Housing Agreement

2012-2013

Please review this agreement.

Seattle University seeks to provide on campus living for students at the most reasonable rate possible. For this reason, the University operates housing and dining services on a full academic year contract basis.

Each student who resides on campus must agree to the terms and conditions of the Resident Handbook, code of Conduct, and University Bulletin. By submitting the Housing and Residence Life online request for housing, a student or prospective student agrees that he/she intends that the electronic submission constitutes consent to sign this contract as if they had signed in their own hand. Submission of this contract further constitutes acceptance, acknowledgement, and the agreement to abide by the terms and conditions of this contract and it becomes a binding agreement (a legal contract) between the student and the University, and is considered an acceptance of an offer of housing. This contract is deemed accepted upon receipt of prepayment by the University.

This Student Housing Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into and effective on July 1, 2012, between Seattle University (the "University") and the Student.

A. Housing Policy

The residential experience is considered an integral part of a student's education. Research shows that students who belong to a campus residential community have a more productive, and ultimately more satisfying, college experience than those who live off campus. Thus first- and second-year undergraduate students are required to live on campus and purchase a meal plan unless the Student (1) lives with and commutes from the home of a parent or family member; (2) is less than 17 or over 21 years of age; (3) is married, or (4) is the parent or legal guardian of a child who resides with the Student.

B. Housing Eligibility

To be eligible for residency in one of the Residence Halls (Bellarmine, Campion, Chardin, or Xavier), the Student must be registered at the University as a full-time matriculated student and must be at least 17 years of age at the commencement of occupancy. To be eligible to reside in the Murphy Apartments, Logan Court Townhomes, Kolvenbach Houses or the Douglas apartments, the Student must be registered as a full-time matriculated student at the University, and have at least a sophomore student status throughout his/her entire Occupancy Term. Students registered as full-time matriculated students who are at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the start of the agreement are also eligible regardless of their academic level. The Student's failure to meet eligibility requirements at any time during the term of occupancy will result in immediate termination of this Agreement.

C. Housing Application Fee

First-time freshmen residence hall applicants starting in fall quarter agree to pay a non-refundable $300 housing application fee. The fee will be credited to the Student's fall quarter student account. This fee must be postmarked by May 1, 2012, or within 30 days of the Student's acceptance at the University. If the Student elects not to live on campus for the duration of the housing agreement, the Student forfeits the entire fee, in addition to any applicable cancellation fees.

D. Cancellation Policy

The Housing Agreement is for the full academic year (September 15^th 2012-June 15^th 2013 at noon) or the academic quarter or semester applied for and any subsequent academic quarter or semester within the academic year. To request a release from the housing agreement, the student must fill out the Housing Release Request form, and qualify for a release under one of the following circumstances:

• Withdrawal from Seattle University (students who are suspended or expelled for disciplinary reasons will not be released from the financial obligations of their contract)
• Graduation
• Transfer to another institution.
• Academic Internship/Exchange/Study Abroad Program in conjunction with a Seattle University program.
• Pregnancy or birth of the student's child
• Marriage (occurring after start date of contract)
• Military Relocation
• Extreme Financial Hardship (as determined by Housing and Residence Life and Student Financial Services)
• Extenuating Medical Circumstances (as determined by the Office of Disability Services)
• Hardship Withdrawal from the University

Early Cancellation Fees:

For Returning Students

If the student is approved for a housing release and continues to be enrolled at Seattle University, the following fees will apply: After June 1, 2012 (or 30 days after the student was assigned housing, whichever is later) the student agrees to pay a $300 cancellation fee. After July 1, 2012 (or 60 days after the student was assigned housing, whichever is later) the student agrees to pay a $500 cancellation fee. Any cancellation fees will be charged to the student's University account.

