Office of Residence Life and University Dining Services

On-Campus Housing and Dining Agreement 2008-09 Academic Year

The On-Campus Housing and Dining Agreement is a legal and binding document between the Student and parent/legal guardian when the Student is under the age of 18. and the University. Before agreeing to the terms contained herein (in writing or electronically), please carefully read this document. 

BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY ON-CAMPUS RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

 The Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees has set a requirement for two years of residency in University Housing subject to the following exceptions: 

1. The Student will be 23 years of age as of August 25, 2008;
2. The Student will complete four semesters of on-campus residency as of August 25, 2008;
3. The Student will attain junior level status as of August 25, 2008;
4. The Student will be commuting daily from the permanent home address of their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) within a 50-mile radius of BGSU);

1. Please note that the Office of Residence Life considers the permanent home address of the Student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to be the address of record on file with federal, state and local tax agencies and where a minimum of one of the Student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s) reside;
2. Students who qualify to reside off-campus under this clause are required to complete a Residential Verification Form available in the Office of Residence Life. Please note that providing false information to the University is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct;

5. The Student is married (proof of marriage required);
6. The Student is a parent with custodial care responsibilities (proof of custodial care required);
7. The Student will fulfill one of the requirements to be considered an independent Student (as determined by the Office of Financial Aid) as of August 25, 2008;
8. The Student will complete 30 months of consecutive military service as of August 25, 2008.

 A.     PARTIES TO AGREEMENT

This Agreement is between Bowling Green State University, hereinafter referred to as the University, on behalf of the Office of Residence Life and University Dining Services, and the individual receiving the offer, hereinafter referred to as the Student and parent/legal guardian when the Student is under the age of 18.

B.     ON-CAMPUS HOUSING AGREEMENT OFFER

The delivery of this Agreement by Bowling Green State University’s Office of Residence Life and University Dining Services to the Student named constitutes an offer of accommodations and services in a University residence under the terms and conditions described herein. This offer is contingent upon its acceptance (either in writing or electronically) by the Student and upon availability of space in a University residence.

NOTE: Parent/legal guardian signature is required on the On-Campus Housing and Dining Agreement for Students who are not yet 18 years old when the Agreement is executed. A Student who falls into this category must submit a signed Agreement to the Office of Residence Life in order to receive housing accommodations.

C.     EXECUTION OF AGREEMENT

It is agreed that this Agreement is duly executed upon receipt of payment by the Office of the Bursar for room, and meal plan (as applicable) accommodations and constitutes a binding Agreement between the University and Student.

 D.     ELIGIBILITY

The Student agrees to be enrolled, and remain enrolled, for academic credit during the duration of this Agreement. Dropping to half-time or part-time enrollment status does not terminate this Agreement.

E.     CHOICE OF LAW

This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, regardless of the place of execution. Any legal action arising pursuant to this Agreement shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Ohio.

F.     SERVICES PERIOD

The University offers to furnish a room and meal plan service to the Student in accordance with his/her selected Agreement period. Please indicate below the term of this Agreement.

1. ____ Full Academic Year Agreement.  The full academic year Agreement for all BGSU residences includes the fall semester, spring semester (or balances therein) and excludes Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break and Spring Break. 
2. ____ Full Academic Year Agreement with breaks. The full academic year Agreement for specified BGSU residences includes the fall semester, spring semester (or balances therein) and includes Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break and Spring Break. Charges for break housing will appear separately as a fee on the Student’s Bursar bill. 
3. ____ 12 Month Agreement. The 12 month Agreement for specified BGSU residences includes the fall semester, spring semester, summer sessions (or balances therein) and includes Thanksgiving Break, Winter Break and Spring Break.

• Students will have limited meal service available during break periods.
• Summer meal plan service is optional, but may be purchased through University Dining Services.
• Residents agreeing to either Agreement period 2 or 3 may have limited housing options available for selection and/or assignment and/or may be required to move to designated summer session housing and/or may be required to move to designated break housing during break periods for purposes of maintaining safety and security. 

HOUSING TERMS

G.    INITIAL HOUSING PAYMENT

All entering and current Students must remit a $200 Initial Housing Payment prior to reserving or selecting a space in a University residence for Fall semester. After serving the purpose of reserving space, the $200 will be applied to the balance of housing fees after the Office of the Bursar begins Fall fee assessment.

