Note: Please pay special attention to sections highlighted in blue, as these have been updated for 2018.

As a student at The Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory, you are considered an Ohio State student and are therefore held to The Ohio State University’s Code of Student Conduct, found at go.osu.edu/codeofconduct, in addition to the following standards specific to Stone Laboratory.

Stone Lab also has its own internet usage policy you must abide by when using wireless internet on the island at go.osu.edu/slnet.

Community Rights & Responsibilities

One aspect of the challenging and memorable experiences at The Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory is living and interacting with others. The wide range of backgrounds, values and lifestyles of students, researchers, faculty and staff living and learning together greatly contributes to the educational experience.

Living in any residential community requires some adjusting of personal habits and attitudes. These changes rarely occur overnight; they are often achieved through trial and error as people strive to create a comfortable living environment.

In this community, as in any other, you have rights and responsibilities, as does every resident who lives here. Problems develop when one person fulfills those responsibilities and another does not.

Rights

1. Read and study free from undue interference, unreasonable noise and other distractions that inhibit the exercise of this right.
2. Sleep without undue disturbance from noise and other distractions.
3. Expect that others will respect your personal belongings.
4. A clean environment in which to live.
5. Free access to your room and to other facilities during scheduled open times.
6. Personal privacy within the limits of the residential setting.
7. Host guests with the expectation that you will explain to them the accepted behavior standards and that guests will respect the rights of your fellow students.
8. Discuss grievances with the lab manager, who can assist in addressing concerns.
9. Be free from fear of intimidation and physical and/or emotional harm.
10. Expect that all of these rights will be respected.

If you feel your rights have been infringed upon, and you are comfortable in doing so, you have the right to verbally express your views to the person(s) involved.

Responsibilities

1. Treat other residents with respect and consideration and guarantee them their individual rights.
2. Understand all policies and regulations established for the university community to function.
3. Abide by all policies and regulations.
4. Respond to all reasonable requests of fellow residents.
5. Respond to and cooperate with housing and facilities staff at all times.
6. Take responsibility for personal and community safety, e.g., do not misuse safety equipment; and do not lose, loan or misplace room keys.
7. Recognize that public areas and their furnishings belong to everyone and that abuse of those areas violates the rights of all community members.

Understanding your responsibilities to the community is as important as understanding your own rights.
The Ohio State University has established policies and guidelines intended to help promote a safe, secure and educational environment for all residents.

1. SAFETY

1.1 Fire Prevention

Fire prevention and safety is of paramount importance in residential living due to the inaccessible location of the facilities. Attempt to put out a small fire using a nearby fire extinguisher. If this attempt fails, immediately inform any staff member and evacuate the area.

Due to the serious nature of fire, there are requirements pertaining to fire hazards and maintaining fire safety.

1. Pulling a fire alarm, tampering with any smoke detector or fire extinguisher, or false reporting of an emergency to staff, police or fire departments is prohibited and is punishable under Ohio Revised Code. If convicted, it is a first degree misdemeanor and carries a maximum $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail. University disciplinary action will also result.
2. Unauthorized use of, tampering with or damaging emergency or safety equipment is punishable under Ohio Revised Code. If convicted, it is a third degree misdemeanor and carries a maximum $500 fine and/or 60 days in jail.

1.2 Personal Safety

Behavior that endangers personal safety within the jurisdiction of Stone Laboratory is not permitted.

1. Fish nets, flags, tapestries or other type of cloth or roped items must not be hung from room ceilings; they constitute a fire hazard.
2. Candles or other open-flame devices may not be lit in residential areas.
3. Residents are not allowed in unauthorized areas. Such areas include, but are not limited to, food storage and preparation spaces, maintenance and housekeeping spaces, any other spaces restricted only to designated persons or any place where the safety and welfare of the resident would be endangered.

1.3 Harassment and Hazing

Harassment and/or hazing of other residents or hall staff is prohibited. Actions defined as harassment or hazing include, but are not limited to, any activity that might reasonably bring embarrassment or emotional, psychological or physical harm to the individual or that might degrade or otherwise compromise the dignity of the individual.

1.4 Firearms and Weapons

The safety and welfare of community members is important in residential living.

