Housing and Conference Services

RESIDENCE AGREEMENT/CONTRACT
2025-2026

PREAMBLE

This Residence Agreement Contract applies exclusively to on-campus residence buildings located at 1280 Main
Street West, Hamilton, Ontario. It does not apply to 10 Bay Residence, the off-campus residence building situated
in downtown Hamilton.

Life in residence is governed by three key documents. The Residence Agreement/Contract outlines fundamental
contractual obligations between the student and Housing and Conference Services. The Online Residence
Handbook (https://housing.mcmaster.ca/legacycurrent-residents/residence-policies/) further describes policies,
procedures and community standards, including the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities (CSRR)
(https://sscm.mcmaster.ca/the-code/), which clearly outlines the behavioural expectations of all residence students
and possible outcomes.

It is assumed that the primary objective of all residents is the successful pursuit of academic studies. Residence life
also creates the potential for many social and cultural benefits. Residents are jointly responsible for helping to make
the residence community a comfortable, safe, and secure living environment conducive to achieving the key
McMaster University objective: excellence in learning and discovery.

Students are expected to understand and appreciate that certain fundamental expectations and regulations are
necessary in any community and that discipline should come from within each person. Integral to the code of
behaviour, the McMaster residence system is founded on the principle that is an appreciation of the effect of one’s
personal behaviour on others and respect for their personal and property rights. McMaster appeals to each student’s
sense of reason and responsibility and promotes the ideal that responsibilities are to be shared by all residents to
maintain a high standard of cooperative living, tolerance, mutual respect, and compromise.

By choosing to join the McMaster residence community, each member accepts and agrees to live by a code of
behaviour, which values and promotes civility, inclusivity, good citizenship, and productive behaviour.

ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

1. The Residence Agreement/Contract becomes effective upon receipt by the University of the Student’s Residence
Application. The submission of the online application and acceptance of the accompanying terms and conditions
shall be evidence that all the terms and conditions of the Residence Agreement/Contract are fully understood, and
that the student agrees to be bound by the Residence Agreement/Contract and the Code of Student Rights and
Responsibilities as a condition of applying to residence at McMaster University.

Qualifying for Residence

2. a) First Year Undergraduate students who meet the Residence Admission Average, as determined by Housing and
Conference Services, and who are enrolled full-time equivalent of at least eighteen units, receive priority for
residence accommodation.
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b) To allow more first year undergraduate students the opportunity to spend their first year on campus, all spaces in
McMaster University’s residence buildings will be reserved for first year undergraduate students entering directly
from high school, and to Residence Life Staff.

After all first-year undergraduate students, coming directly from high school, have been accommodated, and if
space permits, residence spaces will be allocated by lottery to returning undergraduate and graduate students, as
determined by Residence Admissions. Each case will be reviewed individually, and admission will be granted at the
discretion of Residence Admissions.

Current residents wishing to return to residence must apply each year, with acceptance determined by available
spaces, and/or lottery considerations. In addition, and without limitation, residence acceptance may be denied
because of any previous breach of the Residence Agreement/Contract and/or Code of Student Rights and
Responsibilities. Returning students who are applying to residence are placed on a waiting list and offered
residence, only after all first-year undergraduate students have been accommodated and if space permits. Returning
students are required to maintain a fall/winter average of 5.0(C) in at least eighteen units in the most recent
academic year to remain on the waiting list and/or be eligible for an offer of residence. A student who cannot meet
this minimum academic average for medical, or compassionate reasons must submit a written appeal with supporting
documents to Residence Admissions to be considered for acceptance to residence.

c) Students who are enrolled in a Mohawk-McMaster program are not eligible for on-campus residence.

d) Students are responsible for notifying Residence Admissions within 24 hours of any change in their student
status that may affect their eligibility for residence as outlined above.

e) Students wishing to live in residence beginning in the winter term (January) can apply starting in October. All
applicants must complete the online application process by the stated deadline in the application. Spaces are limited
and will be allocated by random lottery. Spaces are assigned based on the policy outlined in section 2.

