Stellenbosch University has approved a revised set of Residence Rules, which officially came into effect on 1 April 2026. Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated structure and content to ensure a clear understanding of expectations within their respective communities.

The revised rules have been restructured into four distinct parts, replacing the previous single-document format:

Part 1: Residence Rules for Student Communities in Residences (primarily undergraduate communities)

Part 2: Residence Rules for Senior Residences

Part 3: Residence Rules for Commuter Student Communities (CSCs)

Part 4: Accommodation Rules

This new format reflects the diverse needs of different student communities and makes it easier for students to access rules relevant to their specific living environment. At the same time, all sections remain part of a unified framework for disciplinary processes.

The inclusion of Accommodation Rules under the same umbrella further simplifies access to information, ensuring that all guidelines related to student accommodation are consolidated in one place.

Students are encouraged to review the rules, become familiar with their structure, and keep them accessible for easy reference throughout the academic year.

Key Changes and Rationale

Below is a summary of the substantive changes from the previous version:

1. Equal Status of Cluster and Community Membership
   
   The introductions to Part 1 and Part 3 now clarify that students’ cluster membership is as important as their residence or commuter student community membership. This reflects lessons from recent institutional experience and enhances shared accountability and peer support. 

2. Updated Definition of Smoking

   The definition of “smoking” now explicitly includes THC (distinct from cannabis), based on advice from the University’s Legal Services. 

3. Articulation of Experiential Learning

   Section 1.1.1 now refers to the second educational opportunity as experiential learning, affirming SU’s recognition of structured student community life as a developmental domain.

4. Appointment of Leaders in Senior Residences

   In Part 2, the approach to student leadership in senior residences is revised to allow for appointment rather than election—a return to a more suitable model for these communities.

5. Authority of CSLL in Approving Community Constitutions

   It is now clear that amended constitutions take effect immediately upon CSLL approval, reasserting institutional authority and reducing the potential for procedural delays or obstructive amendments by external student bodies.

6. Role of the Residence Head in Electoral Disputes
   
   The RH is now explicitly recognised as the final arbiter in house committee election disputes, addressing recent procedural inefficiencies caused by appeals to other student bodies.

7. Rewriting of the Prim Role Description

   The role of the primarius/primaria has been reframed to emphasise developmental leadership and coordination, rather than metaphors of executive or managerial authority. Collaboration with the RH is now emphasised.

8. Alcohol Policy Adjustment for Early-Year Events

   One alcohol-related event may now be approved before the annual alcohol rules are adopted, ensuring that early campus-life programming is not stifled and that alcohol discussions can still be conducted meaningfully.

9. Limitation on Alcohol-Consumption Zones

   Rule 7.5.4 limits alcohol consumption to no more than 15% of common areas, supporting a more controlled and intentional alcohol culture.

10. Primary Responsibility to Clusters

    Organisationally, student communities are now described as having their primary responsibility toward their cluster in behavioural, organisational, and advocacy matters.

11. Clarification of the Role of the Prim Committee

    The Prim Committee is now formally re-positioned as an advocacy and peer accountability structure, with no powers to bind individual student communities or to exercise disciplinary authority.

12. Limits on Prim Committee Authority

    The committee is clearly prohibited from taking disciplinary action or issuing collective decisions on behalf of student communities, reaffirming the role of formal university structures.

13. New Section on Cannabis
    
    A comprehensive section on cannabis control has been included (Section 17), drafted with legal input to address substance-related misconduct clearly and consistently.

14. Residence Head may temporarily stay participation in leadership
    
    In order to preserve trust in the residence governance the residence head has the power to pending the completion of an investigation temporarily remove a student from leadership position or to limit the participation of a student in organised activities. This is distinct from the power in the Code of Discipline that allows for temporary suspension from the residence. 

The amendments were developed through consultation with relevant university stakeholders, including Legal Services in 2025, and documents remain fully aligned with SU’s Strategic Framework and Vision 2040. The Accommodation Rules (Part 4) were developed by SunCom in collaboration with all the other stakeholders.