubic feet
5.2.2 Must be energy-efficient (Energy Star recommended)
5.2.3 Must be plugged directly into a wall outlet
5.3 Coffee Makers
5.3.1 Must have an automatic shut-off feature
5.3.2 Must be unplugged when not in use
5.3.3 Single-cup brewers are permitted if they meet UL standards
5.4 Other Small Appliances
5.4.1 Permitted if UL-listed, do not exceed 1,000 watts, and are only in designated kitchen areas:
5.4.1.1 Electric kettles with automatic shut-off
5.4.1.2 Rice cookers with enclosed heating elements
5.4.1.3 Air fryers (if enclosed heating element and under 1,500 watts)
5.4.1.4 Blenders
5.5 Residence Life may further restrict appliances based on building electrical capacity.
6. Fire & Electrical Safety Requirements
6.1 Smoke detectors must never be covered, disabled, or tampered with.
6.2 Appliances may not be used in hallways, lounges, or other common areas unless specifically designated.
6.3 Residents may not overload circuits.
6.4 Candles, incense, and open-flame devices are strictly prohibited.
6.5 Tampering with, disabling, or interfering with fire safety or electrical equipment – including but not limited to smoke detectors, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, or related devices – is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate conduct action, fines, and/or removal from campus housing.
7. Energy Conservation Expectations
7.1 To promote sustainability and reduce strain on electrical systems:
7.1.1 Residents are expected to turn off lights, televisions, gaming systems, and other electronics when leaving their room.
7.1.2 Non-essential electronics should be unplugged during extended absences (e.g., breaks).
7.1.3 Mini fridges should operate at recommended efficiency settings.
8. Violations & Enforcement
8.1 Possession or use of prohibited appliances may result in:
8.1.1 Immediate confiscation of the item
8.1.2 Conduct action through the student conduct process
8.1.3 Fines or damage billing if applicable
8.1.4 Required removal of the item from campus housing
8.1.5 Repeated violations may result in loss of housing privileges.
8.2 Violations involving the tampering with or disabling fire safety or electrical equipment are considered serious safety violations and may result in escalated disciplinary action, including but not limited to fines, restitution for damages, and/or termination of housing privileges.