Housing Contract Terms

1. This Agreement is between Mount St. Mary’s University (“University”) and the Resident Student. If the Resident Student is under eighteen (18) years of age at the time of execution, a parent or legal guardian must also review and electronically sign this Agreement. The Agreement becomes effective only after all required parties have completed electronic acceptance through the University’s housing management system (Residence by Symplicity). This Agreement is non-transferable. Students may not occupy University housing until all required electronic signatures are received.
2. In exchange for the payment of the Housing Fee and any other applicable fees and charges under this Agreement, the University will provide University housing in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. The Housing Fee is billed to the student account through the University’s billing system and procedures. Half of the Housing Fee is assessed at the start of each semester. All payments must be received by the Mount St. Mary’s University Accounting and Finance Office on or before the due date indicated on the billing statement for the Agreement to remain binding. Payments or signed Agreements received late will not be accepted. If the Resident Student submits a late payment, he/she may be reassigned, or the Agreement will be canceled. If the Resident Student expects to receive financial aid funds after the payment due date, he/she must present verification from the Financial Aid Office or from a third-party financial aid source regarding the amount of aid he/she will receive.
3. The Resident Student’s failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement may result in conduct action, termination of the Agreement, reassignment, or assessment of applicable fees.
4. Eligibility for University housing requires full-time enrollment (12 credits) for undergraduate students and 6 credit hours for graduate students. Dropping below full-time status does not automatically terminate this Agreement. Requests to reside in housing while not full-time must be submitted in writing through Symplicity and approved by the Vice President/Chief Student Affairs Officer. The University reserves the right to terminate the right to occupy housing in the event a student doesn’t maintain full time status.
5. All first-year students must reside in on-campus housing, except those who live full-time with a parent/guardian and commute daily from their primary family residence to the University.
6. The University reserves the right to make housing decisions based on individual circumstances. In addition, the Resident Student must fulfill mandatory immunization requirements, as required by University policy.
7. Mount St. Mary's University complies with its policy prohibiting unlawful discrimination. The University provides housing and board without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, political or religious opinion or affiliation, age, sex, or disability, except that sex may be considered in housing assignments. If the Resident Student has a disability and requires housing accommodations, the Student is responsible for requesting accommodations through the Housing Accommodations process.

1. Term: This Agreement is binding for the full academic year (Fall and Spring semesters) or, if executed after the start of the academic year, for the remainder of the academic year. Occupancy begins upon issuance of keys to the Resident Student’s assigned residence and ends 24 hours after the Resident Student completes final exams, or at 6:00 PM on the last day of the academic year, whichever comes first. Housing and board, if applicable, are provided only when the University is in session, and university housing is open. Students will be unable to pick up their keys without signing the housing contract. University housing is closed during breaks (according to the Mount St. Mary's University calendar). Resident Students must leave their assigned residence prior to the date and time established for hall closings and may not re-enter any closed university residence halls during the break period without approval from the Office of Residence Life, Housing Operations, or the Vice President/Chief Student Affairs Officer.
2. Release from Housing: Students will not be released from this Agreement without the written approval of the Vice President/Chief Student Affairs Officer. Approval to leave University housing does not automatically constitute a financial release. Students approved to leave University housing remain financially responsible for the Housing Fee for the remainder of the academic year, and all other fees and charges applied per the terms of this Agreement.
3. Agreement Release: The University may approve a Student to leave University housing and may release the financial obligations of this Agreement when a Student leaves housing under any of the circumstances listed below:
   1. Graduation from Mount St. Mary's University.
   2. Withdrawal from Mount St. Mary's University for the entire Agreement period, or the remainder thereof, for circumstances approved by the Vice President/Student Affairs Officer
   3. Any authorized University special program that makes it mandatory for a Resident Student to be away from the campus (e.g., student teaching, study abroad, internship, practicum, etc.)
   4. Ineligibility to continue enrollment due to failure to meet academic requirements.
   5. Medical Leave must be approved by the University.
   A Student in any of these circumstances may submit a written request to be released from this Agreement through Symplicity for consideration by the University. Approval of an agreement release does not guarantee a full refund. Room charges may be prorated at the University’s discretion, based on the circumstances and timing of the approval of any agreement release. If the Agreement release is approved, the check out and removal of personal items must be completed within 48 hours of the Agreement release.
4. Agreement Termination by Mount St. Mary’s University: The University may terminate or suspend this Agreement: (1) if Resident Student is dismissed, suspended, or removed from campus or University housing (or an interim or permanent basis) pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct or applicable University policy; (2) if the payment of the Housing Fee or other fees and charges due are not timely paid; (3) if the Resident Student breaches this Agreement, violates State or Federal law, or if, in the reasonable discretion of the University, housing the Resident Student presents an unreasonable health or safety risk or risk of damage to University property; (4) the Resident Student engages in activities that violate of the University insurance policies related to the residence halls; or (5) when any urgent or unexpected circumstance makes continued provision of University housing infeasible. If the University terminates the Agreement pursuant to paragraph D(5) and the University is unable to provide other housing accommodations, the University will refund the Housing Fee on a prorated basis. pursuant to the Force Majeure provision.

