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On-Campus Housing/Dining Services Agreement
2008-2009

• The Resident Agrees • The University • Termination of Agreement

• Download Agreement in PDF Format

The University will furnish a space in the residence halls and grant the resident use of the facilities of the hall in accordance with these Terms and Conditions for the entire 2008-2009 academic year, from the approved check-in day through his/her last final exam, except for closings at Thanksgiving, Semester Recess and Spring Break. At these closings, North Campus residents must leave their rooms and South Campus residents may stay in their rooms, with written permission, under additional rules and procedures and at additional prorated housing cost. Dining plans cannot be used during closings.

Cancellation and Refund:

1. Release from this Agreement will be approved when a new resident's signed request for cancellation is received by Resident Life on or before July 8, 2008 (or December 1, 2008 for individuals new to housing for the Spring 2009 semester). If notice is received after this date and before keys are issued, the individual, regardless of his/her University status, will be charged a cancellation fee, as follows.
   

   Notice for Fall 2008	Amount of Charges
   By July 8, 2008	No release fees
   July 9-22, 2008	½ of 1 week’s housing cost
   July 23-August 5, 2008	1 week’s housing cost
   August 6-19, 2008	1-1/2 weeks’ housing cost
   After August 19, 2008	2 weeks’ housing cost
   and prior to check-in	2 weeks’ housing cost




Notice from Entering Spring 2009 Resident	Amount of Charges
By December 1, 2008	No release fees
December 2-15, 2008	½ of 1 week’s housing cost
December 16-29, 2008	1 week’s housing cost
December 30-January 12, 2009	1-1/2 weeks’ housing cost
After January 12, 2009	2 weeks’ housing cost
and prior to check-in	2 weeks’ housing cost




2. An individual, regardless of his/her University status, who does not by noon on the first class day of his/her first semester take possession of room keys, request cancellation or notify Resident Life of late arrival will forfeit his/her assigned space and be charged two weeks’ housing cost.
3. This Agreement is for the entire academic year, from the approved check-in day through final exams in May. After keys are issued, the University retains the right and discretion to release students from this Agreement upon documentation of undue hardship or other valid reason. Possible grounds for release include the following: withdrawal from classes; graduation; transfer to another institution or other disenrollment; student teaching placement or co-op work in conjunction with a University-sponsored accredited program; or participation in Study Abroad. Residents must request such releases.
4. Releases to be effective at the end of Fall semester/start of Spring semester must be requested before 4:30pm December 1, 2008 in order to avoid the fees shown above, if approved. No such requests will be approved after the first day of Spring semester classes, except for reasons of disenrollment.
5. Release must be approved and check-out must occur before credits of housing, dining or telecommunication fees will be initiated. Credits are made on a prorated basis (taking into account the actual amount of food purchases) from the date housing and dining check-outs are completed. No credits are made after the fourteenth week of the semester.
6. Refunds must be requested in writing from the Bursar.

The Resident Agrees:

1. To maintain proper academic, registration and disciplinary student standing as published in the Schedule of Classes. Priority is given to full-time (12 credits or more each semester) undergraduate students.
2. To purchase a University of Maryland Dining Services approved dining plan, or a full Hillel kosher dining plan, unless assigned to a kitchen-equipped apartment. If no dining plan is selected on the Agreement form, the student will be deemed to have selected the Resident Dining Plan. Charges for fall semester dining plans include additional service provided to new residents beginning at 4pm on Thursday, August 28, 2008. All resident dining plans begin at 11am Sunday, August 31, 2008.
3. Charges for capital construction, physical plant and facilities, and debt service (i.e., facilities fee) will be deducted from the dining fee before the dining plan account is established. Remaining points must be used according to a published schedule or be forfeited at the end of each semester.
4. There is no refund or carryover of any dining plan account balance at the end of each semester. Students may switch to a lesser dining plan through the second week of classes.
5. Not to use another student’s ID card for purchases or transfer his/her card to another person. The resident agrees not to remove food or property from a dining facility without paying for it or use the dining plan to purchase special order items or catering services. Any student found in violation will be referred to the Student Judiciary Board for violation of the Code of Student Conduct.
6. If moving into an on-campus apartment, to having two weeks from the date of the move to cancel or amend a dining plan.
7. Having a Terrapin Express account does not fulfill his/her obligation to participate on a University of Maryland Dining Services approved dining plan.
8. To pay established housing, dining and telecommunication fees, as established by the Board of Regents and in accordance with University payment procedures and deadlines. Housing fee reductions, if any, for residents in triple and quad rooms are determined annually and apply only for those weeks that a room is assigned and occupied as a triple or quad.
9. Submission of this Agreement and an electronic signature via Resident Life's Web page has the same force and effect as submission of the Agreement by mail or in person. If requested, the resident will verify his/her signature and consent in writing to the 2008-2009 On-Campus Housing and Dining Services Agreement at check-in.
10. His/her name and contact information (permanent and campus mailing addresses and telephone numbers, e-mail address) will be given to his/her assigned roommate(s) and suite- or apartment-mates, if any, notwithstanding any separate request for confidentiality made to the University.
11. He/she will promptly and regularly update his/her e-mail address on record at www.testudo.umd.edu and will regularly review that address for communication sent from Resident Life. Official notifications sent via e-mail from Resident Life will be directed to the address on record at www.testudo.umd.edu.
12. To sign and submit the Agreement without alteration, knowing that the Agreement has not been accepted by the University nor does the student have permission to reside in a residence hall until a confirmation of residence and dining services and/or a notification of room assignment has been provided.
13. To comply with the University’s meningitis immunization requirements.
14. Acceptance of room keys constitutes official check-in.
15. To accept the initial assignment, which is subject to availability of space, knowing that a resident who cannot immediately be assigned a regular space may be offered a temporary assignment.
16. To ensure his/her roommate(s) has access to and equitable use of the assigned space.
17. To change rooms only with Resident Life’s written approval, and to follow established procedures, when a vacancy occurs, for the reassignment of another student to one’s room.
18. To complete published check-out procedures when vacating an assigned space, returning the space and its furnishings in the same condition as they were received, excepting reasonable wear and tear.
19. The University cannot and does not assume responsibility for personal accident, injury, or illness to residents, guests or visitors, or the damage, theft, or loss of personal property, and hereby releases the University, its officers, agents, and employees from any liability on account of any accident, injury, illness, property damage, theft, or loss.
20. To immediately report loss of and to pay for replacement of his/her student ID card.
21. To accept responsibility for and be held accountable for his/her actions, for the actions of his/her guest(s), and for proper use and care of the residence and dining facilities, assigned space, common areas and University property.
22. To take reasonable action to protect residence and dining facilities and property from wanton, reckless or negligent damage; refrain from encouraging or participating in activities which cause damage; report damages, interrupted service, or need for repairs; and assist the University in identifying individuals responsible for damage, theft or loss.
23. To take primary responsibility for his/her own safety and security and for that of his/her residence and dining communities; to appropriately use safety and security equipment, and to immediately report loss of assigned key(s) and malfunctioning or damaged hardware.
24. To conduct himself/herself in a manner which promotes a courteous, safe, and secure residence hall and dining environment and respects academic goals and individual and community development and welfare.
25. To familiarize himself/herself with and to abide by the rules and regulations published in the Community Living handbook, Services Guide, Code of Student Conduct and other University publications and as amended from time to time, all of which are incorporated by reference into this Agreement.
26. To abide by rules and regulations which include but are not limited to prohibitions against unauthorized equipment; cooking appliances; smoking within residence/dining buildings; flammable materials; weapons and fireworks; unauthorized modifications of assigned space; pets; duplication and transfer of University keys; disruptive/destructive behavior; behavior such as intimidation or harassment which threatens the property, safety, security, health, or well-being of others; improper use of fire/safety or building security equipment; subletting, selling or soliciting; and threats to or interference with University staff in the performance of their duties, knowing that violation of rules and regulations can be grounds for termination of this Agreement.
27. Shall be subject to administrative procedures and action as described in Community Living, disciplinary procedures and action as described in the Code of Student Conduct, and/or financial responsibility for any damage, theft, or loss, when the University determines that a resident has violated a term of this Agreement or any Resident Life, Dining Services, or University rule, regulation or procedure, including the Code of Student Conduct, or a State or federal law.
28. Administrative action by the University may range from a verbal or written warning to termination of housing and/or dining services, and the University may terminate residence halls services to a resident whose meal plan is terminated.
29. To pay for damage, loss, or special service due to misuse or abuse of his/her assigned space, University property and/or facilities, and when the assigned space is shared with a roommate(s) and where the responsible student(s) fails to assume responsibility, to pay an equally divided portion of the total charges.
30. This agreement is made and entered into in the Sovereign State of Maryland, and the operation of this license and all performance under this agreement shall occur in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

The University:

1. Will provide services described in this Agreement on a continual basis, although interruptions may occur by an act of God, availability of resources as determined by the University, maintenance activities, or other condition that is reasonably beyond administrative control. Standards and levels of services are determined by the University. The University expects any disruption of services vital to the health and safety of residents will be restored within a reasonable amount of time.
2. Notwithstanding any other part of this Agreement, reserves the right to limit the amount of individual or group purchase in dining facilities, limit quantity of portions served, change dates that dining plans may be used, change menus, open and/or close facilities, reschedule the opening and closing hours of operation, or otherwise alter services when access to funds or food, supplies, heat, power, etc. is impaired, and to change its fees, academic calendar, and/or existing procedures, in accordance with University processes.
3. Does not discriminate in room or hall assignments on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, personal appearance, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, or on the basis of the exercise of rights secured by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
4. Will provide each resident a bed; mattress; dresser; desk and chair set; data line; and cable jack. Each bedroom will have phone line with unlimited local calling and calling within the campus, voice mail, and routine maintenance and repairs; window blinds; smoke alarm; and sprinkler (fire suppressant).
5. Will provide heat, water, and electricity, remove trash from designated areas and clean common hallways, floor lounges, public areas, and bathrooms (except those located in resident apartments or suites) on a scheduled basis.
6. Will make all repairs and perform maintenance in the residence hall and the resident’s room with authorized personnel, on routine schedules and under a request system of priority scheduling.
7. Reserves the right to move residents from one space to another in order to meet its responsibilities to student health, safety, and well-being; maintain, operate, or renovate facilities; establish a special interest house, floor, unit, or section; convert rooms for occupancy by the opposite sex; or consolidate residents for reasons of security or closings.
8. Reserves the right to enter rooms to conduct maintenance and sanitation inspections; make routine or emergency repairs; identify and correct safety, security and/or sanitation deficiencies and problems; protect the health, safety and security of its residents; or when appropriate staff are responding to a reported incident of, or believe there is, serious physical or psychological distress or imminent danger to the room’s occupants or contents. A resident’s request for maintenance or repairs gives consent for room entry. The University will not use such entries and inspections as an opportunity to search a resident’s room for other reasons for which consent, a warrant and/or probable cause are required.
9. Respects the resident’s right to privacy within his/her room; when entry or inspection is required, reasonable consideration will be given to the resident’s academic and personal pursuits and attempts normally will be made to provide prior notification whenever reasonable.
10. Reserves the right to remove and dispose of any personal property remaining in a room following termination or expiration of this Agreement, the resident’s separation by or from the University, and/or the date of check-out. A charge for costs incurred may be assessed to the resident.
11. To provide the resident notice of the violation charged and an opportunity to present his/her version of the incident, when an allegation of a violation of a rule, regulation, or procedure is received and the review process is initiated
12. Reserves inherent authority to take prompt administrative and/or disciplinary action, including temporary suspension from residence halls and/or dining privileges, and/or the termination of this Agreement when in its judgment there is a reasonable basis to believe such action is reasonably necessary to protect the safety, health, property and/or well-being of members of the University community and/or of the student himself/herself. Such action typically will result from a decision following established University procedures.
13. Reserves the right, when individual responsibility cannot be determined, to hold residents collectively responsible for damage, theft, loss, or special service to the common areas or to University property within them.
14. Will normally offer renewal of this Agreement for the 2009-2010 academic year if the resident has proper standing, can be offered participation in room selection according to published priorities for allocating residence hall space, and agrees to all terms and conditions of the 2009-2010 Agreement, and if denying or rescinding the renewal offer, will provide the resident an opportunity to review the decision with a staff member.

Termination of Agreement:
The University may unilaterally terminate this Agreement at any time and require the resident to forfeit immediately the assigned space and/or dining plan privileges when (a) information furnished by or for the individual is incomplete, substantially misleading or false in whole or in part; (b) the resident is not properly registered, is denied services from the University because of outstanding debts, is academically dismissed, or for any other reason loses status as a student at College Park, in which case the individual may be required to vacate the assignment and accept termination of the meal plan on the date of separation from the University; (c) the University determines through the review process that the student has violated University rules, regulations or procedures, in which case the student also may be denied continued access to any University residence or dining facility; or (d) University residence and dining facilities are inadequate in number or physical condition. When this Agreement is terminated because the student is suspended or expelled from the University, the student forfeits all rights to any credits for housing and/or dining charges.

When this Agreement is terminated because of the student’s violations of University rules, regulations or procedures and the student is not suspended or expelled from the University, the resident’s responsibility for housing charges will be:

1. For rule violation(s) occurring before November 1, 2008: Pay all Fall semester fees; Spring semester fees may be waived or prorated based on the official check-out date.
2. For rule violation(s) occurring between November 1, 2008 and the last day of Fall semester exams: Pay all Fall semester fees; pay appropriate Spring semester release fees, to a maximum of two weeks’ housing charges, when vacating before the end of the semester. Residents who vacate after the end of Fall semester also may be assessed release fees and prorated charges through the official check-out date.
3. For rule violation(s) occurring after the last day of Fall semester exams, or at any time during the Spring semester 2009: Pay all Spring semester fees; no credits or refunds will be given.

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