As a college student, you probably think that what goes on in your dorm room stays in your dorm room. After all, it's your private space. Surely, you're free to pursue whichever hobbies you have – including engine builds – without interference. Right?  

Well, sadly, this is not the case. What goes on in your dorm room has everything to do with your school, as one student (the “Dorm Room Mechanic”) learned the hard way. Below, we explore what happens when you violate school housing policies and how the Lento Law Firm Student Defense Team can help. 

If you are accused of violating campus rules, you need us—and we're ready to assist. Call the Lento Law Firm now at 888.535.3686 or reach us online for a consultation.  

The Dorm Room Mechanic 

“Dorm Room Mechanic” Andrew Schafer, a mechanic enthusiast, decided to rebuild a Vortec 5300 V8 engine in the confines of his tiny dorm room. He posted regular updates on his Instagram and gathered a significant number of followers. What did his RA have to say about this? Nothing, since he is the RA. Inevitably, however, the amount of attention around the rebuild – and the noise concerns – led to the school forcing him to take his project off-campus.   

While the school didn't punish Schafer, per se, the story raises questions about what might happen if you're not so lucky.  

School Housing Policies and Procedures  

When you sign up for dorm room life, you commit to a housing contract. Housing contracts usually include a list of prohibited activities. These rules are for your safety, as well as the safety and comfort of the wider school community. It's not uncommon for schools to ban engines or other combustibles due to fire safety concerns (the University of Georgia, for example, expressly forbids such devices). But even if your school doesn't ban certain activities outright, you could still fall foul of other rules, such as rules around quiet hours, courtesy, and disruptive behavior.  

In other words, living in a dorm room is a responsibility. Break the terms of your housing contract, and you could face significant penalties.  

Penalties for Rule Violations  

Arguably, the school didn't punish Schafer because he hadn't received any noise complaints or violated any school rules yet. However, the penalties for violating your housing contract (or any other school rule) could lead to consequences such as: 

• Formal reprimands 
• Suspension 
• Removal from campus housing  
• Expulsion (in the most serious cases)  

Depending on the allegations, you might also face criminal charges, e.g., vandalism or disorderly conduct. So, how can you stay on the right side of your school's disciplinary codes? Here are some tips.   

• Read through your school's policies, including your housing contract. Ask questions if anything is unclear. 
• If you're unsure whether an activity is permitted, ask for confirmation in writing before you pursue it. If you're told that it's okay, keep a record of this correspondence.  
• Get legal advice if you're facing disciplinary action.   

Don't Get Caught Out on Campus 

College or university should be a place where you can focus on development, growth, and reaching your academic potential. But if your path to self-discovery means you find yourself on the wrong side of your school's internal conduct policies, we're here to help. The Lento Law Firm frequently represents students facing possible suspension, dismissal, and housing contract termination. Call now at 888.535.3686 or leave us an online message to discuss your case.