Good Neighbor Policy [Effective 3/24/26]

This policy outlines expectations for RISD students to be good neighbors and to conduct themselves as responsible members of Providence and local communities. This policy will similarly apply to all other local municipalities and jurisdictions where RISD students live, subject to the laws, regulations, and agencies of those locations. This policy explicitly identifies behavioral expectations for off-campus locations (as student residents or as student guests).

This policy applies to all current RISD students living on and off campus.

• Student organization: any student organization or athletic team that is a coordinated group of students with common interests, goals, or missions, managed and led by students under the direction and guidelines of the Center for Student Involvement and or any other RISD office.
• Community: individuals who share common interests, values, or goals, often in a specific area

RISD occupies an urban campus whose buildings and facilities intermingle with residential neighborhoods. The conduct of a RISD student working and living in the community not only reflects directly on themself, but also on the College. RISD expects students, whether on or off campus, to behave in a manner consistent with the standards of the Code of Student Conduct. Students living off-campus must understand that most of their neighbors have made a long-term commitment to their neighborhoods, while students are often transient members of the community for a relatively brief duration. As students, academic and personal schedules often conflict with the more routine schedules of long-term neighbors. The expectation is that students exercise good judgment and be sensitive to their neighbors' needs. Large parties and other such gatherings in residential neighborhoods often lead to conflict when music and other noise impact neighbors. Providence has established noise ordinances, and the Providence Police Department will respond to complaints and issue citations.

In addition, living off-campus does not exempt students from their responsibility as members of the RISD Community to abide by the Code of Student Conduct, found under Related Policies. RISD will review complaints made by neighbors and may implement formal conduct procedures when violations of this policy and the Code of Student Conduct are evident.

RISD students are encouraged to engage in proactive, intentional efforts to build connections and relationships within and across their community. Students and student organizations are expected to maintain a safe, clean, and respectable environment for their own health and well-being and that of their organization members, guests, and neighbors. This policy gives special attention to issues of noise, alcohol consumption, trash, and conduct. The expectations set forth are consistent with the educational mission of RISD to help students become responsible citizens who understand the history of Providence and respect the rights and needs of their neighbors.

Responsibilities of Students and Student Organizations
The responsibilities identified below outline the behavioral expectations that RISD holds its students accountable to. These examples are illustrative and serve as a normative guide; they should not be construed as an exhaustive or comprehensive list.

• Abide by all city, state and federal laws governing the use of alcohol and drugs.
• Abide by the college’s Code of Student Conduct and all other RISD policies, including but not limited to the College’s Drug and Alcohol Policy, listed under Related Policies.
• Abide by the Providence/local community ordinances, which include but are not limited to Occupancy, Fire, & Noise.
• Dispose of litter, household garbage/trash, and recycling on a regular basis in an appropriate manner. Follow the Providence/Local Communities recycling guidelines and be aware of the trash and recycling schedule.
• Complete clean-up within 24 hours after social functions to ensure litter and trash are removed from the neighborhood.
• When responsible for outside maintenance pursuant to lease or rental agreements, maintain lawn and landscaping regularly, as well as snow/ice removal when applicable.
• Foster and maintain good community relations and cooperation with neighbors and authorities.
• Take proactive steps to manage the conduct of guests, including measures that reduce the risk of harm.
• Take active steps to prevent damage to property (your rented property and that of your neighbors).
• Be engaged in mediating and resolving problems or concerns with neighbors and roommates in a timely and respectful manner.
• Take proper care of all pets and pet waste according to animal ordinances.

Policy Sanctions

RISD reserves the right to review alleged violations of this policy in conjunction with other appropriate offices and under other applicable College policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements, including but not limited to those listed under Related Policies. Failure to comply with this policy and other Related Policies is subject to disciplinary action and sanctions per applicable disciplinary procedures.

This policy reinforces and supports the principle that Rhode Island School of Design students and/or student organizations are held responsible under the Code of Student Conduct for their behavior off campus and in the Providence/Local community. Students and/or student organizations can be referred to the office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, under the direction of the Associate Dean of Students and the Division of Student Life, for alleged violations of the Code of Student Conduct and this policy. Upon referral to the office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, students and/or student organizations will undergo the standard process for student conduct referrals.

• Code of Student Conduct
• Drug and Alcohol Policy

This policy was created on: 9/4/2025

This policy was last reviewed/modified on: 3/9/2026

Next scheduled review: 9/3/2027

Issuing Office

Student Life

Responsible Officer

Vice President, Student Life

Individuals/offices required for review and changes

Associate Dean, Students

Director, Student Conduct and Community Standards