This Agreement is for a space within University housing, not a specific room or bed. The University reserves the right to make assignment changes, reassignments, or consolidations at its discretion.

1. Room Changes: Room assignment changes are not guaranteed. The University may consolidate students to maximize the effective use of housing. If the Resident Student moves to a different residence without prior approval of Residence Life, they may be assessed for an improper checkout fee ($200) and may be required to return to his/her original assignment. Student Conduct action may also occur. When commencing a Residence Life approved residence change, the Resident Student must comply with any timelines and procedures designated by the University. Failure to complete the residence change in the allotted time may result in Student Conduct action until all steps are completed. The Resident Student is responsible for any additional costs that result from a change in residence. A Resident Student may not inhibit the Residence Life approved room change process in any way, and violations may be addressed through the Student Code of Conduct.
2. Room Change Freeze: Room changes are not permitted during designated freeze periods at the beginning and end of each semester, except in extraordinary circumstances approved by the Office of Residence Life, Housing Operations, and Vice President/Chief Student Affairs Officer.
3. Single Room Conversions: Students requesting to convert a double room into a single occupancy space, when approved and available, will be assessed for an additional $500 per semester, billed through the student account. Approval is subject to availability and University discretion.
4. Temporary Housing: The University may offer a temporary assignment within the residential facilities. If the Resident Student accepts a temporary assignment, they must move to another assignment upon request of the Office of Residence Life. The University maintains the right to reassign the Resident Student without prior notice, to an on- or off-campus housing facility, in the event of an actual or impending natural disaster or other condition involving the health, safety and/or well-being of the Resident Student and/or others, which would reasonably justify such a relocation.
5. Winter Break Housing: University housing is closed during Winter Break unless otherwise approved. Students are required to vacate their assigned space by the published closing date and time and return all assigned keys prior to departure. Students will not have access to their residential space unless explicitly approved through a University break housing process managed in Symplicity. Students who are approved to remain in housing during the Winter Break may be temporarily relocated by the University for building efficiency, security, or other reasons.

1. Responsibility of Resident Student: Each resident is responsible for the care and condition of their assigned living space and all University-issued keys. Residents are expected to maintain their residence in a clean, orderly, safe, and sanitary manner at all times. Residents may not perform repairs, modify furnishings or equipment, or use University property for purposes other than its intended use.
2. Improper Check-Out: An Improper Check-Out Fee will be assessed if a student fails to follow published check-out procedures, including but not limited to:
   • Failure to check out with a Resident Assistant
   • Failure to return keys
   • Failure to vacate by the designated deadline
   • Leaving belongings, trash, or damage
   The University will remove and dispose of any personal property remaining in the residence after the Student is released from University housing, the termination of this Agreement, or the date the Resident Student officially checks out of the residence. A charge for costs incurred by such removal may be assessed to the Resident Student.

Room Condition: The University supplies basic furniture, such as a desk and chair, bed, mattress, and drawer space. The Resident Student may not stack furniture, remove University-provided furnishings from the Resident Student’s unit, remove furnishings from common areas, disassemble furniture, or detach fixed furnishings without written consent from the Office of Residence Life. The Resident Student is responsible for the condition of the residence, furnishings, and fixtures provided by the University, less normal wear and tear. The Office of Residence Life and/or the Office of Campus Environment will determine and assess charges for damages or necessary repairs.

Room Condition Report: The Resident Student must submit a Room Condition Report at the time of check-in and must pick up key(s) within two business days of moving into the residence. Upon check-out, the Resident Student will be charged for missing or damaged furniture, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and costs to restore the residence and/or furnishings to the condition noted on the Room Condition Report. A final check-out inspection will be conducted by University staff after the initial check-out appointment. Additional charges may be assessed as a result of the final checkout inspection.

The Resident Student's electronic submission of the Room Condition Report establishes the Resident Student's acceptance of the condition of the room and contents at the time of check-in and becomes the standard for the condition of the room at the time of check-out. If the Room Condition Report is not completed and submitted within seven (7) business days of the time of check in, the University will assume the residence and furnishing are in good, safe, and clean condition at the time when Resident Student’s occupancy began. Unless it can be otherwise conclusively determined, all students assigned to a residence will be responsible for an equal share of any damages.

Authorized University officials or employees may enter and search any part of University housing to complete maintenance tasks; make repairs; conduct inspections; address health, safety, or security concerns; gather information regarding room condition or compliance with this Agreement, the Student Code of Conduct, or other University policy or rule. The University’s right to entry shall not require the Resident Student’s permission or presence.

Attendance at scheduled floor meetings is required. Floor meetings are an essential component of residential community standards, safety communication, and engagement. Failure to attend required floor meetings may result in conduct action or residential sanctions.

Only service animals and approved emotional support animals are permitted in University housing.