Exchange Students

3. Exchange students are eligible to apply for residence accommodation in the same manner as first-year
undergraduate students enrolled full-time in at least eighteen units as outlined in section 2. Exchange students are
defined as an Incoming Exchange student being admitted from another University and enrolled through the
McMaster Exchange Program. Residence spaces will be allocated based on lottery to Exchange students and
priority will be given to Exchange students enrolled for both the Fall and Winter term (September to April).

a) Fall Term (September to December): Exchange students who live in residence for the first academic term only
(September to December) will be charged an additional $340 as an administrative fee for filling the second term
vacancy.

b) Winter Term (January to April): Exchange students who live in residence for the second academic term only
(January to April) will be charged the residence fee for four-month occupancy which is one half of the fee for eight-
month occupancy.

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Academic Requirements

4. a) If a student is not able to maintain a course load of at least eighteen units, as defined in section 2, the student will
be required to withdraw from residence and to meet the financial responsibilities, as outlined in section 17. A
student who cannot maintain a course load of at least eighteen units for medical, or compassionate reasons must
submit a written appeal with supporting documents to Residence Admissions to be considered for permission to
remain in residence.

b) If a student withdraws from all their academic courses, the student is required to contact the Residence
Admissions Office immediately, or within 24 hours as of the date the student withdraws from courses, to complete
the withdrawal process, and prepare to vacate residence within 24 hours, as outlined in Section 17.

Contract Dates

5. Residence fees include accommodation from, August 25, 2025, to 12 noon on the day following the student’s
final first term exam in December 2025 or to 12 noon on closing day December 20, 2025, whichever is earlier; and
from, January 4, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the day following the student’s final exam in April 2026, or to
3:00 p.m. on closing day April 23, 2026, whichever is earlier. To offer flexibility, move-in times will be staggered,
and some students will be allowed to move in before August 25, 2025. All students will choose their preferred time
on their scheduled move-in date on the online residence portal in advance. In addition to residence fees, a non-
refundable Residence Life Health and Wellbeing Fee of $45 will be charged to support community
programming, wellness initiatives, and residence support services.

6. Residence buildings are closed to all students during the December break (12 noon December 20, 2025, to 9:00
a.m. on January 4, 2026), except for students approved to remain in residence by Housing & Conference Services.
Students will be given the option to submit a request, for an additional fee, to Housing & Conference Services, for
approval to remain in residence over the December break period. All food and Service Centre operations are
suspended, and student life, custodial and maintenance services are limited during this period.

Dates Key Events

Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, Student move-in begins. Students will be notified in advance
August 24, 2025 of their move-in details.
Monday, October 13-19, 2025 Mid-term recess (Fall Break); buildings remain open
Friday, December 5-20, 2025 Exam /move-out period
Students are required to vacate residence by 12 noon the day
following their last exam or to 12 noon on closing day
December 20, whichever is earlier.
Student access cards to the building will be deactivated on
their move-out date at 12 noon.
Students who do not move-out on their specific date/time are
in violation of the Code of Student Rights and
Responsibilities and subject to a $250/day late move-out fine.

Saturday, December 20, 2025 Residence buildings close for December Break at 12 noon.
Sunday, January 4, 2026 Residence buildings re-open at 9:00 a.m.

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 Monday, February 16-22, 2026 Mid-term recess (Reading Week); buildings remain open
Thursday, April 9-22, 2026 Exam /move-out period
Students are required to vacate residence by 3:00 p.m. the
day following their last exam or to 3:00 p.m. on closing day,
April 23, whichever is earlier.
Student access cards to the building will be deactivated on
their move-out date at 3:00 p.m.
Students who do not move-out on their specific date/time are
in violation of the Code of Student Rights and
Responsibilities and subject to a $250/day late move-out fine.

