The University reserves the right to search both a residence hall room and a resident's possessions in the room. A student and/or parent or legal guardian already has consented to this by agreeing to the terms of the housing application. Searches are conducted only when there is a reasonable suspicion that a criminal offense has occurred, is in progress or is about to occur. Also, a search can be conducted if the Code of Student Conduct has been violated, is being violated or is about to be violated.
Authority
Searches of residence hall rooms may be conducted by Residence Life staff or Public Safety when there is evidence of imminent danger of harm to a person or property. All other searches must be approved in advance by the Dean of Students or designee.
Procedures
- Attempts may be made to notify residents of the room prior to an investigative search, depending on the nature of the violation. As part of the conduct process, notification will be made to inform the residents that a search has taken place.
- All aspects of the physical search of a room and its contents will be conducted by a University official.
- In the event a criminal offense occurred and damage is incurred to personal property in the process of the search, neither Saint Xavier University nor the personnel performing the search will be liable.
