Local Laws & Ordinances
True or False: Noise ordinances only apply after 10 PM.
False
Noise violations can be considered disorderly conduct at any time if they disturb the community or violate local law, not just at night.
True or False: You are only responsible for your own behavior off campus.
False
TU policy holds students accountable for behavior in their residence, including guests and activities happening inside the property.
True or False: University policies only apply on campus.
False
Towson’s Code of Student Accountability applies off-campus when student behavior affects the university or community.
True or False: Hosts are responsible for their guests’ behavior.
True
TU on-campus and off-campus policies both emphasize that hosts are responsible for behavior occurring in their residence.
True or False: A warning from police means no future action can happen.
False
A warning does not prevent future citations if violations continue or escalate.
What does a noise ordinance regulate?
A) Only music
B) Sound that disturbs others
C) Only parties
D) Cars
B
Towson defines “disruptive behavior” as anything that interferes with a reasonable person’s daily life in the community, including excessive noise.
Who can be held responsible for what happens at your residence?
A) Guests only
B) Host/resident
C) Neighbors
D) Police
B
Towson’s housing and conduct policies state residents are responsible for conduct occurring in their leased or owned space.
Off-campus behavior can be reported to the university when it:
A) Impacts safety/community
B) Involves police
C) Violates expectations
D) All of the above
D
TU may review off-campus behavior if it involves disorderly conduct or affects community safety or university reputation.
What is a “social host”?
A) Guest
B) Landlord
C) Person responsible for gathering
D) Police officer
C
A social host is the person organizing or allowing the gathering, and they are accountable for maintaining safety and order.
What should you do first when receiving a noise warning?
A) Ignore it
B) Lower noise/cooperate
C) Continue party
D) Argue
B
Cooperation helps prevent escalation into citations or university disciplinary reports.
Which could result in a citation?
A) Loud gathering
B) Trash violations
C) Blocking sidewalks/driveways
D) All of the above
D
Baltimore County laws (which apply off-campus TU students) cover noise, sanitation, and obstruction of public access.
Which is part of local housing rules?
A) Trash disposal
B) Parking
C) Property upkeep
D) All of the above
D
Off-campus students must follow local housing codes and city rules, which include sanitation, parking, and maintenance standards.
Which may result in conduct action?
A) Noise complaints
B) Police report
C) Disruptive behavior
D) All of the above
D
Any documented disorderly or disruptive behavior, even off campus, can lead to a student conduct case.
Which is a responsible hosting practice?
A) Limiting guests
B) Monitoring noise
C) Knowing laws
D) All of the above
D
Responsible hosting reduces the risk of violating noise ordinances or TU conduct policies.
Which behavior increases likelihood of police escalation?
A) Repeated complaints
B) Unsafe crowding
C) Noncompliance
D) All of the above
D
These behaviors fall under “disorderly or disruptive conduct,” which Towson explicitly identifies as subject to enforcement.
True or False: Police must give a warning before issuing a citation.
False
Officers can issue citations immediately depending on the violation; warnings are not required under local law or TU-related enforcement situations.
True or False: Neighbors must warn you before reporting issues.
False
Neighbors can report violations directly to landlords, city enforcement, or police without giving notice first.
True or False: University and local law enforcement never share information.
False
Towson may receive police reports and use them in student conduct investigations.
True or False: If guests bring alcohol, the host is not responsible.
False
Even if alcohol is brought by guests, hosts can still face consequences for underage drinking or disorderly conduct.
True or False: Mistakes or policy violations are automatically excused if they happen off campus.
False
Under Towson University’s Code of Student Accountability, students can still be held responsible for behavior that occurs off campus if it violates university policy or impacts the community. Location does not remove responsibility.
Scenario: A residence has repeated noise complaints over several weekends.
What could the city classify this as?
Nuisance property/residence
Under Towson’s off-campus conduct policy, repeated disruptive behavior may be considered a pattern of disorderly conduct, which can trigger fines, landlord action, or university discipline.
Scenario: Guests damage property during a gathering.
Who can be held responsible?
The host/resident (and potentially guests)
TU policy holds residents accountable for what happens in their space, and legal responsibility may also extend to individuals who caused the damage.
Scenario: Police document an off-campus incident involving students.
What may be a next step?
Referral to student conduct/accountability process
TU may initiate a conduct review even without a formal criminal conviction.
Scenario: Underage drinking occurs at a party you are hosting.
What are possible outcomes?
Legal consequences, citations, fines, university conduct referral
Underage alcohol use is explicitly listed as disorderly conduct under Towson’s student accountability policy.
A party becomes overcrowded and unsafe.
What is the safest and most responsible action?
Reduce crowd/end event and cooperate with instructions
TU policy emphasizes maintaining safety and compliance with law enforcement and community standards.