Thursday, April 23, 2026 Residence buildings close at 3:00 p.m.

Application Deadline and Deposit

7. a) All students applying to residence must submit an online residence application using the McMaster University
Residence Portal (https://liveatmac.mcmaster.ca/StarRezPortalX) and will be required to make a deposit in order to
secure their offer of a guaranteed residence space. Deposits may vary depending on applicant type. The deadline for
the residence deposits is to be received by the deadline communicated by Housing & Conference Services for
guaranteed first-year students. All deposits for residence will be credited to their Mosaic student account and goes
towards the overall full residence fee.

All students applying to the waiting list are not required to make this deposit until they are requested to do so by
Residence Admissions.

Applications and/or deposits received after the deadline, or applications that are deficient in any way, will be placed
at the bottom of the (then) existing waiting list.

b) The student agrees to pay the balance of their residence fees according to the terms set out by the Student
Accounts Office (https://registrar.mcmaster.ca/), subject to withdrawal from residence. All personal and residence
fee accounts with the University must be settled promptly and if unpaid, will result in the student being blocked from
grade reports and/or further enrollment according to terms set out by the Student Accounts Office.

c) Applicants who pay the deposit but never receive an offer of residence, or who request to be removed from the
waiting list by August 25, 2025, will receive a full refund of their deposit.

Room Assignments & Room Changes

8. a) Room assignments are made available through a self-selection process by Housing and Conference Services.
Students are not guaranteed their choice of residence building, floor, living learning community, room, room type or
roommate(s). Residence Admissions may consult with appropriate Residence Life staff to assign rooms and
roommates in each building. Students are prohibited from subletting or delegating a person for the use or occupancy
of their residence rooms and are not permitted to make unauthorized room or roommate changes, including
bedrooms in apartment/suite style residence rooms. Incoming fall students are advised of their room self-selection
timeslot by end of June.

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b) Room change requests are permitted at the discretion of Housing and Conference Services staff (i.e., Residence
Admissions, Residence Life Area Coordinator) and are only considered, except for the examination period:
(i) after all appropriate efforts have been exhausted (i.e., roommate mediation),
(ii) in priority of necessity and/or circumstance,
(iii) based on availability of specific room types.

c) Documentation will be required for a room change request based on a Residence Accommodation need(s).

d) If a room change is requested and approved, the student will be subject to an administrative fee of $142 per room
change to cover costs associated with the room change process. Additionally, the student is held financially
responsible for the pro-rated difference in cost of room types (if applicable) based on the date the new room is
available. The administrative fee and pro-rated difference in cost of the room type will be charged or credited to the
student’s account.

e) Room changes, as a result of conduct issues, will be subject to the terms set out in the Code of Student Rights and
Responsibilities and subject to the administrative fee and pro-rated difference in cost of room types (if applicable).
The administrative fee and pro-rated difference in cost of room type will be charged or credited to the student’s
account.

f) In circumstances where Housing and Conference Services staff deem a room change necessary for the safety,
security and/or the well-being of the student and/or community, the administrative fee will be waived at the
discretion of Housing and Conference Services.

Meal Plan

9. The Department of Hospitality Services requires all students living in residence to purchase a meal plan. Students
will select a meal plan choice and agree to the McMaster University Residence Meal Plan Policy
(https://hospitality.mcmaster.ca/) as part of the online residence application process. It is the student’s responsibility
to inquire with Hospitality Services about any meal plan related matters and to notify the Hospitality Services Mac
Express Office of any change to their residence status (i.e., withdrawal) that may affect their meal plan. For more
information contact the Mac Express Office at express@mcmaster.ca or visit Hospitality Services website
(https://hospitality.mcmaster.ca/meal-plans-and-cards/meal-plans/).

