Appliances and Cooking Policy

Window air conditioners and portable dishwashers are not permitted in student housing. Space heaters, toasters, microwave ovens, air fryers, and toaster ovens are not permitted in residence hall rooms due to the possibility of circuit overload and other fire safety concerns. Students may use other small appliances as long as they are Underwriters’ Laboratory approved, they do not individually exceed 4 AMPS/480 Watts, 60 HZ, and 110/115/120 Volts, or cumulatively exceed 8 AMPS. If total ampere demand in residence hall rooms should exceed 8 AMPS, the installation must be inspected by a facilities management electrician.

Appliances that can cause intense heat (e.g. sun lamps, infra-red lights, lamps that use halogen bulbs), that have a visible glowing heating element (e.g. certain space heaters), or employ an open flame are considered a fire hazard and may not be used in student dwellings.

Examples of appliances that may be used include hot air popcorn poppers, coffee pots, simmer pots, tart/candle warmers and potpourri warmers providing that such warmers do not use an open flame. These appliances do heat, but with normal use they are not capable of causing a fire.

Students are permitted to use cold-water humidifiers in their rooms. Hot-water humidifiers should not be used as they often set off fire alarms.

Cooking meals in student rooms or floor lounges is prohibited unless permission has been given by a senior staff member. Each residence hall is equipped with a kitchen, which includes at least one oven/stove, microwave, refrigerator, and minimal cooking utensils.

Students are permitted to use small grills outside their residences provided that the following conditions are met:

• The grill may only be used in a location that is approved by Facilities Management and Residence Life. These locations should be at least 30 feet from any campus building or cars.
• If charcoal grills are used, the briquettes must be started without use of charcoal lighter fluid, as this flammable liquid cannot be stored in any campus building. Students may use a charcoal chimney starter, provided that the starter is placed inside the grill when lit.
• After grilling, students must leave the grill in place (30 feet from any campus building or cars) until the risk of fire is eliminated. Before the grill is returned to storage, the hot coals must be extinguished, either by allowing them to sit in place for 48 hours, or by completely submerging the coals in water for 10 minutes. Extinguished coals must be disposed of in an outside metal dumpster.
• Students should keep their grills in discreet locations to maintain a clean appearance of the apartment buildings. Students found in violation will have their grilling privileges revoked and will be asked to take their grill home.