Housing and Culinary Services Contract 2022-23
Residents agree to the Housing and Culinary Services Contract (“Contract”) as revised.
Please read all the information below and associated with the Contract.
This Contract is between you (“you” or “Resident”) and Ohio University, for the benefit of the Department of Housing and Residence Life (“Ohio University” or “Housing and Residence Life”). The application process consists of Residents executing the Housing Application, executing the Contract, and paying the housing deposit/prepayment (“Housing Deposit”). Once the Resident receives occupancy, the Contract becomes a legally binding agreement between you and Ohio University for the entire academic year (fall and spring semesters or summer only as applicable) and can only be terminated in accordance with this Contract. Ohio University may unilaterally amend this Contract from time to time upon reasonable notice to the Resident. The terms and conditions herein outline both the Resident’s responsibilities and those of Ohio University.
COVID-19 Acknowledgement : Guidelines : Termination : Regulations : Room & Board Rates
Cancellation & Refunds : Refund Schedule : Re-billing : Quarantine & Isolation Agreement
*Anchored links to other sections of the Contract are for convenience only. Any documents linked in are incorporated herein by reference and are part of the Contract.
COVID-19 Acknowledgement
All students returning to campus for all or some of the Academic Year will be required to comply with health requirements as established and published by Ohio University. By executing this Contract for on-campus room and board also referred to as housing and dining, it is fully understood that Resident may be exposed to COVID-19 and other infections. Similar to other highly contagious viruses, it is understood that it is possible to contract COVID-19 even if the Resident complies with all health and safety measures as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), the Ohio Department of Health (“ODH”).
To live on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic you agree to the following:
- You will read and comply with the Interim Administrative Policy Regarding Epidemic, Pandemic and Community Health Requirements that may be permanently adopted or modified, as well as any specific requirements promulgated under the policy including but not limited to the Presidential Health Directives. Violations of the policy and/or directives may result in disciplinary action under the Code of Conduct.
- Because of known risks associated with congregate living, Residents are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Students must complete the Vaccination Information Form to acknowledge whether they have received the COVID-19 vaccination or sign a waiver acknowledging the risks of not being vaccinated against the virus, as they are required to do for other residential housing vaccine requirements.
- When directed, you are required to sign and submit (written or electronic) authorization of protected health information forms required under HIPAA so that COVID-19 testing providers are authorized to share your test results with the University.
When agreeing to the terms of the Contract you are also agreeing to the Quarantine & Isolation Agreement incorporated herein by reference. The Quarantine or Isolation Agreement applies if you have COVID symptoms, if you or your roommate receive a positive COVID-19 test result, and/or if you or your roommate are ordered by the Athens City-County Health Department (“ACCHD”) to quarantine or isolate
Housing Guidelines
The Parietal Rule/University Housing Requirement
Ohio University has a two-year residency requirement. All enrolled students under the age of 23 with fewer than four academic semesters earned (fall/spring semesters only) prior to the start of the semester in which they enroll must reside in university-owned housing and participate in the associated mandatory meal plan.
While in residence, Resident must be enrolled in and attending at least one credit hour at Ohio University (any campus or e-learning) in each of the fall and spring semesters. If Resident ceases to maintain any enrollment, Resident must vacate the residence hall room within 48 hours of no longer being an enrolled student.
Residents enrolled for summer school are bound by the same guidelines.
Please note: College credits earned by the student while attending high school (College Credit Plus, Advance Placement, senior to sophomore, Senate bill 140, etc.) which advances a student academically to a higher-class year, will not be considered toward housing exemption eligibility. Transfer and re-enrolling students' post high school education history will be subject to certification by the Director of Admissions. Residents required to live on campus who fail to comply with this condition may have their course registration denied or canceled.
Students who have been convicted or have pled guilty to a felony or misdemeanor offense including but not limited to, sexual offenses such as assault, rape or any violent crimes, or the use, possession, sale, transportation or distribution of a controlled substance, are not permitted to reside in Ohio University housing.