Authorized Access

10. Housing and Conference Services subscribes to the principle that residence students are entitled to enjoy a
reasonable right to privacy in residence rooms. However, it reserves the right to have authorized staff enter rooms,
apartments, and suites under the following conditions: to provide repair service or room maintenance inspections; to
conduct periodic health and safety checks of room conditions; to conduct weekly or monthly fire inspection tests in
apartments/suites; when there is reasonable cause to believe an emergency situation has arisen that requires entry;
when a student vacates a room for a break period (e.g. December break), or when a student/roommate withdraws
from residence; when there is reasonable cause to believe that university regulations are, and/or the law is being
violated. Authorized staff are supplied with identification badges that are always visible.

Communicable/Infectious Diseases

11. The student hereby affirms their understanding that the University is legally obligated to operate its residences
in accordance with all applicable laws, including the Occupational Health & Safety Act and the regulations made
under it, and in compliance with the advice, recommendations, orders, and instructions of public health officials.
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The student hereby undertakes and agrees to abide by the University’s requirements and directions, including those
regulations herein this residence agreement, advice of public health officials, and any measures in relation to
preventing or mitigating the spread of communicable/infectious diseases.

12. The student acknowledges that the University may, from time to time, impose additional rules, procedures, and
protocols as it deems necessary or as it may be required to do by public authorities to mitigate against the risk of the
spread and/or transmission of communicable/infectious diseases, including but not limited to, COVID- 19 and related
sub-variants, in McMaster’s residences. The student warrants that they will comply with all such rules, procedures,
and protocols. The student understands and agrees that failure to do so may result in restrictions or conditions
imposed on their residence accommodation or termination of this Agreement in accordance with section 17.

Emergency Contact

13. Where behaviour, personal security or health issues are of serious concern, Housing and Conference Services
reserves the right to notify the “emergency contact” name listed on the student’s residence application. In these
circumstances and when the student is under 18 years of age, the parent or guardian will be notified rather than the
“emergency contact.”

Termination of Contract/Relocation and Filling Vacancies

14. Housing and Conference Services reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to terminate residence agreements,
reassign students to another residence building and/or room on a temporary or permanent basis, and to effect other
steps as may be required for the safety, security and/or the well-being of the residents and the residence community.
In particular, Housing and Conference Services may terminate any residence agreement or require that students
vacate their residence for any length of time if it determines, in its sole discretion, that it is prudent to do so for
health and safety or public health reasons or to maintain the safety, security and wellbeing of the University
community, or if it determines that it is required to do so by law or government directive, including a directive or
order from Ontario Public Health or local public health unit.

15. Housing and Conference Services has a responsibility to reduce losses in revenue by filling vacancies which may
occur throughout the year. Students in residence must be prepared to welcome a new roommate if a vacancy occurs,
and/or if residence occupancy increases resulting in Housing & Conference Services assigning a new student(s) in
their room, apartment, or suite. Students remaining in the room are expected to remain in the space allocated to them
and leave the vacated space readily available for incoming new roommate(s). Students who fail to do so and/or
delay a move-in for a new roommate(s) will be held responsible for additional fees. Similarly, if vacancies remain
unfilled, Housing and Conference Services may need to consolidate rooms. Housing and Conference Services may
affect consolidation, when necessary, by requiring a student to accept a new roommate or move to a new room. In
some circumstances, and at the discretion of Housing and Conference Services, a student may be permitted to
remain in their room for an additional fee. Advance notification will be given to those students affected.

