2024-25 On-Campus Housing and Dining Agreement

Parties To Agreement

This License Agreement (Agreement) is between Bowling Green State University (also referred to as the “University”) on behalf of the Office of Student Housing and University Dining Services, and the individual receiving the offer (hereinafter referred to as the “Student”) and the Student’s parent/legal guardian when the Student is under the age of 18.

On-Campus Housing Agreement Offer

The delivery of this Agreement by Bowling Green State University’s Office of Student Housing 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.

Cancellations & Withdrawal/Forfeiture Schedule

If a Student finds they will be 1) unable to attend the University, 2) has decided not to reside on campus and is eligible to live in offcampus housing or 3) commute from home according to the On-Campus Residency Requirement, they must immediately notify in writing the Office of Student Housing to minimize financial loss. Students who have already taken occupancy in their assigned residence hall are not eligible to cancel this Agreement for the purpose of commuting or living in off-campus housing, regardless of whether they meet an exemption to live off campus. See Section K of this Agreement for the definition of when occupancy of a room occurs. The Student understands and agrees 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. This forfeiture schedule will be applied for the full academic year. The amount indicated shall be retained by the University as forfeiture.

1. Forfeiture Schedule

   The University will retain as forfeiture according to the following schedule:

   2024-25 Fall Semester	The University will retain as forfeiture:
   On or before May 15, 2024	No Forfeiture
   May 2, 2024-August 25, 2024	$200.00
   August 26, 2024-September 1, 2024	10% of Housing Rate for Fall Semester
   September 2, 2024-September 8, 2024	20% of Housing Rate for Fall Semester
   September 9, 2024-September 15, 2024	40% of Housing Rate for Fall Semester
   September 16, 2024-September 22, 2024	60% of Housing Rate for Fall Semester
   On or after September 23, 2024	Full Forfeiture of Housing Rate for Fall Semester

   2024-25 Spring Semester	The University will retain as forfeiture:
   On or before December 1, 2024	No Forfeiture
   December 2, 2024-January 12, 2025	$200.00
   January 13, 2025-January 19, 2025	10% of Housing Rate for Spring Semester
   January 20, 2025-January 26, 2025	20% of Housing Rate for Spring Semester
   January 27, 2025-February 2, 2025	40% of Housing Rate for Spring Semester
   February 3, 2025-February 9, 2025	60% of Housing Rate for Spring Semester
   On or after February 10, 2025	Full Forfeiture of Housing Rate for Spring Semester

2. Cancellation of Spring Housing

   As indicated in Section F, a Student living on-campus beginning with the Fall Semester is obligated to reside on-campus for the remainder of the year (fall and spring semester), so long as the Student is duly enrolled at Bowling Green State University subject to the following exceptions for release:

   1. Academic withdrawal from BGSU.
   2. Graduation from BGSU.
   3. Marriage before the end of the second week of Spring Semester classes.
   4. 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.
   5. Other: Medical or Financial Hardship. Proof of medical or financial hardship may be required at the University’s sole discretion to determine if this exception is met.

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

Eligibility

To reside on campus, the Student agrees to be enrolled at Bowling Green State University or approved affiliated programs 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.

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.

Service Period

The University offers to furnish a room and meal plan service to the Student for the full academic year. This full academic year Agreement for all BGSU residences includes the fall semester (including BGSU’s Thanksgiving Break), spring semester (including BGSU’s Spring Break) and excludes BGSU’s Winter Break. During Thanksgiving and Spring Break, students staying may need to relocate to buildings remaining open. Based on availability, the University may offer housing options over Winter Break period for Students on a request basis in designated buildings. Charges for Winter Break housing will appear separately as a fee on the Student’s Bursar bill.

Housing Terms

Initial Housing Payment

All entering and current Students for Fall 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. All Students who are not living on campus for Fall must remit a $200 Initial Housing Payment prior to reserving or selecting a space in a University residence for Spring 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 Spring fee assessment.

Housing Rates

University housing rates are adjusted annually by the University’s Board of Trustees. The rates are for housing only and do not include the cost of a meal plan. The 2024-25 academic year room rates and board rates will be approved by the Board of Trustees by June 2024. Rates are subject to change and may be found on the Office of Student Housing website. Specific room and meal plan charges will be reflected on the Student’s Bursar bill which will be electronically posted by the Office of the Bursar beginning in July. The University Board of Trustees reserves the right to change or modify the room rates outlined herein as economic conditions warrant.

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.

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. 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 Office of the Bursar.

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 L).

Occupancy

Occupancy occurs when a Student is issued a key for their 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, the Student may not cancel this Agreement for the purpose of residing off-campus or any other reason (except as specifically allowed by this Agreement). Failure to establish occupancy may result in termination of this Agreement and subsequent cancellation of enrollment.

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 their 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 themselves 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, the Code of Student Conduct, and the Community Living Standards;
5. The Student is no longer enrolled and/or is no longer eligible for enrollment at Bowling Green State University or approved affiliated programs.

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 anything else in this Agreement, the University specifically reserves the right to immediately remove any person from a University residence if the University, in its sole discretion, determines after an individualized assessment that the person presents an credible substantial risk of harm to themselves or others or to the University community.