Contract Term
The Contract term includes both the fall and spring semesters of the academic year. If you execute the Contract for the summer, you are bound for the summer term only. If you execute the Contract for temporary housing for health or safety reasons, you are bound for only the days you are in residence.
Termination of the Contract By Resident
Student may terminate the Contract if:
- You are eligible to reside off campus and never lived in a residence hall during the academic year
- You officially withdraw from Ohio University as a student
- You graduate from Ohio University
- You will be away from campus to participate in an approved academic curricular program (i.e. internship, abroad experience, co-op, etc.), and never lived in a residence hall during the semester.
Resident must do the following to terminate the Contract:
- Properly submit and have approved a Housing Exemption/Termination Request Form [PDF]; and
- Remove all of your belongings from your assigned room and check out with a Housing and Residence Life staff member who will complete a checkout form and return it to Housing and Residence Life central office
Residents are not permitted to live on campus if not actively enrolled as an Ohio University student.
If you qualify to terminate the Contract, see the Residence Hall Room & Board Refund Schedule section below for the refund rules and schedule.
Note: An approved Housing Exemption/Termination Request Form [PDF] applies only to Room and Board charges and does not cancel charges assessed by other University departments and/or class registration. The Resident should check with the Office of the University Registrar for questions related to cancellation of registration.
Termination or Amendment of Contract By University
The Contract may temporarily or permanently be terminated by the Office of Housing and Residence Life or the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility for: violation of law; violation of 44.102 Interim Administrative Policy Regarding Epidemic, Pandemic and Community Health Requirements; violation of a Presidential Health Directive; violation of the Quarantine or Isolation Agreement; violation of the COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement; violation of an Ohio University or residence hall regulation or policy; violation of the Student Housing Handbook; conduct or existence of such conditions that would reasonably affect the health, safety or welfare of the Resident or another; revocation of the student status; nonpayment of housing, dining or other Ohio University charges and fees; or failure to comply with legitimate directives of Ohio University officials (including Housing and Residence Life staff), law enforcement, or emergency personnel in the performance of their duties including failure to identify one's self when so requested.
University may unilaterally amend this Contract from time to time upon reasonable notice to the Resident.
If Ohio University takes action to terminate the Contract for failure to comply with any of the terms and conditions, Student Housing Handbook, or violation of the Student Code of Conduct or any Ohio University policy, rule or procedure, the Resident will receive a notice with a right to be heard and a hearing in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.031. If the University terminates the Contract because Resident does not take the required steps to terminate under the Termination of Contract by Resident section above, Resident is not entitled to be heard at a hearing and will be financially responsible until the Resident moves out.
Housing Regulations
Housing Accommodations
In the event that you have a disability that warrants reasonable accommodations, or medical condition that requires minor adjustments within the residential facilities, please contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services to register and request a reasonable accommodation. The Office of Student Accessibility Services will review each request to determine the best reasonable accommodation(s) based on the need, the known barriers and overall impacts of the student. Although preference of green and hall may be requested, not all preferences can be met. Medical needs that require special accommodation should, if possible, be identified no later than March 1 for returning students and May 1 for new students for fall residency. Accommodations and university-owned equipment will be utilized to best meet the needs of the Resident within university owned residence halls.
Entry To A Room
The University reserves the right to enter a Resident’s room without Resident’s permission to assess and repair the physical facilities, complete inspections, verify occupancy, adjust temperature controls, maintain safety standards, assess the Resident’s well-being and/or for other reasons as determined necessary by Housing and Residence Life staff. Conditions that necessitate an immediate entry include:
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A person may be physically harmed and/or endangered;
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When Ohio University property is being damaged or is reasonably in danger of being damaged;
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As directed by the Ohio University Police Department;
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To silence disruptive noise;
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To determine if Resident has vacated during the fire alarm or drill;
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When necessary for health, safety or welfare of Resident or anyone else in the room; and
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For other reasons determined necessary by Housing and Residence Life.