Application Cancellation Deadlines and Refunds

16. Any student who submits a complete and accurate residence application, pays the deposit, and whose name is
on the guaranteed residence list, is defined as being “in residence.” If this student in residence wishes to cancel their
application, before their scheduled move-in date, they must notify the Residence Admissions Office by completing
the “Cancellation Step” on the online residence application, otherwise the withdrawal policy will apply as outlined
in section 17. The student will forfeit all or part of the residence deposit depending on the date the “Cancellation
Step” is completed on the online residence application. A forfeited residence deposit may not be applied to other
outstanding university accounts or transferred to the residence account of another student.
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 Date of Cancellation Received Deposit Refund

For September Admits: If cancellation received on or Applicant receives a 50% refund

before July 23, 2025
For September Admits: If cancellation received after Applicant receives NO REFUND
July 23, 2025

For January Admits: If cancellation received on or Applicant receives a 50% refund

before December 11, 2025
For January Admits: If cancellation received after Applicant receives NO REFUND
December 11, 2025

Withdrawing from Residence

17. Students living in residence who plan to withdraw from residence for any reason whatsoever during the
academic year must complete the Residence Withdrawal step on the online residence portal, return their residence
keys/access card to a designated location communicated by Housing & Conference Services. Failure to do so will
result in the student being charged as outlined in section 27. The date of withdrawal will be the date the Residence
Withdrawal process is completed, and the residence keys/access card is returned, whichever is later.

The student is financially responsible for their full year’s fee and is placed on a refund waiting list in order of date
of withdrawal. When a new student is admitted to residence, a refund is processed for the first student on the refund
waiting list. This is not dependent upon filling the vacated room, rather it is based on filling the vacancy in the
residence system created by the withdrawal. Eligible refunds of residence fees are calculated on a pro-rated daily
basis, and are credited to the student’s university account, less a $340 administration fee. If the student has no
outstanding university accounts, the residence refund will be issued to the student.

A student who withdraws from residence due to exceptional circumstances beyond their control may submit a
written appeal with supporting documentation to Housing and Conference Services via email to
resadmissions@mcmaster.ca. The deadline to submit an appeal for consideration is within fifteen days as of the date
the Residence Withdrawal completed on the online residence portal. If the appeal is successful, the student will
receive a pro-rated refund of their residence fees as of the date of withdrawal. The date of withdrawal is the date the
Residence Withdrawal step is completed on the online residence portal, and the residence key/access card is
returned, whichever is later. This student remains responsible for the administrative fee.

If the residence agreement is terminated early by Housing & Conference Services for reasons in accordance with
section 14 above, a refund of residence fees shall be calculated from the time of the student’s check out to the last
day of classes as defined in the University’s academic calendar on a pro-rata basis (the “Refund Amount”). Housing
& Conference Services shall deduct a 20% charge from the Refund Amount to account for overhead and
administration charges. The student hereby acknowledges and agrees that the University’s decisions to close the
residence, terminate the residence agreement, calculate the Refund Amount, and levy the 20% charge to the Refund
Amount shall not be appealable under any University policy or process.

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Late Documents

18. Housing and Conference Services requires students to submit documentation related to the application and
allocation process and matters related to living in residence by specific deadlines outlined by Housing and
Conference Services. Deadlines are in place to ensure adequate time for review, assessment, and execution of
business processes. These documents include but are not limited to requests for: Residence Accommodation
need(s), early/late arrival, move-out extension, co-op/exchange documentation, appeals for academic standing
(below 5.0) and pro-rated residence fees. All documents submitted after the specified deadline will be subject to a
$57 late documents fee.

RESIDENCE STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

19. Each residence fee includes Internet access (RezNet-Wifi). Each student is responsible for the use of the
Internet and is prohibited from using or permitting them to be used for a purpose or in a manner that is contrary to
the law, University policy, or could be considered harmful or disruptive under the Code of Student Rights and
Responsibilities. Abuse of the RezNet-Wifi system may result in termination of the data service and may result in
judicial or criminal charges being laid against the student. Refer to the RezNet-Wifi Usage policy
(http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/students/maconline/index.html) and the McMaster Code of Conduct for Computer and
Network Users (http://mcmaster.ca/uts/policy/index.html).

20. Students are not permitted to engage in any commercial activity in residence rooms or common areas or
participate in and/or run an illegal gaming or gambling operation as outlined in the Code of Student Rights and
Responsibilities.

