Guides, Rules & Safety Information

Guide to Campus Living

Prior to moving onto campus, all students should review the Guide to Living on Campus which includes policies, rules and expectations for living in on-campus housing.

Guide to Campus Living

EMU Code of Community Responsibility

The Code of Community Responsibility and the accompanying student disciplinary policies are intended to foster ethical development, academic integrity, personal accountability and civility toward others. The Code of Community Responsibility sets forth standards and expectations of behavior applicable to all Eastern Michigan University students.

EMU Code of Community Responsibility

Residence Hall & Apartment Rules

These rules represent expectations for living on-campus. All students and guests are responsible for abiding by these as specified. In addition, the EMU Code of Community Responsibility [PDF] and local, state, and federal laws should be abided by at all times.

Residence Hall & Apartment Rules

Disability Resource Center & Housing Accommodations

Housing & Residence Life collaborates with the Disability Resource Center (DRC) to coordinate housing accommodations for students with disabilities that impact one’s living situation. Prior to completing a housing application, students must schedule an appointment with a DRC Case Manager about the need for housing accommodations. Students must schedule an in-person or over the phone appointment with a DRC Case Manager to initiate the accommodation process. Please contact the DRC at 734.487.2470, 246 Student Center or email [email protected]. Please note the housing accommodation process can take up to 5 business days once the DRC receives all necessary information and/or documentation.

Request Accommodations

Requests for on-campus housing accommodations should be made with the DRC as soon as possible. Students are encouraged to complete the Housing Accommodations Request Form [PDF] prior to scheduling an appointment with the DRC. The DRC Case Manager will meet with the student, review appropriate documentation, and collaborate with Housing & Residence Life regarding approved accommodations. If a student is assigned a room through the typical housing application process before notifying the DRC of their request for housing accommodations, it will lead to a delay in the implementation of appropriate accommodations. Requests for Emotional Support Animals should be made to the DRC directly, as separate forms are required in these cases.

Reasonable and appropriate housing accommodations depend upon the students documented disability, the housing environment and the steps necessary to create equal access for one’s living situation. Requested accommodations will not be granted if it is deemed unreasonable, if alternative accommodations are available, and/or if the student has already received desired placement through normal assignment processes. The DRC and Housing & Residence Life are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible campus environment and welcome the chance to coordinate accommodations with students as appropriate.

Safety & Security Information

Safety is the responsibility of all students, staff, faculty and guests at Eastern Michigan University. A few tips to follow:

  • Always lock your door and your car.
  • When entering the building, do not let others follow in behind you without swiping in.
  • Do not prop doors open. Keep your car locked and personal belongings out of view. 
  • Report suspicious activity or crime immediately to a resident advisor, the front desk or Public Safety. When in doubt, make the call.

In addition, consider getting acquainted with the following resources to ensure best safety and security practices:

EMU Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is charged with enforcing laws on campus and coordinating campus safety. All officers are fully sworn law enforcement personnel. 

DPS is staffed at all times. EMU Police Officer duties include organizing security and public safety activities which enhance the quality of campus life and protecting life, property and individual rights.

Notify DPS immediately for all emergencies: 734.487.1222 from a cell phone or 911 from any campus landline. Calling 911 from a cell phone will route you to Washtenaw County Dispatch.

Become familiar with locations of campus Emergency Assistance Stations and Kiosk emergency telephones (Blue-Light Phones). When there are crimes or safety concerns at EMU, DPS will prepare formal documents to alert the campus, these are called Timely Warnings, Community Safety Notices or Campus Alerts. 

Download the Annual Security Report [PDF].

Area Police Officers (APO)

The Department of Public Safety sponsors police officers within the residence hall areas: Best, Downing, Buell, Wise, Walton/Putnam and Phelps/Sellers. Each police officer maintains regular office hours within each complex.

Students are welcome to call or stop in during the designated office hours.

  • Walton/Putnam, Phelps/Sellers APO: 734.487.8096 (Located in Putnam)
  • Best, Downing, Buell, Wise APO: 734.487.5867 (Located in Downing)

Reporting Crime & Suspicious Activity

It is important to report all crime and any suspicious activity, as soon as possible, to DPS and then to the residence hall and apartments staff. You may go to DPS in person or call 734.487.1222. Depending on the situation, an officer may be sent to the scene. When in doubt, call and DPS can assist.

Instant Text Alerts with Eagle Alerts

Sign up for EMU’s emergency alert text program to receive Emergency Text Alerts on the Rave website. Check your my.emich e-mail announcement for campus alerts. The alerts will provide real-time information as a text message to your cell phone in the event of an emergency. You will also receive the same text via email.

Public Entrance Security

Residence hall and apartment entrance doors are locked at all times. Any university student, staff, or faculty member may use their EMU ID to access the hall lobbies during the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Only residential students have access to their hall from 7 p.m.–7 a.m.