1. Possession and/or use of any type of firearms or other weapons are not permitted in any of the Stone Lab facilities and/or on Gibraltar Island. This includes, but is not limited to, bows and arrows, darts, knives and martial arts implements.
2. The use and/or possession of fireworks or explosive devices of any type is not permitted on Gibraltar Island and is prohibited under the Ohio Revised Code.

2. SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Absences

Student absences from classes and field trips are not permitted unless first approved by the instructor. Illness should be reported to the instructor and/or a Stone Lab staff member.

2.2 Campfires

Small campfires are only permitted in the designated area. Never leave the fire unattended and be very careful to fully extinguish it before leaving.

2.3 Camping

Camping is NOT permitted on university grounds or facilities.

2.4 Children

Children are not permitted on Gibraltar Island unless accompanied by an adult responsible for their care.

2.5 Curfew

There is a 10:00 p.m. curfew for all students who are under the age of 18. These students are required to be on Gibraltar Island by 10:00 p.m. This curfew is monitored and enforced.

2.6 Dress Code

The dress code for students and faculty at Stone Laboratory is very casual. Shorts or jeans and T-shirts are recommended. For classes and workshops that engage in fieldwork, students are expected to hike through woods and fields and wade in water up to knee deep; recommended clothing is shorts and a T-shirt or tank top and shoes that can get wet.

2.7 Dining Hall

We are unable to accommodate individual special dietary needs.

Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory has a strong commitment to providing a pleasant environment in the dining hall and to keeping food service costs as reasonable as possible. Only one meal plan, with single entrees and limited seconds, is available and is required for all residents living on Gibraltar Island.

1. Utensils and dishes may not be taken out of the dining hall without permission.
2. Removal of food items without permission will result in disciplinary action.
3. Shoes and shirts must be worn in the dining hall.
4. Wet clothing is not permitted in the dining hall.

2.8 Gambling

Consistent with the Ohio Revised Code, gambling in any form is not permitted within the residential areas or on university premises. Such activity includes, but is not limited to, game parlays, lotteries or card games involving money exchange.

2.9 Guests

Residents are given the opportunity to have daytime guests in the Stone Laboratory facilities.

1. Registration of guests with the housing assistant is required. Guests must leave Gibraltar Island by 10:00 p.m.
2. All hosts are responsible for the actions of their guests, including their adherence to the Community Standards of Conduct.
3. OVERNIGHT GUESTS ARE PROHIBITED.
4. Hosts are responsible for ensuring that guests are aware of fire evacuation and safety procedures in the event of an emergency.
5. Failure to comply with the guidelines for guests may result in revocation of the host’s guest privileges, a guest’s access to Stone Laboratory facilities and/or disciplinary action.

2.10 High Cliffs

As some of Gibraltar’s cliffs are over 30 feet higher than the current lake level, caution is advised when walking near the edge of the island.

2.11 Lights and Windows

The last person leaving a classroom at night should close the windows and turn out all of the lights to reduce the number of insects attracted to the building.

2.12 Lost and Found

Report lost articles to the laboratory manager’s office. Lost and found notices will be posted on the main bulletin board on the second floor of the Classroom Building.

2.13 Noise

Noise is a potential problem in group living settings. Because the primary focus of the university is academic, it is important for residents to discuss and understand the importance of quiet in all residential areas.

1. Each living area will establish quiet times based on needs of residents.
2. Quiet hours are observed on Gibraltar Island beginning at 10:00 p.m. in all housing facilities. The level of noise after 10:00 p.m. should allow others to study or sleep.
3. Excessive noise or other behavior that disturbs others within the jurisdiction of Stone Laboratory is not permitted.

2.14 Pets

No pets are allowed at Stone Laboratory. Service animals are allowed with prior notification to Lab management. There is a working dog on Gibraltar to help keep waterfowl off the island.

2.15 Radios

You are welcome to bring radios or digital music players, but headphones are required in classrooms or laboratories.

2.16 Swimming

Swimming off the island can be hazardous. Please exercise caution when swimming.

1. No matter how skilled a swimmer you are, never go swimming alone. Get someone to accompany you, if only to sit on the beach.
2. Swimming in the bay is not allowed anytime because of the heavy boat traffic.
3. Swimming near the dock area of South Bass and Gibraltar Islands is prohibited.
4. Swimming is permitted on the east end of Gibraltar near Perry’s Lookout.
5. No diving from ledges. Protect your extremities from zebra mussel cuts and be alert for large boat wakes.