Insurance

21. The University will not be liable, directly or indirectly, for loss or theft of personal property, including food, or
for damage or destruction of such property by fire, water or other causes (e.g. loss of utilities).The student shall
carry appropriate and adequate liability insurance coverage for fire, injury, or damaged caused by the student,
property damage and personal/public liability over the duration of their residence agreement and any renewals or
extensions thereof, at their own expense, and such policies shall be written on a comprehensive basis. Unless you
provide satisfactory proof of insurance to the university prior to move-in, you will be enrolled in a university
residence insurance program and be required to pay the applicable rates set out by the program. Students must also
take positive steps to ensure their safety by locking room doors and ensuring that only authorized persons enter
their building.

Pets

22. Residents are prohibited from having pets or animals of any kind, including fish, in residence buildings. Special
permission for approved service animals will be granted by Housing and Conference Services staff as defined by
McMaster University policy at https://hr.mcmaster.ca/app/uploads/2022/05/RMM-409-Domestic- Animals-in-the-
Workplace-Program-February-2016.pdf.

Fridges

23. Residence students are not permitted to bring personal refrigerators into the residence buildings. Students
interested in having a refrigerator in their room can make arrangements with the University’s contractor for rental
of a mini-bar refrigerator.

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Damages/Charges

24. All rooms or apartments/suites are inspected prior to the students’ arrival for damage and the completed room
inspection information is kept electronically on file. Students must report missing items or items in need of repair
immediately through the online work order, accessed through the Residence Portal at
https://liveatmac.mcmaster.ca/StarRezPortalX: corrective action will then be initiated. Students are financially
responsible for any damage or losses to their room and/or its contents. Students will be charged for losses, damage,
cleaning and/or repairs required during or at the end of their residence contract. Students assigned to
apartments/suites are jointly responsible with the other occupant(s) of the apartment/suite, for damage or losses to
the shared areas of the apartment/suite. All charges for damage(s) to common areas in residence (e.g., laundry rooms,
elevators, etc.) will be split equally among the occupants of the building or floor, provided that such damage cannot
be traced to those directly responsible.

25. Students are responsible for cleaning and maintaining an orderly state in their own room/apartment/suite during
the academic year and for ensuring their room/apartment/suite is clean, free of all refuse, and kept in a hygienic and
safe state. Rooms will be inspected and at the determination of Housing and Conference Services students will be
invoiced for all cleaning and/or repairs required during or at the end of their contract.

26. Students are required to remove all their belongings; property left in or around residence longer than 48 hours
after the student has vacated is considered to be abandoned and will be removed at a minimum cost of $27 to the
student. Housing and Conference Services does not accept responsibility for the storage or safekeeping of any
property abandoned in residence.

27. Students are required to vacate their residence room and return all residence keys/access cards no later than 3:00
p.m. on the day following their final exam in April, or by 3:00 p.m. on closing day April 23, 2026, whichever is earlier.
Residence keys/access cards cannot be transferred, loaned, or duplicated. Students who lose or do not return their
residence keys/access cards at the end of their residence contract will be charged a minimum, $435 for the required
lock changes, and a minimum, $28 for each replacement key/access card.

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 Housing and Conference Services
RESIDENCE AGREEMENT/CONTRACT
2025-2026

COMMUNAL LIVING RESPONSIBILITIES

PREAMBLE

Students living in residence are part of a unique and interconnected community on campus. As such, the following
is intended to articulate the contextual expectations of residents (and their guests), which align with the Guiding
Principles and the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Housing and Conference Services reserves the right
to take any/all necessary and appropriate action to protect the safety and welfare of the residence community.

1. Every student living in residence is responsible for observing the terms and conditions of the Online Residence
Handbook (https://housing.mcmaster.ca/legacycurrent-residents/residence-policies/), and the Code of Student
Rights and Responsibilities (CSRR) (https://sscm.mcmaster.ca/the-code), which outline community standards and
behavioural expectations for residents, and the types of outcomes levied when these expectations are breached. No
residence student is exempt from the terms and conditions of the CSRR for any reason.