Reassignment/Consolidation
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Ohio University reserves the right to reassign Resident to accommodations as may be deemed necessary, and to assign Resident to temporary accommodations until permanent accommodations become available.
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The University reserves the right to consolidate Resident into under-assigned rooms as a matter of fairness and for energy savings as defined in the "Student Room Consolidation Policy" in the Student Housing Handbook.
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The University reserves the right to require Resident to move to a different room or residence hall for the health or safety of Resident, other residents, or staff temporarily or permanently for the remainder of the academic year.
Use of Residence Hall Rooms
Resident agrees to all of the following:
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Residence hall rooms are designed to house students only. Individuals or outside agencies are prohibited from using the rooms, the buildings or adjacent grounds for any commercial purpose, unless written permission has been granted from Housing and Residence Life. This applies to the distribution of goods or services for which Resident or outside solicitor receives compensation and utilizing the space to offer housing accommodations to individuals not assigned to the room.
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The use or possession of intoxicating beverages is governed by the laws of the State of Ohio and the rules and regulations of Ohio University.
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The use or possession of drugs without proper medical documentation or supervision is prohibited by Ohio University.
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The use or possession of dangerous weapons or materials within the residence halls is strictly prohibited. This includes firearms, other weapons and ammunition. Dangerous weapons or materials include, but are not limited to: handguns, automatic and semiautomatic firearms, compressed air guns (e.g. CO2 air guns/paintball guns), pellet guns, bb guns, or a weapon of any description, including but not limited to ballistic or explosive devices, incendiary devices, fireworks, ammunition, or knives used for hunting, to either cause or infer harm to self or others.
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Gambling of any sort is forbidden.
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Pets (except for fish) are not permitted. Service animals and assistance animals will be permitted in accordance with Ohio University policy.
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Tampering with or misuse of fire alarm systems and firefighting equipment is prohibited.
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Financial responsibility associated with residence hall rooms and associated room changes in which the Resident changes from one capacity to another is assigned to the designated Resident.
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University-owned property may not be removed from the assigned room. Costs associated with room damage or extra custodial services will be charged to the residents of the room.
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Lofts must conform to requirements established by Ohio University. Home constructed lofts are not permitted. Unapproved personal furnishings that do not meet Ohio University requirements are prohibited. Loft information may be found under the "Furnishings and Amenities" tab.
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Tapestries or other items may not be suspended from the ceiling.
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Residents of a hall are liable for damage to furnishings and fixtures in common spaces (i.e., bathrooms, lounges, mods). Community billing may occur.
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The use or possession of high wattage electrical appliances (i.e., hot plates, ceiling fans, additional refrigerators, toasters, popcorn poppers, etc.) is prohibited. University approved and provided combination microwave/refrigerator/freezer units are available in each room. Tampering with or altering in any way the electrical fixtures and equipment within the residence hall rooms and/or common areas is prohibited.
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Candles and incense are prohibited.
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For fire safety, the only torchier-style halogen lamps allowed are those conforming to the most current UL standards.
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Cooking in non-designated kitchens is prohibited. Only the reheating of food using the Ohio University provided microwave is permitted.
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Electronic equipment capable of transmitting radio waves of any frequency (i.e., short wave, citizen, or amateur bands), are not permitted without special permission from the Chief of the Ohio University Police Department and the Department of Housing and Residence Life. External radio and television aerials are prohibited.
More information on Student Room Decorations is defined in Section D of Ohio University policy 42.501.
Conduct of Guests
- Resident is responsible for the conduct of your guests at all times and you will be held responsible for any violations of Ohio University policy committed by your guests.
Personal Property
- Ohio University is not liable for the loss or damage to any personal property of a Resident. Resident should consider renters insurance or contact your parent(s)’home insurance agent about acquiring separate student coverage.
