Norfolk State University Office of Residence Life & Housing Fall 2010 Housing Contract TERMS AND CONDITIONS The student and parent, guardian or other guarantors are urged to carefully read the content of the following NSU Residence Life & Housing Contract. When the official NSU Residence Life & Housing Contract is electronically signed and submitted to Norfolk State University, it becomes a legally binding agreement – a contract between the student, or, in case of a minor, a guarantor, and the university. All resident students must agree to NSU Residence Life & Housing Terms and Conditions prior to assuming occupancy. All students seeking housing must complete the housing application process before a contract will be issued. Please visit www.nsu.edu/residentiallife for details on the housing application process. By providing your electronic signature at the end of this document you indicate that you have read and agree to the Terms and Conditions of the Fall 2010 Housing Contract. We recommend that you print these Terms and Conditions for your records. Agreement to Deal Electronically Your use of the Residence Life & Housing Contract is conducted electronically and you agree that the Office of Residence Life & Housing may communicate with you electronically for all aspects of your use of the residential contract, including sending you electronic notices. All electronic communication from the Office of Residence Life & Housing will be directed to a student’s NSU email account. This includes notification of room assignment, which will be communicated to you via NSU email. At the end of this document you will be asked to provide an electronic signature. By doing so you will be agreeing to the Terms and Conditions of the Fall 2010 Housing Contract. Your electronic signature is legally binding. Delivery of electronic notices is not infallible, so you agree to contact the Office of Residence Life & Housing if you need information about your Residence Life & Housing Contract. You agree to keep all records relating to the Residence Life & Housing Contract and to print or make an electronic copy of these Terms and Conditions. Except as prohibited by law, you waive any law requiring different communication methods in connections with your use of the NSU Residence Life & Housing Contract.
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Eligibility Requirement: To be eligible to enter into this agreement and to continue to live in University residence halls, the enrolled student must carry a minimum of twelve (12) undergraduate academic credits or (9) graduate academic credits per semester for regular academic year. A minimum of six (6) credits for undergraduate students and three (3) credits for graduate students is required for summer school. Special permission to reside in on-campus housing may be granted by the Vice President of Student Affairs, Director of Residence Life & Housing or his/her designee due to special circumstances for those students with less than the minimum number of hours during a semester or summer session. Housing Deposit: Students desiring to reside in University housing must pay a non-refundable housing deposit of $300.00. Meal Plan: All residents are required by the University to have a meal plan. Students are encouraged to review their student account to ensure they have the correct charges for room and meal plan. Students may change their meal plan during a specified period of time. The deadline to request meal plan changes for the fall 2010 semester is Friday, August 27th. Payment Schedule: Partial payment may be made at any time prior to the date indicated. We will not accept a copy of your Financial Aid Award Letter for your housing deposit. A space will not be reserved for you until the $300.00 non-refundable housing deposit has been received in the Office of Residence Life & Housing or proof of payment in the Cashier’s Office is verified. The initial payment is required to assure the University that the space will be occupied for the contracted period. The initial payment and the signed contract also guarantee the student a space in the residence hall. ** The University has the right to assign students in order to make the most effective use of available accommodations. The University cannot guarantee specific rooms. Reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Contract Submission: Students who have met their respective housing deadline: April 30th for returning students and May 31st for first-time students will receive a room assignment beginning June 1st. Students who have met their respective deadline will have until July 28th to sign and return their housing contract. Those students who are issued a room assignment and do not return the contract by the above deadline will forfeit their space for the fall 2010 semester. If spaces are available after May 31st, all space will be assigned using a “lottery system” and contracts will be distributed accordingly. Contract Period: This agreement is for the fall 2010 semester, excluding those periods which the residence halls will be closed. The residence halls will observe the following schedule: Students withdrawing from the University are required to vacate the residence halls immediately. Students residing in the residence halls throughout the semester are allowed to remain in
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the residence halls until the completion of final exams at the end of the semester and are required to vacate the residence halls within twenty-four (24) hours of completion, excluding those periods which the residence halls will be closed. Upon receipt of the initial payment and the signed contract, a space in the residence hall is RESERVED for the student for one semester. All students who sign a contract for the FALL are given the option of reserving a space for the SPRING semester if their fees have been paid and/or satisfactory payment arrangements have been met. The University is not obligated to hold a space past the first day of classes on any given contract period. The student may request a delay of his/her occupancy by writing to the Director of Residence Life & Housing who may/may not at his/her discretion, hold the space beyond the first day of class. Contact Cancellation and Penalties: Neither voluntary withdrawal nor eviction from the residence halls will relieve the student of financial liability for the amount payable under this contract in addition to any and all collection charges he/she may incur. Students who withdraw from the University and/or Residence Life & Housing must terminate their Residence Life & Housing Contract by notifying the Director of Residence Life & Housing in writing, the day of withdrawal. Failure to officially terminate the contract in the prescribed manner may result in additional fees and/or charges, including but not limited to moving and/or storage charges. NSU is not responsible for any items left and/or stored in any residential facility upon move-out. If written request to cancel your Residence Life & Housing Contract or application for the fall 2010 semester is received by July 28th, you will forfeit your $300 non-refundable deposit and your contract or application will be cancelled without any additional penalty. For students enrolling in the spring 2011 semester, housing contracts may not be cancelled once the contract is signed. Any student who wishes to break their contract after July 28th and has not checked in their assigned residence hall will forfeit their $300 non-refundable housing deposit and be assessed a penalty fee of $250 plus the equivalent of one month’s rent. Any student who officially checks into their assigned residence hall and wishes to break their contract, but continues at the university will be responsible for the entire semester’s room fee, in addition to the forfeiture of the initial fee and for board fees prorated on a daily basis up to the date of withdrawal. Any student who withdraws voluntarily from the university, is suspended, or expelled for disciplinary reasons is liable for payment of the entire semester’s room fee, in addition to

