A Message For Off-Campus Students

The following message was sent to undergraduate students who live off campus

Dear Students:

Congratulations to making it so close to the end of this academic year!

As you move to the end of the year, a beautiful spring, final examinations and projects, end of year social events, and increased outdoor activities, we write to ask you to actively evaluate your role as a member of the larger Winston-Salem community. Wake Forest has approved you to live off-campus with expectations and responsibilities for your respect and participation in the neighborhoods around you. Your neighborhood includes long-term Winston-Salem residents who are also enjoying open windows, time outside, and beautiful weather.

Many neighbors have recently expressed concerns about noise. We know neighbors are also concerned about trash in yards, both as the aftermath of social events (disposable cups, cans, bottles, etc.) and from not picking up items which should have made it to the trash or recycling bins. Other significant concerns from neighbors include parking which may block streets or damage grass and plantings, safety of pedestrians, and music with subjects and words offensive to their young children.

We know you do not want the last few weeks of your semester to include work with the Dean of Students regarding off-campus conduct concerns. We also know you do not want to have off-campus living approval rescinded, requiring you to move back to campus. We want you to be able to safely enjoy the remainder of your time in Winston while demonstrating respect for your neighbors. If you are inviting others to your residence, please be aware of numbers, safety, risk reduction, and the effect on nearby residents. It is your privilege to live off-campus- and your responsibility to do so in ways which follow the laws in the City of Winston-Salem and co-exist with your neighbors. If you need more information, refer to https://rlh.wfu.edu/housing/off-campus-living/student-resources/off-campus-conduct/, where most polices are noted and the Student Code of Conduct is referenced.

For the remainder of the academic year, patrols from Winston-Salem Police and Wake Forest Police are increasing in frequency. They will respond quickly to emergency and non-emergency calls from students and neighbors. Patrols will also proactively stop and investigate, even before a call. This supports your safety and wellbeing and the needs of our shared community to have reasonable expectations for noise and safety. Noise late at night, heard from the street, will initiate a visit from the Police. Students on roofs or engaged in other hazardous activities will also initiate Police visits. Every Police visit will be documented and referred to both Residence Life and Housing and to the Dean of Students. Conduct action will follow, which could delay your graduation or start to next year.

Please help yourself and your house- or apartment-mates to have a wonderful end of the year by making sure you are safe and respect your neighbors.

Sincerely,

Dr. Matt Clifford
Assistant Vice President of Campus Life
Dean of Residence Life and Housing

Dr. Jim Settle
Associate Dean of Students