For New Students

Students who are new to Seattle University have 30 days from when they receive their housing assignment or until August 10^th, 2012 (whichever is later) to submit a Housing Release form without penalty. Any request made after this time will be subject to a $300 cancellation fee. Please note: this cancellation fee is independent of the $300 Housing Application Fee the Student paid as a first-time housing applicant. If the student wishes to be released from his or her housing contract, he or she must submit a Housing Release form. In addition to this form, students may be required to submit additional documentation. Students who do not submit a completed Housing Release form will be subject to additional charges. Any cancellation fees will be charged to the student's University account.

After Move-in Date

If a student has checked into their assigned room, and picked up their key they are committed to occupying the room for the entire contract (as defined in section F). If the student subsequently requests a release after the move-in date the student is responsible for the full housing fee for the academic quarter or semester and 50% of any remaining academic quarter(s) or semester(s). Students approved to be released from their housing contract under one of the conditions listed above may be eligible to have their housing charges prorated by week based on their check out date. The Housing Office will inform students if they are eligible for a prorated rate.

E. Occupancy

The Student agrees to occupy an assigned room in one of the University's student residence halls or Murphy Apartments, Logan Court Townhomes, Kolvenbach Houses, or Douglas Apartments for the 2012-2013 Academic Year (as defined below in Section F). The University agrees to permit the Student's occupancy according to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Except as permitted in the University's Student Handbook (and except for a roommate assigned by the University), the Student agrees to not allow any other person to remain overnight or to occupy his or her unit. The student agrees not to lend or give his or her key or campus card to any other person.

F. Dates of Occupancy

• If the Student is a freshman or transfer student at the University, occupancy will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 15, 2012. If the Student is a returning student, occupancy will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 16th, 2012.
• If the Student is graduating at the end of the 2012-2013 Academic Year, occupancy will end at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, June 17^th, 2013. If the Student is not graduating at the end of the 2012-2013 Academic Year occupancy will end 24 hours after the student's last final exam, but no later than 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 15^th, 2013.
• The Student must vacate the residence hall for winter break by the end of 24 hours after the Student's last final exam or by 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 8^th, 2012. The residence halls will re-open for occupancy at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, January 7^th, 2013. Students living in the Murphy Apartments, Logan Court Townhomes, Kolvenbach Houses, or Douglas Apartments are not required to vacate over winter break but must obtain permission to occupy a unit during break.

• The University reserves the right to close the residence facilities during any of the University's breaks and may require all students to vacate the halls for all or part of the break.

G. Room Rates for Academic Year 2012-2013

The Student agrees to pay the applicable room rate in three equal installments, one each academic quarter, by the due dates established and announced by the University, except as otherwise denoted by University policy. Room Rates for the 2012-13 school year are published on the housing website and in the Guide to Residence Hall living.

Included in housing rates for students residing in Seattle University on-campus residences is a $50/month charge which partially covers the expense of the following services:

• Residence hall security
• Programming and activities
• Front desk and mail services
• Residence hall staff
• Computer labs
• SU internet/wireless access

H. Hall and Room Assignments

1. The University administers decisions regarding room assignments without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sexual or political orientation, disability, or veteran status. The University will make reasonable accommodations in housing for students with disabilities.
2. The University reserves the right to determine room assignments, and to change a student's room assignment for reasons determined necessary by the University.
3. It is the policy of Seattle University to give preference in housing assignments to students who reside outside the greater Seattle area. In accordance with this policy, the University reserves the right to cancel this contract prior to the published date for residence hall opening in the fall, winter, or spring quarters where this contract has been entered into with a student who resides within the greater Seattle area. The cancellation of the contract, notification of cancellation, establishment of priorities to regain residence, definition of the greater Seattle area, and other matters are governed by established procedures that are available upon request.
4. Any room assignment not claimed by midnight of the first full day of classes will be reassigned as needed. In such event, charges for the original assignee may continue and a different room assignment will be determined by the University from the remaining rooms available, if any.
5. Single room assignments in double occupancy rooms are available only when space permits. Single room assignments cannot be guaranteed prior to the beginning of the quarter, and may not be available throughout the entire school year. Single rooms will be prioritized based on need.