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the forfeiture of the initial fee and for board fees prorated on a daily basis up to the date of withdrawal. A student can break their contract without any additional penalty if: o He/she is accepted in a Norfolk State University sponsored Study Abroad Program. Verification must be received from International Programs. o He/she is required to withdraw due to medical reasons. Verification must be received from the Registrar’s Office. o He/she is called for active duty in the military. Refunds will be issued based on date of release. No additional penalty if contract is approved before the first day of class. After check in, students’ will be assessed for room and board on a prorated basis up to the date of withdrawal. Resident students are strongly encouraged to gain contract release approval prior to making any commitments off campus. Documentation must be received in care of releasing a student from their contract. Checking Into a Room Each resident will receive a room key and access to the front door via their Spartan Card. Residents will also receive a Room Condition Form and Blue Card to complete and return at the time of check in. When a student moves into the residence halls, he/she should verify the condition of the room by completing the Room Condition Form. Any damages or missing items must be noted by a Residence Life & Housing staff member at this time to prevent a charge at check-out. The Blue Card should be completed so the Office of Residence Life & Housing has emergency contact information on file. Early Check-In Residents must abide by the appointed schedule for arrival. Early arrivals will be limited to those student groups designated essential to activities in advance of the official opening. Individual residents who are approved by the Office of Residence Life & Housing to arrive early will be assessed an additional daily rate charge which will be charged to their student account. This rate is set and approved by the Board of Visitors each fiscal year. Rates are unique based on building and room type. All early arrivals must abide by all university rules, regulations, and policies.

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ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF OCCUPANCY 1. Student acknowledges that breach of University’s policies, rules or regulations may result in the termination or revocation of the Agreement. Students should make themselves familiar with the NSU Student Handbook as well as the Spartan Housing Handbook. 2. All students must have a minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA to reside in the residence halls. Any student who desire to reside on campus with less than a 2.0 cumulative GPA must complete the exemption process and be approved prior to moving on campus. 3. The residence halls shall be closed during the following periods: 2:00pm for THANKSGIVING BREAK and 5:00pm for CHRISTMAS AND SPRING BREAK on the day classes are dismissed. The residence halls will reopen at 10:00am on the day prior to the day classes are resumed. 4. Meals will be served in the dining hall during scheduled times. The days of operation coincide with the opening and closing of the residence halls. The last meal of the semester will be served as dinner on the last day of final examinations as shown on the University Calendar. Limited brunch is served on graduation day at no additional charge. This contract does NOT include meals during the THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS OR SPRING HOLIDAYS. The last meal before a holiday is dinner on the last day of classes. The first meal after a holiday is brunch on the day the residence halls re-open. 5. The Meal Card for Food Service under this contract may be used only by the resident to whom it is issued. Lending to another person (s) or other misuse of the meal card will result in disciplinary action, to include fines and possible repossession of the meal card. The meal card remains the property of Norfolk State University at all times. 6. The student may change rooms only upon written authorization from the Office of Residence Life & Housing. Any room changes and/or consolidations must be approved and must be completed within five days after notification to consolidate. If consolidation has not occurred within this five day period, the student may be charged and legally obligated to pay the single rate. 7. Each student is obligated to maintain his/her room in a neat and orderly condition at all times. Failure to maintain your room neatly may result in cancellation of your contract and/or fines being assessed to the student’s account. Authorized University personnel or their agents may enter rooms during their absence for the purpose of inspection or maintenance, under reasonable conditions, at any time in the interest of health, welfare, of the building and /or the resident (s) University Community.