2. Guests of residents are responsible for observing the terms and conditions of the Online Residence Handbook and
the CSRR. Students living in residence are accountable for the behaviour of their guests and will be sanctioned if
guests breach these standards.

3. Each student expressly agrees that they will not directly or indirectly cause or fail to take reasonable steps which
may prevent a breach of the CSRR. These include, but are not limited to damage, vandalism, theft, possession of
university or personal property that is not one’s own, commission of a criminal offence or willful destruction to
property within the residence, to the residence structure and/or to the grounds surrounding residence, removing
and/or misusing any University property. Prohibited items include but are not limited to possession or use of any
weapon, explosive, pyrotechnic, substance, or firearm, including toy replicas. Refer to Appendix: Prohibited Items
and Alcohol Regulations.

4. Every student is expected to act in a responsible manner so as not to compromise their own safety or endanger the
health and safety of others. The University reserves the right to determine what constitutes unsafe or unhygienic
practices. These include but are not limited to, tampering with fixtures, building systems (including the wiring and
fire prevention controls), fabricating, or building structures, or impeding any means of egress from the building.
Students may refer to the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities on-line at https://sscm.mcmaster.ca/the-code.

The submission of an online Residence Application indicates the student has read and understood the
conditions of the Residence Agreement/Contract and its related documents as a condition of applying to and,
if accepted, living in residence at McMaster University. The student agrees that the terms and conditions of
the Residence Agreement/Contract, Online Residence Handbook and the Code of Student Rights and
Responsibilities are effective and binding legal obligations that are enforceable.

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 Housing and Conference Services
RESIDENCE AGREEMENT/CONTRACT
2025-2026

APPENDIX A: PROHIBITED ITEMS, ALCOHOL REGULATIONS AND CANNABIS REGULATIONS

Residence students, and their guests, are expected to be aware of the additional expectations regarding Residence
community standards, policy, personal and community safety, and substance use standards, as defined in the Code
of Student Rights and Responsibilities. This Appendix provides further clarification of these additional
expectations. Violations of these expectations may result in disciplinary action under the Code of Student Rights and
Responsibilities.

All Residence students, and their guests, are expected to comply with the terms set out in this Appendix, as listed
below. These terms apply to all spaces in Residence, including private and common room, unless otherwise
specified.

Prohibited Items

Prohibited items in Residence include, but are not limited to:

• Weapons (including toy replicas).

• Explosives and Pyrotechnic substances (e.g., fireworks).
• Firearms (including toy replicas).
• Pets (except for approved service animals).
• Appliances and/or any type of heating elements within individual residence rooms (e.g., coffee makers,
hotplates, toaster ovens, kettles, etc.).
• Halogen Lamps (or those requiring combustible fuel).
• Air Conditioners*
• Lit candles or incense.

*For tips on temperature control in your residence room please visit Heating & Cooling Your Residence
Room – Living At McMaster. If a medical accommodation is required due to health concerns, please visit
Residence Accommodations Requests – Living At McMaster.

Residence Alcohol Regulations

The Alcohol Regulations define the restrictions regarding alcohol use in Residence. The regulations include, but are
not limited to:

