Community Life Agreements

Community Life Agreements

Goddard residencies and community members (e.g.: students, faculty, staff, administrators etc.) are guided by a series of shared Community Life Agreements (CLA) designed by students, faculty, staff and administrators in 2003. These agreements have helped us live, work and learn together harmoniously.

As the primary goal of each residency is to study and plan for the semester, these agreements are designed to help us be intentional and thoughtful about how we interact with each other and our environment. They articulate a basic standard of behavior and depend on our willingness to share responsibility for holding each other and ourselves accountable to these agreements.  Please be familiar with the agreements below.

The following is a summary of the Community Life Agreements.  Full descriptions and other information on student life can be found in the Undergraduate and Graduate Student Handbooks under “Community Life”:

We agree to…

  • Maintain Quiet Hours in the dorms from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
  • Not use open flames (e.g.: cigarettes, incense etc.) of any kind in the dorm rooms or any campus buildings.
  • Not wear strong scented products that may trigger others’ allergies.
  • Smoke cigarettes outside only, 20 feet away from doorways.
  • Respect each other’s limitations and physical needs.
  • Comply with state law regarding alcohol and other substance use. Alcohol is allowed in the Music Building, designated dorms, and sanctioned events and gatherings in public spaces. Twenty-one is the legal age for drinking alcohol.
  • Respect Goddard’s environment, including its grounds, buildings and property.
  • Not have overnight guests and that our day guests will purchase food tickets at the Help Desk.
  • Maintain a safe and inclusive environment.
  • Not commit aggressive or violent actions including physical or sexual assault, physically endangering behavior, threatening or intimidating behavior. These actions can lead to expulsion from the residency and college as well as criminal charges.
  • To be accountable to Community Life Agreements, and address violations of these agreements as quickly as possible.

    Communal Living: The Dorms

    Please think of your time in the dorms as an opportunity for building community through clear and friendly communication. This will go a long way in forging friendships and dispelling conflicts. Also, please keep your area orderly to support the housekeeping staff.

    One of the sources of conflict on campus is the issue of noise in the dorms. Walls are thin, so please be aware of your voice and take lively conversations and parties out of the dorms and into public spaces or the Music Building (where alcohol is permitted). The Community Center is open day and night (alcohol is permitted in the Community Center and other public spaces only during sanctioned College events). Please respect if your dorm has a special status such as alcohol-free or scent-free. Be safe: no smoking or candles.

    Community Disagreements

    CLA agreements also provide a series of linked process by which community members can resolve differences.  Student Life Coordinators are available through the pager at campus extension #555 or pager number 479-4868.

    As possible, we ask members to first speak to each other respectfully. If private conversation does not resolve differences, student life personnel can mediate disagreements; provide verbal or written warnings and consequences; and convene a CLA Community Committee to investigate a problem.

    In cases of danger to physical safety or other serious concerns, the Dean of Planning and Community Life or designee may ask a community member to leave campus immediately.