The University will assess the following additional fees and charges, as applicable. All fees and charges will be applied to the Resident Student’s account and are subject to standard payment deadlines.

• Lockout fee: $25
• $75 per night for non-exempt extended stay
• $75 late application fee (early arrivals, breaks, etc).
• Key replacement: $50 for a door key; $50 for a hall key
• Improper Check-Out Fee: $200
• Single room conversion: $500 per semester
• Cleaning, repair, or damage charges (actual cost)
• $250 cleaning fee + cost of repairs or furniture replacement for violation of animal policy.

Charge for excessive custodial needs: $35 per hour for labor; Total charge is calculated by the number of hours and number of custodians needed to clean the space; Final charges assessed to students are divided by the number of students involved or occupying a floor/space.

Vandalism Charge: $35 per hour for labor to repair the damage in addition to the cost of the damaged item or space; Total charge is calculated by the number of hours and number of staff needed to repair damage in addition to the cost of the damaged item or space; Final charges assessed to students are divided by the number of students involved or occupying a floor/space.

Charge for Removal/Cleaning of Hazardous Substances: $100-$300 fee in addition to $35 per hour for labor for custodial needs; Total charge is calculated by the number of hours, number of staff needed. If specific machinery or supplies are required for the removal/cleaning of hazardous substances, their costs will also be charged. Final charges assessed to students are divided by the number of students involved or occupying a floor/space.

Maryland state law requires that students residing in University housing must be vaccinated against meningitis. The Resident Student may elect to waive this requirement if: (1) the University provides him/her (or his/her parent / guardian, if under 18 years of age) detailed information on the risks associated with meningitis and the availability and effectiveness of any vaccine; and, (2) the Resident Student (and/or his/her parent / guardian, if under 18 years of age) sign a waiver stating that he/she (and/or his/her parent / guardian, if under 18 years of age) have received and reviewed information provided and have chosen that the Resident Student will not receive the meningitis vaccine as well as a place to waive the requirement. Proof of vaccination must be on file in the Health Services prior to moving into a university housing assignment.

This Agreement becomes effective upon electronic acceptance through Residence by Symplicity. Order of Precedence: In the event of any conflict between provisions of this Agreement, the most restrictive housing policy or the provisions approved by the Vice President/Chief Student Affairs Officer. shall govern.

If the Resident Student breaches this Agreement, the University has several options. It can end the Agreement, keep any payments already made, or pursue other legal or equitable remedies, such as requiring the Agreement to be fulfilled or seeking damages. The Resident Student will be required to pay all reasonable costs, attorney’s fees, and expenses that the University incurs while enforcing this Agreement. In the event of a breach of the financial obligations of this Agreement, the Resident Student will not be permitted to register for future courses or receive their degree from the University, until the amounts due under this Agreement are paid.

Mount St. Mary's University assumes no responsibility for accident, personal injury, or illness, damage or death sustained by the Resident Student, guests or visitors, nor for any damage or loss to personal property, from any cause whatsoever, including but not limited to damage or loss caused by fire, water, mildew, insect or pests, loss of electricity, electricity surges, loss of heat, theft or vandalism. In no event will the University’s liability for any claim or cause of action exceed the amount of the Housing Fee paid under this Agreement.

The Resident Student/Parent release(s) Mount St. Mary's University, its officers, agents and employees, and successors from any claims, demands, and causes of action, whether in law of equity, existing now or at any time in the future, for any accidents, injury, illness, property damage, theft, or loss that arises out of or relates to this Housing Agreement or Resident Student’s occupancy of any university housing.

Mount St. Mary's University encourages Resident Students to refrain from keeping valuable personal property University housing. The University is not liable for any damage or loss of any of the Resident Student’s personal property for any cause or reason. The University does not carry insurance on the personal property of Resident Students. Resident Students are strongly advised to insure their personal property against any harm, loss, or damage.

The laws of the State of Maryland govern this Agreement. The University may increase the fee for room and board by formal action of the Mount St. Mary’s University Board of Trustees. The University shall have the right to change and to establish additional rules, regulations, policies, codes, or procedures as necessary at the sole discretion of the University.

Resident Student agrees to abide by the laws of the State of Maryland; the ordinances of the Town of Emmitsburg; and the University’s Student Code of Conduct. Resident Student agrees to demonstrate behavior that is conducive for maintaining good community relations and maintaining the residence in the condition in which it was received.

Resident Student/Parent hereby agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold the University and its employees and agents harmless for any and all damages, claims, or causes of action of any kind raised by any third party against the University that arises out of or relates to the Resident Student’s use or occupancy of any university housing, except where such injury is caused by the University's reckless acts or omissions.

The University shall not be liable in damages to the Resident Student or Parent for any delay or nonperformance of this Agreement that results from an act of God or force majeure. An “act of God” or “force majeure” is defined for purposes of this contact as any strike, lockout, sit-down, or other restriction of labor or any restriction imposed by any governmental authority, or a flood, explosion, earthquake, fire, storm, disaster, pandemic, or any other similar cause not reasonably within the control of the University.