U & I Care: Being a Good Neighbor

As you begin the academic year here at UIC, many of you are experiencing a number of exciting firsts. Whether it is your first semester on campus or your first semester living in an off-campus apartment, it is important to take a moment to reflect on your place within both the University and Chicago communities. Sharing in this exceptional city is an integral part of attending UIC.

The U&I Care network would like to help you explore these new responsibilities by providing you some tips on being a good neighbor:

Establishing Communication

• Introduce yourself to your neighbors and learn their names
• Exchange phone numbers and encourage contact if a problem arises – be respectful and responsive to their concerns
• Be friendly – say hello or wave to your neighbor when you see them

Attending or Hosting Social Gatherings
It is natural to want to invite friends over and host social gatherings. It is the expectation that as UIC students you are always in control of your behavior and that you are respectful of the right of neighbors to quiet enjoyment of their premises. Some helpful things to keep in mind for these events:

• If you’re the host, inform your neighbors about the event and encourage them to reach out to you if the noise level gets too high or there are other concerns
• Abide by fire, health, zoning, building and safety codes, including occupancy limits and lease provisions
• Be mindful of the noise – if you as a party participant can hear it from outside of the party, so can the neighbors and it is too loud
• Have plenty of trash cans and make sure everyone is disposing of trash appropriately
• As a host, keep in mind you are responsible for your guests’ actions as well as your own

Parking
Residents and guests should abide by all parking ordinances and not block any neighbors’ driveways or parking spaces.

Meeting Community Expectations
As a member of the UIC community, you are expected to act in accordance with the policies, rules, regulations, laws, and requirements of UIC, local municipalities and counties, the State of Illinois, and the United States. You should be aware that you are responsible not only for the intent behind your behavior, but also for the impact of your actions.

Expectations for student behavior, both on and off campus, are outlined in the Student Disciplinary Policy. We recommend you take a moment to review the policy here. Additional information about being a good neighbor is available here.

We’re confident that with these simple tips you will be an exemplary neighbor.

Yours in care,

The Office of the Dean of Students
dos.uic.edu

Linda Deanna
Dean of Students

For more information, please contact:
Heather Cohen
cohenh@uic.edu