H.     HOUSING RATES

University housing rates are adjusted annually by the Board of Trustees. The following rates are for housing only and do not include the cost of a meal plan. See section on Dining Services for meal plan rates.  The 2008-09 academic year room rates and board rates were approved  by the Board of Trustees on February 29, 2008.  * The proposed Laundry Fee and Proposed Residential Technology Fee are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees.  Rates are subject to change. Specific room and meal plan charges will be reflected on the Student’s Bursar bill which will be mailed by the Office of the Bursar in July.

Laundry Fee per semester: $50

Residential Technology Fee per semester: $100

The 12-Month Agreement rates include a 15% discount over the combined rates for Fall and Spring Semesters, Break periods and Summer.

The University Board of Trustees reserves the right to change or modify the room rates outlined herein as economic conditions warrant.

I.      CANCELLATIONS & WITHDRAWLS/FORFEITURE SCHEDULE

If a Student finds he/she will be 1) unable to attend the University, 2) has decided not to reside on-campus and is eligible to live in off-campus housing or 3) commute from home according to the On-Campus Residency Requirement, he/she should immediately notify the Office of Residence Life to minimize financial loss.

It is hereby agreed that the forfeiture schedule set forth in this Agreement shall be applied in the event that the Student decides not to reside on-campus and cancels prior to occupancy or withdraws from the University before or after occupancy. The amount indicated shall be retained by the University as forfeiture.

FORFEITURE SCHEDULE:

NOTE: Students arriving for Spring semester are not required to submit an Initial Housing Payment since they are required to complete payment in full in order to receive a housing assignment. Students who have not completed payment and cancel on or after December 1, 2008 are subject to fee assessments to their Bursar accounts pursuant to the Forfeiture Schedule.

Cancellation of Spring Housing

As indicated in Section E, a Student living on-campus for the Fall Semester is obligated to reside on-campus for the remainder of the year, so long as he or she is duly enrolled at Bowling Green State University subject to the following exceptions for release:

1. Marriage before the end of the second week of Spring Semester classes:
2. Medical need:
3. Academic withdrawal:
4. Graduation:
5. Participation in an academic program that requires the Student to commute to an off-site location beyond the approved commuting distance (50 miles) to Bowling Green, OH.

Legitimate cancellations for the Spring Semester will be processed without penalty providing they are filed with the Office of Residence Life prior to the cut-off dates as outlined in the Forfeiture Schedule.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the Student to provide supporting documentation to substantiate their request to be released from the housing Agreement.

J.     PAYMENT OF STUDENT FEES

By agreeing to the terms of the Agreement, the Student agrees to accept room and meal plan and pay the applicable fees in accordance with the scheduled due dates as posted by the Office of the Bursar. Non-occupancy of assigned space does not terminate this Agreement, and the appropriate charges under this Agreement will continue. Room and board rates and fees for the 2008-09 academic year will be established by the Board of Trustees by July 2008. Specific room and meal plan charges will be reflected on the Student’s Bursar bill which will be mailed by the Office of the Bursar in July. For planning purposes only, please refer to the 2008-2009 room and meal plan fees. Students must pay the full amount of all fees on their Bursar account by the posted due date or enroll in an Installment Payment Plan option available through the Bursar’s Office.

Fees not paid by the due date may result in one or more of the following actions being taken against the Student by the University:

1. Postponement of scheduled check-in time;
2. Suspension of access to University residence and dining facilities;
3. Termination of Agreement (see Section M).

K.     OCCUPANCY

occurs when a Student is issued a key for his/her room assignment. Actual physical occupancy of the room by the Student and/or placement of Student’s possessions within the room is not necessary to constitute occupancy. It is the responsibility of all Students to fulfill occupancy expectations by Tuesday of the first week of classes. Once a Student fulfills occupancy, he/she may not cancel his/her Agreement for the purpose of residing off-campus. Failure to establish occupancy may result in termination of this Agreement and subsequent cancellation of enrollment.

