Residential Life Policies

Possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages must be in full compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, and the Institute Alcohol and Drugs Policy.

No private parties are allowed in residence halls. A party is defined as six or more people in a room. Violators will be fined.

Students who violate any of the Institute policies can be placed on Residence Life probation. The Institute is concerned with conditions that disrupt the on-campus living environment, and will, in all cases, act accordingly. The student will be notified in writing, and probation will last no less than one academic semester. All conversations regarding Residence Life violations will be documented and kept on file. Violation of Residence Life Probation will result in termination of the student’s On-Campus Housing License Agreement and a notice to vacate will be given.

Violation of the On-Campus Housing License Agreement may result in the loss of the privilege to live on campus. When students lose the privilege of living on campus, they also lose visitation rights to the residence halls—including Mom’s Café and the pool area—and forfeit the right to reapply for on-campus housing.

Right to appeal notice to vacate

A student is entitled to appeal a vacate notice. The student must submit a written notice of appeal to the associate vice president of Student Affairs by the end of the next business day, after the date of notice to vacate. The written notice must contain reasons for the appeal.

A student shall have the right, under limited circumstances, to receive a partial refund of the housing fee if the student vacates the room before the end of the term and follows the Institute’s refund schedule. To obtain such a refund, the student must first notify the Residential Life Office using the Termination Petition. Notification by the student by any other communication or to any other office will be deemed inadequate notice to the Institute.

Violators of prohibited actions are subject to a monetary fine of $35 for each violation. Chronic violators will be subject to additional disciplinary action. A total of any three violations may result in loss of current and future on-campus housing.

Because CalArts is a private institution, it reserves the right to respond to any given situation on a case-specific basis.

The CalArts housing pet policy is distinct from the Pets on Campus Policy. 

Residents may not maintain any pets, as pets are strictly prohibited. If a resident is found with a pet or pets, they will be assessed a fine. The resident will be given fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the notice of violation (per the Pets section of the license contract or lease) to remove the pet(s) from the premises. If the resident fails to remove the pet(s) within the fourteen (14) day period, their license contract or lease will be subject to revocation or termination, and the resident and their pet(s) will be removed from the premises within five (5) calendar days of notice of failure to remove pet(s).

Please be aware that the CalArts housing pet policy does not include emotional support animals or service animals. Students need to register through the Disability Services Office for Service and Emotional Support Animal accommodations. The Residential Life office works closely with CalArts Disability Services to ensure compliance with federal and state laws to help create a harmonious living experience for all residents.