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House Rules

The primary rule of House life is consideration for the other members of the Cabot community. Residents must not conduct themselves in a way that unreasonably disrupts the lives of those around them. 

A Few Policy Reminders

Students should familiarize themselves with the section of the Handbook for Students concerning “Living in the Houses and Residences.” Regulations concerning the lawn, pets, and noise reflect the need for maintaining an environment that is decent and comfortable for all members of the House.

 

Items the are NOT permitted

As per the Dean of Students, the following items are not permitted:

  • Pets
  • Candles or incense
  • Halogen lights
  • Firearms or weapons
  • Space heaters
  • Cooking appliances with heating elements, such as toaster ovens, air fryers, hot plates, griddles, rice cookers, tea kettles, coffee makers, or crock pots
  • Microwave ovens, except for the combination micro-fridges available for rent through HSA Dorm Essentials
  • Exercise equipment
  • Dart boards
  • Hoverboards
  • Cleaners containing ammonia or chlorine
  • Pest control products
  • Natural-cut Christmas trees

 

Pets

Undergraduates are prohibited from keeping animals in Cabot House. Exceptions must be approved by the Disability Access Office (DAO) and cleared with the Cabot House Resident Dean.https://dao.fas.harvard.edu/services-overview/housing/service-assistance-animals/

 

Guests

Guests are allowed for brief stays only (no more than two nights). Your guest must be registered by the staff in the Building Manager’s office during his or her stay. (This is for the purposes of safety and emergencies; we do not retain the data for any other purpose.) The consent of other occupants of the room is always required. A “guest” is anyone who isn’t assigned to the room or suite. Students who wish to have non-Harvard student guests stay for more than two nights must ask permission of the House staff. This is a safety measure to protect the community. Food may not be shared with or given to those who are not on a meal plan contract or who have not paid for the meal. For additional policies for overnight guests, please refer to:  https://dso.college.harvard.edu/policies/residential-life 

 

Smoking (including marijuana)

Cabot House is a smoke-free environment. Smoking (including vaping and marijuana) is not permitted anywhere in the House or Cabot property. Violations of this policy will result in a House warning and notification of parents; further infractions will be reported to the Administrative Board and could result in removal from Cabot House.

Tampering with fire extinguishers (including breaking the seal on the handle) or disabling smoke alarms is an extremely serious offence and is viewed by the College as a disregard for the safety of fellow occupants. Individuals deemed responsible for tampering with or altering emergency equipment will be charged for service and repairs and will face disciplinary action.

 

Noise

Students shall at all times show proper regard for others in the use of radios and musical instruments. Radios, television sets, stereos and other audible equipment should be adjusted so as not to disturb others. 

Quiet hours

Sunday through Thursday, 10pm-10am

Friday and Saturday, 2am - 10am (unless there exams such as the LSAT or MCST the next day)

 

Drugs

Cabot students who chose to drink alcoholic beverages are expected to do so responsibly, and ensure that their guests do the same. As hosts, students are responsible for the behavior of their guests. We must uphold the laws of the Commonwealth and the College, and expect that students will work with House staff to maintain a fun and safe environment for all activities in Cabot.

Harvard expects its students and employees to maintain an environment that is safe and healthy. The University is not, and cannot be considered, a sanctuary from existing federal, state and local laws. The unlawful possession, sale, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on Harvard property or as a part of any Harvard activity are violations of University rules as well as the law and are prohibited. Possession, use, or distribution of certain non-prescription drugs, including marijuana, amphetamines, heroin, cocaine, and non-prescription synthetics; procurement or distribution of alcohol by anyone under 21 years of age; and provision of alcohol to anyone under 21 years of age are violations of the law and of Harvard policy. The University also holds its students and employees responsible for the consequences of their decisions to use or distribute illicit drugs or to serve or consume alcohol. The Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) will enforce Massachusetts underage drinking laws and federal and state drug laws. Drugs are both a health issue and a disciplinary matter. If you are involved with any drug-related incident, the Resident Dean will meet with you to discuss the next steps, including a referral to the office of Alcohol and Other Drug Services (AODS).

 

Parties & Alcohol

 

Firesafety & Fireplaces