Attending college is a chance for students to explore new things and begin the journey toward adulthood while integrating with their peers. One of the outstanding cross-cultural bonds people share is music; its similarities, differences, and how sometimes it may even offend. While that's part of mingling with people from eclectic backgrounds, music can cause trouble at many university campuses.
The trouble that can arise from such complaints may also be unexpected, in part because as much as a noise complaint may seem minor compared to other potential pitfalls at college, having a disciplinary record for a noise complaint, housing violation, or similar issue can cause problems with one's ability to live on campus, and also when applying for internships, to graduate programs, and even with professional employment opportunities. This is why a student needs to take any allegation seriously as allegations often come with unexpected consequences.
What's Considered “Loud” or “Offensive” Music?
There are few straightforward rules surrounding playing music as such, whether it be the decibel level allowed or specifically banned artists. Many on-campus housing regulations lump infractions under “quiet hours” violations on college campuses.
No Rocking Into the Night During Quiet Hours
Typically, quiet hours are at least eight hours, from the late evening to early morning, when noise must be kept at an absolute minimum. A lack of standards for measured noise levels means the discretion of campus security defines “nuisances” to the campus community. This could be loud talking between roommates or a TV's volume turned up, but loud music is the most common complaint during quiet hours on college campuses.
Yet, quiet hours are different at campuses across the country. For example, the University of Pittsburgh defines its quiet hours as:
- Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Friday and Saturday, 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- 24 hours a day during final exam weeks
On the other hand, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) sets its quiet hours as:
- Sunday through Thursday, 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
- Friday and Saturday, 1:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- During the last two weeks of each academic quarter, quiet hours are extended to 22 hours daily from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Troublesome Impromptu Campus Dorm Concerts
The middle of the night isn't the only time students can get in trouble for loud music. Students are required to refrain from “disruptive behavior” as a part of the contract they sign when applying for and securing student housing.
According to Villanova University's Community Policies, to maintain an “academic atmosphere” through residential living, the school prohibits:
- Noise heard outside a student's room
- Sound amplification equipment in windows for public entertainment
Offensive Lyrics a Subjective Path Toward Misconduct
Blasting music is not the only way students can abridge their code of conduct while listening to their favorite tunes. Even if you're quiet, music with offensive lyrics may land you in front of your school disciplinary board.
For example, at Liberty University, the religious school's Student Honor Code explicitly bans any media or entertainment that includes “lewd lyrics.” A violation may result in:
- Between 10-15 “demerit points”
- Fines from $50-$150
- Up to 15 hours of community service
When it comes to lewd or offensive lyrics, however, this can lead to subjective judgment and unfair treatment of students. Unfortunately, students are unprepared to argue their way out of misconduct sanctions themselves. Regardless, they can retain professional help to keep their record clean.
How Can a Student Defense Advisor Help You?
No parent wants their student child to get in trouble because of their music. It can quickly derail their child's academic future and a parent's financial investment.
If your child is accused of misconduct, call expert student defense advisor Joseph D. Lento immediately. He and his team at the Lento Law Firm understand how school administrations can levy unfair determination through vague policies covering music.
Begin your defense with a name that is music to the ears of student clients across the country. Call the Lento Law Firm at 888-535-3686 or visit the confidential online consultation form.
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