2.17 Uninvited Visitors

In spite of the “No Trespassing” signs, sight-seeing visitors land on Gibraltar Island and occasionally wander onto the grounds. For this reason, it is a good idea to store any valuables out of sight. Uninvited visitors should be treated in a friendly manner, but please direct them to the laboratory manager’s office during office hours if they would like a tour of the island.

2.19 Water Fights

Water fights or similar fights are not permitted in university buildings. They jeopardize the safety of residents and lead to excessive housekeeping and damages.

3. PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT

3.1 Appliances

Both safety and conservation of energy are important considerations in housing facilities.

1. Irons, electric blankets, sun-lamps, TVs, stereos or any other non-essential electrical appliances may not be used in resident rooms.
2. For health and safety reasons, you may not cook or use any type of cooking appliance in your room. Refrigerators, microwave ovens, hot pots and popcorn poppers are not permitted in resident rooms. The dining hall provides three meals a day, except on Sundays (brunch and dinner). This service is part of your Stone Laboratory contract.

3.2 Bicycles/Vehicles

A bicycle is a very efficient form of transportation on South Bass Island. All areas of the island can be reached on a bike within a matter of a few minutes. Bike lights are required to be used after dark on South Bass Island. Bicycles can be kept on South Bass Island in the garage located behind Bayview office. A lock for your bike is recommended as the garage is not locked.

3.3 Furniture

Residents are provided with furnished rooms and are responsible for the proper care and condition of all furnished items.

1. Furniture may be arranged in any reasonable manner. Furniture may not be arranged or stacked in any way which would endanger the safety of residents.
2. Furniture may not be transferred or exchanged between rooms or buildings without the authorization of the lab manager or assistant lab manager.

3.4 Keys

Residents who have been issued room keys must return them upon request.

1. It is a violation of state statutes and university regulations to duplicate a key to any door of a residence hall or common area.
2. Residents will be financially responsible for a lock change should they fail to return their key upon departure.
3. University room keys are issued to the assigned occupant of the room. Lending your key to a person other than a roommate is prohibited.
4. Lost Keys: When a room key is lost or stolen, security of the room for the occupants becomes a prime consideration. The person whose key is missing will be held responsible for the cost of a lock change. Residents are encouraged to protect personal possessions and those of roommates by maintaining the security of room keys. Residents should immediately report missing keys to the Stone Lab housing manager. The lost key fee is up to $150.
5. Lock Outs: Students accidentally locked out of their rooms may borrow a key for a specified length of time from the Stone Lab office.

3.5 Laboratory Equipment

No laboratory equipment is to be taken to the residence halls.

4. RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROPERTY & DAMAGES

4.1 Liabilities

Residents are responsible for the security of their personal property and are encouraged to protect their valuables. The Ohio State University and Stone Laboratory assume no responsibility for theft, loss, damage or destruction of personal belongings in or on residence hall properties.

4.2 Damages

Residents of each room should notify a staff member is noticed upon their arrival. Every attempt is made to promptly repair or replace damaged items once they are reported to staff at the Stone Lab office. Maintenance request forms can be found in the dining hall near the restrooms.

1. Residents will be individually charged for damages they cause based upon repair or replacement costs necessary to restore the room, cottage or hall facilities to approximate original condition. Charges will be billed only to the resident(s) who caused the damage or who permitted damage to occur, when this can be determined.
2. Residents of a room will be held mutually responsible for any damage that occurs after they have moved in. An individual resident will be held responsible if individual responsibility can be determined.
3. To observe damage being done to a building, its furnishings or its equipment and not notify housing staff is viewed as complicity and may result in shared financial or disciplinary liability.
4. In public or semipublic areas of the buildings, damages are charged to individuals or groups when responsibility is established. Repetitive patterns of excessive damage or housekeeping concerns may also be billed to residents of an entire community when individual responsibility cannot be established.
5. Residents are accountable for any damages caused by equipment or appliances in their possession.
6. Nonpayment of charges levied against a resident by Stone Laboratory may result in disciplinary action which may include placing student records on hold.
7. Only university employees may adjust equipment or repair damages. Residents are responsible for reporting damages or necessary repairs to staff at the Stone Lab office.
8. Due to potential damage to paint or walls, adhesive tape, nails and tacks are not to be used. Temporary tape or adhesive which will not leave residue on the wall is permitted.