I. Housing and Other Charges

The Student authorizes the University to post Housing and Residence Life charges directly to his or her student account. The Student understands that the charges may include, but are not be limited to, housing fees, meal plan costs, cancellation fees, fines for conduct violations, reimbursement of damage costs, and lockout fees. The Student should contact Housing and Residence Life directly for a description of charges. The Student is obligated to pay any balance in full by the invoice due date. If the Student fails to comply with these terms, he or she will not be allowed to register for classes or receive transcripts or diplomas and may be denied other University services. If the Student fails to make timely payment of all or any part of assessed charges, the Student will be liable to the University for all costs (including reasonable attorneys' fees) the University incurs in pursuing collection against the Student. The University's late fee policies will also apply to charges imposed by Housing and Residence Life. The Student understands and agrees to these terms and accepts as the Student's personal responsibility any debt arising in connection with this Agreement.

J. Meal Plan

Students living in the residence halls must purchase a meal plan with the University's food service contractor (Bon Appétit). If the Student fails to specify a meal plan, the Preferred Club option will be assigned to the Student and he or she is liable for the cost of that plan. The minimum meal plan requirement for freshmen and sophomores is the Preferred Club; this includes the Murphy and Douglas Apartments. The meal plan the Student selects for fall quarter will automatically be added to each subsequent quarter unless the Student requests a change through Housing and Residence Life in the first ten (10) class days of fall/winter/spring quarters.

The minimum meal plan requirement for Juniors and Seniors living in the Residence Halls is the Murphy Plan. Junior and Senior students living in the Murphy Apartments are not required to purchase a meal plan. If a Student chooses to purchase a meal plan with the University's food service contractor (Bon Appétit), the meal plan the Student selects for fall quarter will automatically be added each quarter unless the Student requests a change through Housing and Residence Life in the first ten (10) class days of winter/spring quarters.

Additional money can be added on the Student's account at any time. Funds less than or equal to $100 remaining at the end of fall and winter quarters are rolled over to the next quarter. Funds remaining at the end of spring quarter are forfeited to the University. Commuter meal plans are the Murphy Plan and Convenience Club will roll over 100% quarter to quarter.

K. Liability and Damage to Property

1. The Student is responsible in full for any damage to or loss of his or her property, including money, personal belongings, computers and electronics, or other items of value, located in or on the University's premises. The University disclaims any and all liability for damage to or loss of the Student's property.
2. The Student is responsible for, and will be charged the costs of repair of, any and all damage that occurs in his or her unit, regardless of whom or what caused the damage (other than damage caused exclusively by a failure in a mechanical or plumbing system of the University). The Student is also responsible for, and will be charged the costs of repair of, any and all damage he or she may cause (alone or with others) to any other area of housing or the University.
3. The Student agrees that he or she shall be responsible on a pro rata basis for any malicious damage which occurs to any common area of the residence hall when the University is unable to determine the person who is a fault. The Student will be charged on a prorated basis for the cost of the damage as determined by the University.
4. The Student agrees to be responsible for the conduct of any guests who are in the residence hall at the invitation or permission of the Student.
5. If the University incurs expenses as a result of the Student's failure to meet the requirements of Sections K.2., 3., or 4., the Student agrees that the University has the right, at its discretion, to either issue an invoice to the Student for the costs or offset the costs against any amounts the University may owe the Student.

L. Right of Entry

University representatives may enter the residence halls and the Student's unit at any time without prior notice, after knocking and announcing their presence, for the purposes of: (1) making necessary or agreed-upon repairs; (2) supplying necessary or agreed-upon services; (3) investigating health or safety concerns, or suspected violations of housing and other University policies (including, but not limited to, violations of firearm or drug, tobacco, and alcohol use policies); (4) verifying occupancy; (5) conducting inventories of University property; and (6) conducting facility inspections.