L.     TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT BY THE UNIVERSITY

The University may terminate this Agreement at any time if the University determines that:

1. The Student is delinquent in his/her tuition, housing, dining or other fees or any part thereof;
2. The Student fails to respect the rights of fellow residents by creating an atmosphere which is not  conducive to the successful pursuit of an academic degree or engages in disruptive, dangerous or excessively noisy behavior, or behavior which intimidates or harasses other people or interferes with the quiet enjoyment of the premises by residents and guests;
3. The Student has misrepresented himself/herself to the University;
4. The Student has violated any term of this Agreement or violated any University rule, regulation or policy, including but not limited to the BGSU Undergraduate Catalog, the Student Handbook, and Community Living Standards;
5. The Student is no longer enrolled and/or is no longer eligible for enrollment at Bowling Green State University.

The University may terminate this Agreement for any of the above reasons upon giving the Student seven (7) days written notice. The notice shall state the reason for termination and the date of termination, which must be at least seven (7) days after serving the notice. After the date of termination, the University shall be entitled, without further notice, to enter the assigned room and repossess the same, and to remove the Student and Student’s property.

In the event this Agreement is terminated in accordance with the provisions of this section, the Student shall be required to immediately surrender the assigned room and all University owned property to the University under the same terms and conditions as would apply under this Agreement if the surrender were to take place at the completion of this Agreement.

Notwithstanding the provisions in this section, the University specifically reserves the right to immediately remove any individual from a University residence if the University, in its sole discretion, determines that the individual presents an immediate danger to himself/herself or others.

M.    COMMUNICATION

The Office of Residence Life will make every attempt to communicate with Students as needed either by e-mail or phone. The e-mail of record for the Office of Residence Life is the Student’s BGSU email address. The phone number of record is the phone number associated with the Student’s room assignment.

N.     NONDISCRIMINATION

Bowling Green State University is committed to equal opportunity for Students in employment and education, and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, age, or status as a veteran as identified and defined by law. As such, the University agrees to make assignments without discrimination and to avoid changes of original assignments for reasons of sexual orientation, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, marital status, disability, age, or status as a veteran as identified and defined by law.

O.    ASSIGNMENTS

The Student agrees to provide the University with the information and preferences requested on the “My Room & Meals” Preference page for the purpose of hall, room and roommate assignment. The University agrees to consider the information and preferences submitted by the Student. However, no guarantee of a specific assignment is implied. The Student agrees to observe the hall/room change procedures established by the University and to have prior written approval from an authorized University official before making a change of hall and/or room assignment. If a vacancy occurs in the assigned room, the remaining Student(s) agrees to keep appropriate space for roommate(s) available and clean at all times and to accept other roommate(s) as assigned at any time. The Student agrees that upon acceptance to a special program (such as a Residential Learning Community), he or she will participate in the program requirements or move to another residence upon the request of the University. At the opening of fall and spring semesters and at times of unanticipated over enrollment, the Student may be assigned to temporary or over-assigned housing space. These assignments will be charged at the standard room and meal rates as indicated in this Agreement. The University will take reasonable steps to ensure that such assignments are as brief in duration as possible.

P.     REASSIGNMENT

Rooms are subject to reassignment at any time. The Student understands and accepts that the University may alter the Student’s assignment (before or during occupancy) for any or no reason, including, but not limited to, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, disciplinary reasons, catastrophe, room or room services condition, renovation or closing of a facility, consolidation of vacancies, unavailability of space, violation of specific living area environment, irresolvable incompatibility of roommates, unpaid Housing and Dining Services fees.

Q.    SPECIAL NEEDS

The Student understands inquiries for disability-related housing accommodations should be made to Disability Services; 413 South Hall; Bowling Green, OH 43403 by no later than May 31, 2008 for arriving Fall semester Students and November 30, 2008 for arriving Spring semester residents. Current Students are expected to renew their status with Disability Services on an annual basis prior to the beginning of the housing sign-up process. Upon review of the Student’s documentation, Disability Services will make a recommendation to the Office of Residence Life regarding the Student’s needs.