• Any activity (e.g., drinking games) that requires alcohol consumption in order to participate, or has
intoxication as its main goal or its inevitable end is not allowed.
• Possession or consumption of beer in glass bottles is prohibited (beer is allowed in cans only).
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 • Possession of large amounts of alcohol (e.g., one 26oz bottle or 24 cans of beer per resident, or kegs) is
prohibited.
• When carrying or transporting any container of alcohol outside of a residence room/floor common lounge,
the container must be closed/capped.
• Consumption of alcohol by individuals under 19 years of age is prohibited.
• Sale and/or service of alcohol to individuals under 19 years of age is prohibited.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol at any age is prohibited.
• Students living in traditional residences and their guests who are 19 years of age and older are permitted to
have and to consume alcoholic beverages in common rooms under the following conditions:
• Only one drink/container per person is permitted. A container must be made of plastic or other non-
breakable material.
• Containers must not hold more than sixteen (16) ounces of liquid.
• Residents in Bates and Mary E. Keyes and their guests who are 19 years of age and older are only permitted
to possess and to consume alcoholic beverages in apartments or suite units.
• They may not consume alcoholic beverages in the floor common rooms, lounges, study rooms and/or games
rooms as these are deemed to be public spaces in Bates and Mary E. Keyes residences.
• No resident or their guests are allowed to consume or have open alcohol in hallways, stairwells, elevators,
bathrooms, study rooms, games rooms, laundry rooms and/or building common rooms (e.g., EMR, Ravine
Room etc.).
• No residents or their guests are allowed to congregate in the halls with open and/or closed alcohol.
• Unsafe practices related to alcohol* whereby problems of misuse and over-consumption occur are not
allowed.

*Housing and Conference services reserves the right to define unsafe practices.

Residence Cannabis Regulations

The Cannabis Regulations define the restrictions regarding cannabis use in Residence. These regulations are in
effect as of October 17, 2018, or as the Cannabis Act, Bill C-45 came into force; whichever date is earlier. The
regulations include, but are not limited to:

• In accordance with provincial legislation, individuals must be at least 19 years of age to possess and
consume cannabis and may possess a limit of 30 grams (about one ounce) of dried cannabis, or its
equivalent in other forms.
• Cannabis and equipment must be stored in a container with clear labels and kept in your individual space.
• Home cultivation and growing of cannabis is not permitted in residence.
• Possession and consumption of cannabis by individuals under 19 years of age is prohibited.
• Sale and/or service of cannabis to individuals under 19 years of age is prohibited.
• Students are not permitted to have purchases from the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS) and other suppliers
shipped to their residence mailing address. These will be returned to sender.
• Individuals are not permitted to smoke cannabis in any University owned or leased building or on university
property, as per McMaster University’s Tobacco & Smoke Free University Policy. The use of the term
“consume” in the Residence Cannabis Regulations does not include the smoking of recreational cannabis.
• It is permitted to consume pre-made edible cannabis products, but it is not permitted to cook, bake or
otherwise create cannabis products for consumption in residence.
• No resident or their guests are allowed to congregate in the halls with cannabis.
• When carrying or transporting any cannabis outside of a residence room/floor common lounge, it must be in
a closed container.
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 • No resident or their guests are allowed to possess or consume cannabis in hallways, stairwells, elevators,
bathrooms, study rooms, games rooms, laundry rooms and/or building common rooms (e.g., EMR, Ravine
Room etc.).
• Students living in traditional residences and their guests who are 19 years of age and older are permitted to
possess or consume cannabis in floor common rooms.
• Residents in Bates and Mary E. Keyes and their guests who are 19 years of age and older are only permitted
to possess or consume cannabis in apartments or suite units.
o they may not possess or consume cannabis in the floor common rooms, lounges, study rooms
and/or games rooms as these are deemed to be public spaces in Bates and Mary E. Keyes residences.
• Excessive consumption of cannabis at any age is prohibited.
• Any activity (e.g., games) that requires cannabis consumption in order to participate or has impairment as its
main goal or its inevitable end is not allowed.
• Unsafe practices** related to cannabis whereby problems of misuse and over-consumption occur are not
allowed.

The expectations listed above apply to both medical and recreational cannabis. Where someone under the age of
19 requires the use of medical cannabis they are required to submit a Residence Accommodation Request.

**Housing and Conference services reserves the right to define unsafe practices.

Approved by Senate on April 30, 2025.

This document is approved by the Senate at McMaster University.
Last Revised: March 27, 2025.

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