At the University of Essex we have the following regulations in our Code of Resident's Conduct:

Residents Conduct Regulation 8: misusing fire prevention equipment or fire-fighting appliances within University student accommodation; and

Residents Conduct Regulation 24: behaviour that is likely to cause injury or impair safety on University premises;

Covering a smoke detector is usually dealt with as a breach of Regulation 24. For a first offence, subject to any aggravating or mitigating factors, we would probably fine the student £75 plus the cost (if any) of resetting the smoke detector / fire alarm.

For a first breach of Regulation 8, depending on the circumstances and subject to any aggravating or mitigating factors, we would probably fine the student between £50 and £200 plus the cost of rectification (i.e. refilling a fire extinguisher). 

Further breaches are likely to be met with harsher penalties which could include being moved out of University accommodation or even a referral to a Student Conduct Committee which has the power to expel a student.

Hope this helps

Roy

Roy CLARK LLB (Hons), PgDip (Legal Practice),
Proctor
Student Appeals, Complaints and Conduct Office
Room 5A.114
University of Essex
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester CO4 3SQ
United Kingdom

T 6321 (internal) or +44 (0)1206 874370 (external)
E raclarr (for non-Essex users please add @essex.ac.uk)
W http://www2.essex.ac.uk/academic/offices/discipline/index.htm