R.     CARE OF FACILITIES

The Student agrees to be directly and financially responsible for keeping the assigned room and its furnishings clean and free from damage, to cooperate with roommates in the common protection of property and in maintenance of the living space, and to advise the University of any deteriorated conditions of the room or its furnishings so timely repairs can be made. The Student agrees to use public areas, residential corridors and rooms, and equipment and furnishings in a careful and proper manner, to contribute to the orderliness and cleanliness of all areas, to cooperate in the common protection of property, and to advise the University of any deteriorated or hazardous conditions so timely repairs can be made. The Student agrees to pay charges when assessed for common area damages or special housekeeping or maintenance services necessary due to misuse or abuse of facilities or equipment for which the Student is determined to be responsible, or to pay an equal portion of charges assessed to all Students of a corridor, or residence hall, or dining facility when those responsible cannot be identified by the hall staff or the responsible individuals fail to assume the charges.

S.     MAINTENANCE

The University agrees to make all necessary repairs and perform maintenance in the residence hall and the Student’s room by authorized personnel. Repairs will be made to the room and University furnishings upon request or in accordance with routine schedules. Temporary inconvenience caused by malfunction of mechanical, electrical systems, or any other component of the residence does not warrant a refund.

T.     PERSONAL PROPERTY AND INSURANCE

The University cannot assume responsibility for loss or damage from any cause to the personal property of the Student, nor will the University assume responsibility for any liability, personal or property for the Student.   It is strongly encouraged that the Student has insurance for protection against such losses.

U.     ROOM ENTRY

University officials, including Office of Residence Life staff members, are authorized to enter, search and/or inspect Student rooms, suites, and public rooms in the residence halls, campus sponsored apartments and small group living units. There are three occasions when room entry may be especially necessary:

1.   Room Inspections - Routine and mandated inspections may be necessary to verify the following: acceptable standards of safety and hygiene, observance of University residence policies and procedures, University regulations and requirements of public law, and maintenance and repair of equipment. The time and date for building inspections will be posted 24 hours in advance.

2.   Room Searches - Searches of Student rooms by University officials shall be authorized and conducted under one or more of the following conditions:

a.     By the consent of the occupants of the room;

b.     By warrant issued by an appropriate legal body/agent;

c.     Upon reasonable cause to believe that there is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, the Ohio Revised Code, or the Community Living Standards.

3.   Performance of Duty - University officials reserve the right to enter a Student room/suite/apartment, locked or unlocked, at any time it is deemed necessary for immediate resolution of policy violations, addressing a disruption, maintenance problems, illness, hazards and other similar emergencies or potential crises.

V.     BEHAVIOR & CONDUCT

The Student agrees to read and observe all published rules affecting his or her status with the University. Specifically included are the BGSU Undergraduate Catalog, the Student Handbook, Community Living Standards and terms of this Agreement.

W.    DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL CONVICTION

The Student must notify the Office of Residence Life in writing if he/she has ever been convicted of a  felony, (the term conviction will be interpreted broadly and will include pleas of no contest, deferred adjudications, withheld judgments and similar dispositions). The Student must provide the Office of Residence Life a statement with a complete description of his/her actions and full details of the charges/conviction/sanctions against him/her. Failure to notify the Office of Residence Life of a felony conviction, prior to University housing occupancy or immediately upon conviction of a felony during University housing occupancy may be grounds for denial of, or immediate removal from, University housing.

Once the Office of Residence Life has been notified by a Student that he/she has been convicted of a felony, the matter will be reviewed. The University shall at all times have the right to determine residency eligibility.

DINING SERVICES TERMS

A.     DINING SERVICES OVERVIEW

1. Each semester all students assigned to residence halls (exceptions: non-mandatory meal plan residence halls) must purchase a meal plan, regardless of any remaining balance from previous semesters.  Chapman Hall is currently the designated residence hall in which freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior students may opt not to purchase a meal plan. All other students must have a meal plan each semester.
2. Value can only be added to current semester plans in increments of $50 or more.  Funds may be added at any time at the Office of the Bursar.
3. Students may not transfer money from one student's meal plan account to another.
4. Funds cannot be transferred from the residential meal plan to Flexfund.
5. ONLY THE STUDENT WHOSE PICTURE IS ON THE BG1 CARD MAY USE THE CARD.
6. Dining centers close during official University break periods (Thanksgiving, semester and spring breaks).
7. All meal plan balances expire and are forfeited at the end of the Summer term and Spring term.  Meal plan balances at end of Fall term can be used in Spring term.  Fall term meal plan balances remaining at end of Spring term expire and are forfeited.  No refunds, rebates, or transfers are permitted with meal plan balances at any time.
8. Meal plan use at the Bowen-Thompson Student Union venues is restricted to posted days and times.
9. In order to administer technical functions of the meal plan system, meal plan use between semesters may be limited.  Please contact University Dining Services for specific dates.