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8. The student may not transfer the contract for an assigned room or space to anyone else. The University reserves the right to reassign a student in the event that the room is not filled to capacity. A student living in a room that is not filled to capacity may be offered the option of remaining in the room for an additional charge. The university reserves the right to assign a student into a space anytime, unless the student residing in the room has contracted for and paid for a single room. 9. The University Shall Not Be Responsible for Loss of, or damage to any of the student’s personal property from any cause whatsoever. It is recommended that the student insure personal property. Any belongings left behind shall be discarded and a minimum fine of $125.00 will be assessed. Additionally, other fees may be applied, up to but not exceeding the total semester cost of the room. 10. The student may not remove furniture from the room nor is the student allowed to transport lounge furniture to his/her room. Unauthorized removal of furniture from one room to another constitutes a violation and a breach of this contract, and can result in immediate cancellation of this contract. Violators will be assessed with a charge of $100.00 or more and/or further disciplinary action. 11. Non-residents and guests are permitted to the visit the students under the following conditions: The License/ host has permission from his/her roommate(s) to have a guest. The Licensee/host is responsible for the conduct of this guest at all time during the visitation period. All guests must comply with university rules and regulations. Overnight guests are limited to no more than three (3) consecutive nights. No overnight guests of the opposite sex are permitted to stay in the student’s room. Proper documentation must be received to the Office of Residence Life & Housing prior to hosting a guest. 12. Loss of keys during residency or failure to return the keys at time of check-out will result in charges being assessed for a change of lock or replacement. 13. Loud noises that are disruptive, inconsiderate or that infringe on the rights of another student cannot be tolerated at any time in the residence halls or in the rooms. For this reason, “Quiet Hours” must be adhered to as determined by the university and set forth by the Office of Residence Life & Housing. 14. The student shall be responsible for immediate repayment to the University for University costs incurred in repairing and/or cleaning any damages, injury, or defilement to the room, cable equipment and/or the University’s property within the room whether caused by the resident, resident’s guest or invitees. In addition, if there is a common area damage, injury, or defilement to the residential facility or property for which the University is unable to identify the responsible parties, then the University shall appropriately fine the residents on the wing, floor and/or all residents in the building
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15. The following acts or circumstances are expressly prohibited in order to preserve the freedom and comfort of all residents in a group living environment: o Disorderly conduct of any kind to include gross disrespect of hall staff. o The use or possession of electric heating and cooking appliances. o Tampering with firefighting equipment, setting off false fire alarms, opening Fire Exit Doors when there is no emergency. o The misuse or abuse of residence hall property or facilities. o The use of any residence hall property, rooms or facilities for any commercial purpose. o The housing of pets of any kind on residence hall property. o The use of or possession of firearms, fireworks, explosives or any type of flammable (except lighter fluid) on residence hall property. o Waterbeds are not permitted. o No student under any circumstance is allowed to possess or consume alcoholic beverages or any illegal drugs of any type on Norfolk State University premises, or University sponsored events (this includes residence hall rooms and public areas). o No sweeping, throwing or discarding of items out of the windows, doors or into the corridors or stairways. o No sign(s), banner, signal, advertisement, television or radio aerial or other equipment or matter, or illumination should be inscribed or exposed on or at any window or other part of the building. o No structural changes or additions, painting or alterations, wallpapering, bookcase, cupboards, shelves, dismounting of wall mounted telephonic equipment, doors or lock changes may be made to the residential facilities unless approved in writing by the Licensor/Office of Residence Life & Housing. o No mopeds, motorcycles, gasoline or motor oil may be stored in the facilities. o Neither student nor guest is allowed to be on the building ledges or roofs. o Misuse of any building facility or safety equipment. o Sales and solicitations are prohibited unless authorized in writing by Licensor/Office of Residence Life & Housing. Door-to-door soliciting and advertising is prohibited. Errors that may occur in the publication of the contract will not change the intended terms and conditions of the NSU Residence Life & Housing Contract. Corrections of any such errors will be made in writing provided to each contract holder. In consideration of the University’s agreement to provide a space in one of the residential facilities, I hereby agree to comply with the provisions of this contract and to pay in full for room and board in accordance with the billing instructions from Norfolk State University for the fall
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2010 semester. The terms and conditions of this contract cannot be altered without consent of the University. By electronically signing this contract, I understand that this a legally binding contract for the entire fall 2010 semester and, I agree to the Terms and Conditions of the NSU Residence Life & Housing Contract. If you are a minor (under 18 years of age) a parent, guardian or guarantor must also read and agree to the following statement: When I/We click the “I/We Agree” box below, I attach my electronic signature (and if I am a minor, my guardian’s signature) to and agree to the terms and conditions for the fall 2010 semester NSU Residence Life & Housing Contract.
I/We Agree

Norfolk State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. It does not discriminate in admission, employment, or any other activity on the basis of race, sex, color, age, religion, national origin or handicap.

Signatures:
Parent's Signature - Full Name Please (only if student is under 18 years of age) Today's Date

Student's Signature - Full Name Please

Today's Date

Student's NSU ID #:

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