Additional Fees
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Ohio University reserves the right to charge guests for overnight accommodations as deemed necessary to cover expenses related to the safety and security of the residence hall system and all the occupants.
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Resident is required to pay for the type of accommodations in which you are residing, beginning with the initial room assignment and rates are adjusted after all room changes/reassignments. Ohio University cannot guarantee capacity preferences.
The Student Housing Handbook
The terms and conditions of the Student Housing Handbook are hereby incorporated herein and Resident agrees to be bound by same. Changes to the Student Housing Handbook may be made in response to COVID-19. If changes are made, students will be notified in writing and the Student Housing Handbook will then go into effect.
Room & Board Rates
Room and meal plan rates for the current year are listed online. Designated rate tables associated with the OHIO Guarantee cohort can also be found on the students’ MyOHIO portal.
It is important to note that meal plans cannot be downgraded after the Wednesday before classes begin.
If Resident normally lives off-campus and special permission has been granted to allow you to live in on-campus housing temporarily, you are subject to the terms and conditions herein except that your student account will be billed on a pro-rated daily rate for room and board from when you receive a key/key card until you have removed all of your belongings from your assigned room and a Housing and Residence Life staff member has completed a checkout form and returned it to Housing and Residence Life central office.
Housing Deposit
The Housing Application governs the terms and conditions of the Housing Deposit.
Residence Hall Room & Board Refund Schedule
A Resident has “occupancy” of a residence hall room if you received your key/key card and have access to your room for at least one night. If you have occupancy you are subject to this Contract. Subject to the exceptions below, Residents are obligated to pay room and board for both the fall and spring semesters if you had occupancy for fall semester, and for the spring semester if you began occupancy for spring semester.
Any student who was admitted and registered to attend Ohio University beginning the fall or spring semester but who does not check in with residence hall staff and did not begin their education with Ohio University will be processed as a no show and will receive a 100% housing and dining refund (minus the housing deposit) once a student un-enrolls from courses. If you have an outstanding balance on your student account, the refund will first be applied to any outstanding balances with Ohio University.
Fall Semester
A Resident who has occupancy of a residence hall room for fall semester and (1) Ohio University then approves a Housing Exemption/Termination Request Form [PDF]; or (2) the Resident properly withdraws from Ohio University as a student during that fall semester, will be subject to the refund schedule as follows:
Fall Semester Refund Schedule
- 1st week of fall semester 80%
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2nd week of fall semester - 60%
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3rd week of fall semester - 40%
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4th week of fall semester - 20%
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5th week of fall semester or after - NO REFUND
Spring Semester
A fall semester Resident who has an Ohio University approved Housing Exemption/Termination Request Form [PDF] or properly withdraws from Ohio University as a student for spring semester must officially check out with the residence hall staff no later than 10PM on the Sunday prior to the start of spring semester courses to receive a total refund of spring semester room and board charges. If you have an outstanding balance on your student account, the refund will first be applied to any outstanding balances with Ohio University.
A Resident who has occupancy of a residence hall room for spring semester and (1) Ohio University then approves a Housing Exemption/Termination Request Form [PDF]; or (2) the Resident properly withdraws from Ohio University as a student during that spring semester, will be subject to the refund schedule as follows:
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1st week of spring semester - 80%
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2nd week of spring semester - 60%
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3rd week of spring semester - 40%
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4th week of spring semester - 20%
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5th week of spring semester or after - NO REFUND
Summer Sessions(s):
A Resident who has occupancy of a residence hall room for a summer session(s) and (1) Ohio University then approves a Housing Exemption/Termination Request Form [PDF]; or (2) the Resident properly withdraws from Ohio University as a student during that summer semester, will be subject to the refund schedule as follows:
- 1st week of summer occupancy - 60%
- 2nd week of summer occupancy - 40%
Re-billing Policy
If you pay for a certain style of room and are reassigned or make a room change to a different style of room, you will be credited or re-billed for the difference as applicable. Credits or re-billings are prorated on a daily basis.