 B.     MEAL PLAN OPTIONS

 University Dining Services Meal Plan rates are adjusted annually by the Board of Trustees.  The 2008-09 academic year room rates and board rates were approved  by the Board of Trustees on February 29, 2008.  Rates are subject to change. Specific room and meal plan charges will be reflected on the Student’s Bursar bill which will be mailed by the Office of the Bursar in July.

The University Board of Trustees reserves the right to change or modify the meal plan rates outlined herein as economic conditions warrant.

C.     MEAL PLAN CANCELLATION AND ADJUSTMENT POLICY

All students assigned to residence halls are automatically issued the minimum meal plan each semester if no selection is made. The Room and Meal Plan Payment Schedule must be followed. Only qualified students living in a designated non-mandatory meal plan residence are exempt from purchasing a Meal Plan.

1. Fraternity/Sorority: Students not living in a Greek house, but eligible to secure meals in a University-owned fraternity or sorority must execute the cancellation/adjustment of their meal plan by signing the Chapter Meal Adjustment Form at the chapter house. The completed form will be forwarded to the University Dining Services Accounting Office, Room 100, Centrex Building. The Chapter Meal Adjustment Form must be in the University Dining Services Accounting Office by the close of business on the seventh Friday of the semester. No adjustments will be made after this date. The student's meal account will be reduced by the approved amount and a check will be made payable to the chapter.
2. Academic Obligations: Students eligible to adjust their meal plan due to academic obligations away from the campus (e.g. student teaching, internships) are to initiate a request for adjustment through the appropriate college office. The college office will then submit all requests to the University Dining Services Accounting Office on a Meal Adjustment/Cancellation Form.
3. Dietary/Medical: BGSU Dining Services staff will work with dietitians and other medical providers to follow prescribed medical diets. Therefore, meal plans are only cancelled when it is determined by the director, or designee, that BGSU Dining Services is unable to meet a student's prescribed diet.
4. Meal Plan Changes: Students changing from one meal plan to another may execute this change at University Dining Services, dining@bgsu.edu, or the Office of Residence Life prior August 5, 2008. Changes on or after August 5, 2008 or changes that are made between semesters must be made in the University Dining Services Accounting Office. Meal Plan downgrades must be made prior to the first day of classes. Meal Plan upgrades may be made at anytime.
5. Exceptions: Students living in a designated non-mandatory meal plan residence hall or non-members living in small group residences may cancel or adjust their meal plan through the first five days of classes. After this date, cancellations and adjustments will NOT be made.
6. Cancellations: Full financial credit will only be granted for cancellations prior to the first day of classes and there has been no usage. Thereafter, the maximum adjustable amount will be reduced according to a daily forfeiture schedule. University Dining Services will use the housing cancellation date or the date of the last meal eaten, whichever is later, as the official date to cancel meal plans.  An administrative processing fee of $15.00 will be charged to any account requiring an adjustment

D.    BG1 CARD SECURITY

Lost BG1 Cards should be reported immediately and in person to the BG1 Card Services Center during normal business hours or to the University Police after hours so that the card can be disabled for further use until it is recovered or replaced.  The BG1 Card Services Center is located at the first floor entrance of the University Bookstore in the Student Union.  The University Police Office is located in Commons.  For more information visit the BG1 Card Web site: http://BG1Card.BGSU.edu or call 419-372-4127.

The On-Campus Housing and Dining AGREEMENT is a legal and binding Agreement between the Student,and parent/legal guardian when the Student is under the age of 18, and the University for the entire academic year or balance thereof. By signing below, The Student acknowledges that He/She has read, understood and agreed to all terms and conditions of this ON-CAMPUS HOUSING AND DINING Agreement.