Fall 2008 - Spring 2009 Undergraduate Housing Agreement Terms and Conditions

The purpose of this document is to establish a mutual agreement between the each housing student and The Florida State University, acting for and on behalf of the Florida State University Board of Trustees, a public body corporate of the State of Florida with regard to living in University Housing Facilities.

A. Under this agreement, the student is entitled to the privacy of the assigned room, (except as stated in II F), the use of public facilities of the residence hall, and the services rendered in order to pursue his/her educational goals.

B. This agreement whether submitted electronically with required advance payment or by mail with appropriate signature(s) and required advance payment is effective from the University's acceptance of the application until the end of the spring semester of the academic year. If the student withdraws from the University and then re-enrolls during the agreement period, the agreement obligation will be reinstated. The student must vacate the residence hall within 24 hours of withdrawal, release or termination of the agreement, during a given semester.

C. Residents of University Housing facilities must be degree-seeking students registered for classes at Florida State University for each semester of occupancy. Any exceptions must be granted on an individual basis and based on documented academic circumstances.

D. The University's acceptance of this agreement does NOT guarantee assignment to a particular type of accommodation, specific request or final admission to the University. It does establish priority for residence hall assignment.

E. Semester room rent covers occupancy from the date and time designated for official opening until the date and time designated for official closing of the residence halls which will follow the last scheduled examination for each semester. Room rent does not cover occupancy during any vacation period or between semesters. University Housing reserves the right to provide housing over the Thanksgiving period on a limited, centralized basis.

A. Occupancy of rooms is only by students to whom the room is assigned. Rooms may not be sublet to another person. Room transfer may be made only after receiving written approval from the University Housing office. A guest may not be accommodated in University Housing facilities for more than three days during a 30-day period.

B. Students are responsible for care of rooms and equipment. The University provides no janitorial service in student rooms. Charges may be made for damages to, unauthorized use of, or alterations to rooms, equipment or buildings and for special cleaning necessitated by improper care of rooms or equipment. Students are jointly responsible for care of public areas and equipment. Public areas are defined as those areas available for use by all students living on a wing, a floor or within a hall. Charges for damages to public areas and equipment may be made to all students assigned to separate wings, floors or within entire halls as appropriate.

C. Students are responsible for knowing and observing University regulations and procedures as set forth in official University publications including the Guide to Residence Living. The University reserves the right to make other rules and regulations as in its judgment may be necessary for the safety, care and cleanliness of the premises and for the preservation of order. The student agrees to abide by all additional rules and regulations that are adopted.

D. The University is not liable for damage or loss of personal property, failure or interruption of utilities, or unforeseen accidents/injuries. The University only provides liability for damages or injuries caused by negligence on the part of the University or its employees while working within the scope of their employment. Students are strongly encouraged to secure their own personal property loss insurance.

E. You have the ability to contract for telephone and cable services. These services are contracted separately by contacting the Office of Telecommunications. You agree to be responsible for all charges associated with cable and telephone services.

F. Authorized University personnel may enter student rooms for normal inspection and maintenance purposes. The student's personal property is not subject to search without express approval of the student except when a reasonable belief exists that the room is being used for a purpose which is illegal or which would otherwise seriously interfere with discipline and/or personal safety.

G. Room assignments may at any time be changed, canceled or terminated by the University in the interests of order, health, discipline, maximum utilization of facilities or disaster after notice to the assignee as is practical. Disregard for the rights, responsibilities and duties of others, as well as the creation of circumstances which could jeopardize life, limb or property, are conditions which are not acceptable in University housing and may be cause for termination of the Housing Agreement.

H. You may NOT possess within the residence halls: firearms, fireworks or any materials that may be hazardous to the health or safety of other occupants of the building, motorcycles, waterbeds, weights, drums, amplified instruments, pets, open flame elements or refrigerators in addition to those already provided. Bicycles may be stored in student rooms ONLY if permission is granted by the roommate in advance.

J. In keeping with the policies of the University, all rooms are assigned without regard to race, creed or national origin.

L. All students who reside in a renovated residence hall on the East side of campus are required to purchase a meal plan membership. The affected halls and living-learning communities are as follows: Broward, Bryan, Cawthon, Gilchrist, Jennie Murphree, Landis and Reynolds.

A. Residence hall room rates are outlined in this publication. Room rates may be changed after 30 days notice to the assignee in the event of unanticipated circumstances beyond the control of the University, including increased utility rates.

B. PAYMENTS (Although the Housing Agreement is for the academic year, payments are made by the semester.) 1) Initial Payment: An advance payment of $225 must accompany the Housing Agreement for the initial semester of occupancy. Invoices for balance of payment will be mailed with the specific housing assignment and will be due prior to occupancy. 2) Subsequent Semester: Payments are due in the housing office on or before the fifth day of classes. Payments received after this due date are subject to a $25 late fee.

C. CONSOLIDATION The University has a consolidation policy which requires that two students occupy a standard double-occupancy room. When only one student occupies a double room an additional 50% will be charged. The fee will not be charged if a roommate leaves after the second week of classes.

1) If written notice of decision not to be enrolled at Florida State University is received PRIOR to the official opening date of the residence halls, a refund of all fees paid will be made LESS:

• $100.00 if cancellation is received July 2 and prior to the official opening date of the residence halls.

2) After Official Opening Date: If written notification of withdrawal from the University is received in the housing office after official opening date and before Friday ending the first full week of classes, a 50% obligation of one semester housing fees will apply. No refunds or waiver of fees will be made after Friday ending the first full week of classes.

E. REFUND/ASSESSMENT POLICY - SUBSEQUENT SEMESTER Official cancellation date for the Spring 2009 semester is December 1, 2008 . A residence hall student who is not enrolling for the Spring 2009 semester will be obligated for 50% of Spring semester housing fees, if he/she fails to submit written notification of decision not to attend the University by December 1, 2008 .

F. REFUND FOR MEDICAL WITHDRAWALS Students who withdraw from the University for medical reasons are eligible for a refund when the following conditions are met: 1) the illness is confirmed by a University physician, and 2) the student vacates the space during the refund period. The schedule for refunds for medical withdrawals is as follows: 90% through the first week of classes, 80% through the second week of classes, 70% through the third week of classes, and 60% through the fourth week of classes. No refund will be authorized after the fourth week of classes.

IV. AGREEMENT CANCELLATION OR RELEASE MAY BE APPROVED BY THE HOUSING OFFICE FOR THE STUDENT WHO:

E. Is released from the agreement by the Appeals Committee. Parties to this agreement will accept the decision of the Housing Appeals Committee as final. All appeals must be submitted by the official cancellation date or be subject to stated assessment policies.