Health and Safety Inspections

The University takes student safety and health seriously and has established programs for students living in campus residence halls. The University's policies are based on the fact that most loss occurrences and unhealthly conditions are preventable and it’s the responsibility of all members of the University community to support loss prevention and maintain a healthy living environment.

The Office of Risk Management performs residence hall Health and Safety (H&S) Inspections periodically throughout the year. Campus-wide H&S inspections are performed each fall and spring semester, and well as during the summer term. The H&S inspections are primarily designed to find and eliminate violations related to student behavior. As such, they are unannounced and may occur at any time during the school year.

Students are required to read and comply with the Residential Community Conduct Guidelines (RCCGs), which include the H&S inspections and all other rules and regulations for residential buildings. Ultimate responsibility for complying with the reasonable health and safety requirements rests with each resident; H&S inspections are not intended to be a substitute for that responsibility.

The H&S inspections will include, but not be limited to, a visual examination of electrical plugs, sprinkler heads, smoke detectors and other life safety systems. In addition, each unit will be examined for the presence of prohibited items (candles, halogen lamps, cooking appliances in non-kitchen areas, etc.) or prohibited activity (smoking in the room, tampering with life safety equipment, possession of pets, etc.). This inspection will also include a general assessment of food and waste storage and cleanliness of the room.

Prohibited items will be immediately confiscated and disposed of without reimbursement. Confiscated items will not be returned unless it is determined that the item is not prohibited and was confiscated in error. The University Police Department (UPD) will be contacted for items that pose a substantial threat to person or property (drugs, weapons, explosives, etc.) and a thorough administrative search will then be conducted. For a complete list of prohibited items and activities, please review the RCCGs, available via the GW Housing Programs website.

• GW Housing Programs
• Office of Parent Services