If you are temporarily reassigned to a different room for health or safety reasons to quarantine or isolate, you will not be re-billed and will continue financially under the original assignment.
Under the Room Consolidation Policy (found in the Student Housing Handbook), rooms that house fewer than the designated number of residents may result in Resident being required to move. Under no circumstances can a room house more residents than the occupancy level assigned by Housing and Residence Life.
Quarantine or Isolation Agreement
This Quarantine or Isolation Agreement (“Agreement”) is a legally binding agreement between you (“you” or “Resident”) and Ohio University, on behalf of the Department of Housing and Residence Life (“Ohio University” or “Housing and Residence Life”), collectively the “parties.”
If ordered by the Athens City County Health Department (“ACCHD”) to quarantine or isolate due to COVID-19, Resident must have an individual plan for isolation or quarantine housing (home residence, hotel, etc.). Ohio University will provide isolation or quarantine housing only under exceptional circumstances.
Definitions:
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"Quarantine" means the restriction of the movements or activities of a well individual who has been exposed to a communicable disease during the period of communicability of that disease and in such a manner that transmission of the disease may have occurred. The duration of the quarantine ordered shall be equivalent to the usual incubation period of the disease to which the susceptible person was exposed.
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"Isolation" means the separation of an infected individual from others during the period of disease communicability in such a way that mitigates the risk of, as far as possible, the direct or indirect conveyance of an infectious agent to those who are susceptible to infection or who may spread the agent to others.
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“Symptoms” means fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea as well as any additional symptoms identified by the CDC.
Resident, referred to below as "you", acknowledges and agrees:
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that upon experiencing symptoms. learning that you have tested positive for, and/or learning that you have been exposed to COVID-19, you must report this to Ohio University by filling out the COVID-19 Incident Report.
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to follow any ACCHD quarantine or isolation order you receive whether verbally or in writing.
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to cooperate with ACCHD and Ohio University on its behalf as part of their contact tracing and case investigation efforts.
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that you will answer calls and emails from ACCHD and the University.
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to listen to, cooperate with and follow the instructions of Housing and Residence Life staff and other Ohio University officials.
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that resident is responsible for making their own arrangements to quarantine/isolate off campus. No housing or culinary rate adjustments or reimbursements will be made available to students who must isolate or quarantine
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that exceptionally limited on-campus quarantine/isolation housing may be available but is not guaranteed
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if approved to quarantine or isolate in a residence hall spaces, to not leave your room except as instructed by University officials or except for those instances described to you in writing from Housing & Residence Life, to receive food or to use the assigned restroom facility
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if approved to quarantine or isolate in a residence hall space, that you are not allowed to have guests/visitors while in quarantine or isolation and will not congregate with others at any time
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that you may be ordered or directed to submit to asymptomatic or symptomatic testing by the University or a medical provider and you must cooperate and expeditiously take steps to receive the test(s) and to sign the HIPAA authorization so that Ohio University receives the results.
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you will not be permitted to move back to your original residence hall until your isolation or quarantine period is completed.
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to cooperate with and follow the instructions of Housing and Residence Life staff regarding the return to your residence hall after released from quarantine or isolation.
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that you are legally obligated to comply with any order from ACCHD and that compliance with this agreement is critical to the health and safety of you, other residents, and Ohio University employees.
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if you violate the terms of this Agreement, you may no longer be permitted to reside in campus housing until after you receive an order from the ACCHD releasing you from quarantine or isolation. you understand that failure to comply with an order from ACCHD may result in disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct, as well as criminal charges under Section 3707.99 of the Ohio Revised Code. Failure to follow the directive of an Ohio University official may also result in disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct.
Upon your execution of the Housing and Culinary Services Contract, Resident agrees to this Quarantine or Isolation Agreement.