Housing Contract Information
General Information
The situations that arise in a group living environment provide a very real laboratory for students to grow in their knowledge of themselves. University of Saint Mary has a long tradition of residential community. Therefore, all full time dependent students under 21 years of age on Sept. 1 of the academic year are required to live on campus in a Residence Hall while attending University of Saint Mary. Exceptions to this policy include students who are married or have a child or students who reside with at least one parent or legal guardian in the primary residence of that parent or legal guardian, or students who have completed four full-time semesters.
The Residence Hall contract is for the entire academic year i.e., Fall and Spring semesters. Students who enter the contract after the start of the academic year are obligated for the remainder of the academic year. Students who leave the Residence Halls for reasons other than graduation, marriage, student teaching, internship, or serious illness will forfeit their deposit.
Students with questions regarding their housing contract or the procedure for pursuing a contract release should contact the Director of Residence Life. The housing contract may be cancelled by the Director of Residence Life provided the student notifies the Director of Residence Life in writing at least thirty (30) days before the start of class each semester on proof of one or more of the following occurrences (see housing contract):
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Status Change - loss of eligibility, denial of admission, failure to attend, or withdrawal from the College.
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Psychological or Medical - determination of an existence of a physical or mental condition which would effectively prevent the student from participating in the educational programs or activities of the College if required to live in a Residence Hall.
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Marriage - if the student becomes married after signing this contract.
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Graduation - contract is automatically terminated upon graduation.
There are no deposit refunds for Residence Hall contracts cancelled at or less than thirty (30) days before the start of classes.
The University may cancel the Residence Hall contract for the above or disciplinary or academic reasons or if the University determines that the University or other students are at risk of harm or injury because of the student's continued presence in a Residence Hall. Any student whose Residence Hall contract is cancelled will vacate the Hall according to the timetable set by the Dean of Students or designee (usually within twenty-four (24) hours).
Any student who applies for and is denied cancellation of his or her Residence Hall contract may appeal to the Dean of Students or her designee and the decision of the Dean of Students is final.
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Roommate Assignment
The College reserves the right to establish room/suite and roommate/suitemate assignment procedures and these procedures may change from time to time. Room assignments are made without regard to race or color, religion, sex or gender, age, national origin or ethnic origin or ancestry, disability, veteran status, or citizenship status as required by law except that students of the opposite sex are not assigned rooms together. Students of the opposite sex may not live together on campus.
Room Changes
The Residence Life staff will inform residents concerning the procedures for room change. Students with a problem or conflict with a roommate or suitemate, which they are unable to resolve, should contact their resident assistant. Unauthorized room changes are subject to revocation or a fine or both, and those who have changed rooms may have to return to their original room assignments.
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Roommate Departure
If a student's roommate moves out, there are three options. A resident may:
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If space permits, elect to retain the room as a single by paying the double-as-a-single charge prorated as of the date the student began occupying the room as a double-as-a-single.
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Consolidate by moving to fill a vacancy elsewhere in the Hall.
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Be assigned another roommate in the original room or the room of the new assignment.
Double-as-a-Single
Students interested in occupying a double-as-a-single or a single should contact the Director of Residence Life. There is an additional charge for a student who is permitted to occupy a double-as-a-single room or single room. Double-as-a-single will be rented on a space available basis. First year students are not eligible to designate a double as a single.
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Opening and Closing of Residence Halls
Residence Halls Open and Close as Follows:
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Rooms are rented for the academic school year, that is from the start of Fall semester orientation to the twenty-four (24) hour period following the student's last scheduled examination. Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Recesses, Summer Sessions, and intercessions are not included in the rental contract.
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Living arrangements during periods of time not included in the rental contract may be arranged by application to the Director of Residence Life.
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Residents are required to move out of the Hall no later than twenty-four (24) hours after their last scheduled exam (or at the final Hall closing time, whichever comes first). Students invited by the Academic Vice President to assist with graduation exercises should contact the Director of Residence Life.
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Rooms may be inspected during each break and visible policy violations will be documents and College, city, or state property may be confiscated.
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Meal Plan
All students living in campus Residence Halls must participate in the meal plan. The meal plan does not cover Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Recesses, Summer Sessions, and intercessions. Credit is not given for meals not taken. Students who are absent from a meal because of a College-related activity may receive a sack meal replacement by notifying Dining Services.
Summer Housing
If students plan to be on campus during the Summer Session, room arrangements must be made with the Director of Residence Life during the proceeding Spring Semester. Students contract for room only. Priority for living space is given to international students and to students attending Summer Session or participating in summer internships for credit.
Recess Housing
The Residence Halls are closed during the Thanksgiving and Spring Recesses, and the breaks between semesters. Students may request permission to remain in a Hall during a recess on written application to the Director of Residence Life. Residents will be moved to designated housing areas during recesses and intercessions if space is available. Students who are approved for recess or intercession housing will be assessed a daily charge.
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