4.3 Access

The university respects and is committed to the protection of the student’s right to privacy as well as the safety and security of all residents. However, a designated university official has the right to enter any part of the university facilities when necessary.

1. Designated university officials include but are not limited to Stone Laboratory staff and other persons authorized to inspect for damages or cleanliness or provide other services as necessary.
2. A designated university official may conduct a search of any part of the university facilities in accordance with law if there may be an illegal activity occurring which interferes with the normal operation of the university or if there is a violation of health or safety regulations.

5. ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

5.1 Alcohol

The legal drinking age in Ohio is 21. The university and residence halls comply fully with all federal, state and municipal regulations regarding the sale, possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

1. Residents and their guests may not possess or consume alcohol in a manner inconsistent with either the policies of Ohio State University or Stone Laboratory, or in violation of the Ohio Revised Code. Those found in violation of these policies, or of the Code, must immediately dispose of the alcohol when requested to do so by Stone Laboratory staff or other university officials.
2. Residents 21 years of age may possess and consume legal beverages in private rooms or suites when such possession and consumption is consistent with the Ohio Revised Code and the university Code of Student Conduct.
3. To avoid unnecessary conflicts or misunderstanding regarding the presence of alcohol in rooms, containers that were originally used to hold alcoholic beverages are not permitted in student rooms. For example, cans, bottles, cartons, kegs and bongs may not be used as decorative items.
4. Individuals who bring alcoholic beverages into the residence halls must produce a driver’s license or state identification card as proof of eligibility to consume or possess alcohol. A university identification card is not acceptable for this purpose.
5. Students are not permitted to be in possession of any false identification or any identification card that does not belong to them.
6. Supplying alcohol to an underage person is prohibited.
7. Open containers of alcohol and the consumption of alcohol in public areas such as hall corridors, lounges, study rooms and outside are prohibited.
8. Alcohol is prohibited at undergraduate group events within residence hall facilities.
9. Residents may not bring in or store beer kegs and other containers that hold large amounts of alcohol in the residence halls or in their rooms/suites.
10. The misuse (underage drinking, drinking in unauthorized areas, etc.) and the abuse of alcohol (drinking to such an extent that one’s behavior and judgment are impaired or result in disruption of others) are prohibited, regardless of where the alcohol is consumed. The effects of alcohol misuse and abuse include excessive noise, interpersonal conflict and vandalism. The individual who misuses or abuses alcohol not only negatively affects the community but also endangers the individual resident.

5.2 Tobacco

Smoking and the use of tobacco are prohibited in or on all university owned, operated or leased property including vehicles.

1. Tobacco is defined as all tobacco-derived or containing products, including and not limited to, cigarettes (e.g., clove, bidis, kreteks), electronic cigarettes, cigars and cigarillos, hookah smoked products, pipes and oral tobacco (e.g., spit and spitless, smokeless, chew, snuff) and nasal tobacco (e.g. snus). It also includes any product intended to mimic tobacco products, contain tobacco flavoring, or deliver nicotine other than for the purpose of cessation.
2. All students, faculty, staff, vendors, volunteers and visitors are expected to comply with this policy. Individuals are encouraged and empowered to respectfully inform others about the policy in an ongoing effort to support individuals to be tobacco free, improve individual health and encourage a culture of compliance.
3. University leaders, managers, supervisors, and building coordinators are expected to support individuals becoming tobacco free and to promote compliance in their areas of responsibility and on the larger campus.
4. Student Life staff have a special responsibility to promote compliance among students.

5.3 Drugs

The Ohio State University must comply fully with all federal, state and local regulations regarding the use, cultivation, manufacture, sale and/or possession of drugs or controlled substances. The misuse of drugs (prescription, over-the-counter or illegal) shall not in any way limit the responsibility of the individual for the consequences of their behavior.

1. The use, cultivation, manufacture, sale and/or possession of drugs or controlled substances in violation of federal, state and local laws are not permitted in housing and dining facilities.
2. Residents are responsible for reporting use, cultivation, manufacture, sale and/or possession of illegal substances in their room to the laboratory manager.