M. Termination

The University reserves the right to terminate this Agreement and the Student's residency because of improper or unsafe conduct by the Student or failure of the Student to comply with any term or condition of this Agreement. The University's termination of this Agreement does not relieve the Student's obligation to pay the room rate for the full Academic Year. If the Student withdraws from the University and Housing, this Agreement will terminate and eligibility for any refund will be determined by the University and Housing refund policy in effect at that time. The Student shall vacate the residence hall within 24 hours of initiating withdrawal procedures.

N. Pets

No pets or animals are permitted in campus housing at any time, with the exception of (1) fish contained in a small tank of not more than ten (10) gallons; and (2) an animal trained at a recognized school or facility for the purposes of assisting or accommodating a person with a disability.

O. Check-In/Check-Out

1. At the time of check-in, the Student is responsible for inspection of the overall condition of the assigned room and must complete a "Room Condition Form" at the time of move-in.
2. Check-out occurs when the Student has had his or her unit checked by a Housing and Residence Life staff member at the time of move out, has re-signed the "Room Condition Form", has returned all keys, and has left a forwarding address at SU-Online.
3. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange an appointment at least 24 hours in advance to check-out and to turn in keys. Failure to do so in a timely manner may result in a check-out charge, a lock change charge, and other associated costs.
4. The Student is required to remove all personal belongings from his or her unit prior to check-out. The Student agrees that the University may treat as abandoned any property left in the Student's room after the Student moves out. The University has no obligation to store or to attempt to return abandoned property to the Student and will dispose of the property according to University policy or practice.
5. After check-out all disputes of charges must be submitted to the Housing and Residence Life office no later than two weeks after the date of the charge to the student's account.

P. Compliance with Other University Policies

The Student acknowledges that he or she is aware that the University has a number of policies that relate to and govern student conduct. Those policies are contained in several different documents, including, but not limited to, the Seattle University Student Handbook; the Resident Handbook; the Seattle University Code of Student Conduct; the Undergraduate Bulletin of Information; and the Seattle University Catalogue. At all times students are responsible for accessing on-line the most up-to-date version of University policies. Policies posted on-line are the most current versions and are intended to supersede prior on-line versions and hard copies. The Student agrees to become familiar with these documents and policies and to comply with the obligations set forth in these publications and in other University policy statements that pertain to students or student conduct or activities, as they may be amended from time to time.

Q. Statement on Nondiscrimination

Seattle University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in the administration of any of its education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered policies and programs, or in its employment related policies and practices.

All University policies, practices and procedures are administered in a manner consistent with Seattle University's Catholic and Jesuit identity and character. Inquiries relating to these policies may be referred to the University's Assistant Vice President for Human Resources and Equal Opportunity Officer.

Consistent with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, Seattle University has designated three individuals responsible for coordinating the University's Title IX compliance. Students or employees with concerns or complaints about discrimination on the basis of sex in employment or an education program or activity may contact any one of the following Title IX coordinators.

R. Disability Statement:

Seattle University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political ideology or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran in the administration of any of its education policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered policies and programs, or in its employment related policies and practices. All university policies, practices and procedures are administered in a manner consistent with Seattle University's Catholic and Jesuit identity and character.

Inquiries relating to these policies may be referred to the university's Vice President for Human Resources and University Services, and Equal Opportunity Officer at 206.296.5870.

Consistent with the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and its implementing regulations, Seattle University has designated three individuals responsible for coordinating the university's Title IX compliance. Students or employees with concerns or complaints about discrimination on the basis of sex in employment or an education program or activity may contact any one of the following Title IX coordinators:

Gerald Huffman

Vice President for Human Resources and University Services, Equal Opportunity Officer
Rianna Building 214
206.296.5870
huffmaje@seattleu.edu

Dr. Michele Murray

Associate Vice President of Student Development
Student Center 140C
206.296.6066
mmurray@seattleu.edu

Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs
Administration 104
206.296.5446
-@seattleu.edu

Dr. Jacquelyn Miller

Individuals may also contact the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education.

To submit a housing application log in to the myHousing portal.

2013-2014 Housing Agreement