Communication

The Office of Student Housing will make every attempt to communicate with Students as needed either by email or phone. The email of record for the Office of Student Housing is the Student’s BGSU email address. The phone number of record is the phone number associated with the Student’s official University record.

Nondiscrimination

Bowling Green State University is committed to equal opportunity for Students in employment and education, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, marital status, disability, military status, or veteran status 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 race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, marital status, disability, military status, or veteran status as identified and defined by law.

Assignments

The Student agrees to provide the University with the information requested on the “Housing & Meal Plan Application” for the purpose of assisting with hall, room and roommate selection. The University agrees to consider the information 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), the Student will participate in the program requirements or move to another 4 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.

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) and/or Fair Housing Act 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, and/or unpaid Housing and Dining Services fees.

Accommodations

The Student understands inquiries for disability-related housing accommodations should be made to the University’s Accessibility Services; 38 College Park; Bowling Green, OH 43403 by no later than May 31, 2024 for arriving Fall semester Students and November 30, 2024 for arriving Spring semester Students. Current Students are expected to renew their status with Accessibility Services on an annual basis prior to the beginning of the housing sign-up process. Upon review of the Student’s documentation, Accessibility Services will make a recommendation to the Office of Student Housing regarding the Student’s needs.

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.

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.

Personal Property and Insurance

The University has no responsibility for loss or damage from any cause to the personal property of the Student, nor shall the University assume responsibility for any liability of the Student. It is strongly encouraged that the Student has insurance for protection against losses.

Room Entry

University officials, including Office of Student Housing and Office of Residence Life staff members, are authorized to enter, search and/or inspect Student rooms, suites, and public rooms in the residence halls, 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 a minimum of 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:

   1. By the consent of the occupants of the room;
   2. By warrant issued by an appropriate legal body/agent;
   3. Upon reasonable cause to believe that there is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct, the Ohio Revised Code, University’s Community Living Standards, or other applicable University policies.

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.

Behavior & Conduct

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

Disclosure of Criminal Conviction

The Student must notify the Office of Student Housing in writing if they have 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 5 must provide the Office of Student Housing 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 Student Housing 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 Student Housing has been notified by a Student that they have 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

Dining Services Overview

1. Each semester all students assigned to residence halls must purchase a meal plan, regardless of any remaining balance that may have been eligible to carry forward from a previous semester (currently only from the Fall to the Spring semester).

2. Value can only be added to current semester plans in swipes and/or Falcon dollars. Minimum Falcon Dollar purchase is $50.00. Funds may be added at any time through the Dine On Campus website at http://www.dineoncampus.com/BGSU/ or at the Accounting Office on the 2nd floor of the Social House at The Oaks Dining Hall.

3. Students may not transfer swipes or Falcon Dollars from one student’s meal plan account to another. Students may donate meal swipes to the Falcon Care Program to help other students who are experiencing food insecurity. Contact the Dean of Students for information.

4. Meal Plans are offered at three different price points – Gold, Silver, or Bronze and include up to three components: 1) swipes to be used at the three dining halls: Kreischer Sundial, Carillon Place and Social House at The Oaks, and/or 2) Falcon Dollars which can be used at all retail venues including the dining centers, and/or 3) Dining Plus (Starship Dollars) which can be used for Starship Robot purchases or at all retail venues including dining centers.

   1. A traditional plan includes ALL swipes with a pre-set number of swipes per week.
   2. A custom plan includes a combination of pre-set amounts of Falcon Dollars, good for the entire academic year; pre-set amounts of Dining Plus, which can be used to make Starship Robot purchases and/or purchases at campus Dining venues, good for the entire academic year; and swipes which expire at the end of each semester.
   3. A retail plan includes ALL Falcon Dollars, including an allowance for Dining Plus which can be used to make Starship Robot purchases and/or purchases at campus Dining venues.
   4. Funds cannot be transferred from swipes to Falcon Dollars.
   5. Funds cannot be transferred from Falcon dollars to Dining Plus (Starship Robot purchases).
   6. PLEASE NOTE: All first-year students living in campus housing must purchase a custom meal plan. After completion of the first year, the student is free to choose a different meal plan if preferred.

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); however, some retail locations may be open with limited hours. The Dine On Campus website includes information regarding hours of operation.

7. All meal plan balances expire and are forfeited based on the following scenarios:

   1. Weekly for the traditional swipes per week plan option.
   2. At the end of Fall and Spring terms for the swipes portion of the custom meal plan, and/or,
   3. At the end of the Spring term for Falcon Dollars. Falcon Dollar balances and Dining Plus balances at the end of the Fall term can be used in Spring term. ALL Falcon Dollar 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. 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.

Meal Plan Options

University dining rates are adjusted annually by the University’s Board of Trustees. The rates are for dining only and do not include the cost of housing. The 2024-25 academic year room rates and board rates will be approved by the University’s Board of Trustees by June 2024. Rates are subject to change and may be found on the BGSU Dining Website. Specific room and meal plan charges will be reflected on the Student’s Bursar bill which will be electronically posted by the Office of the Bursar beginning in July. The University Board of Trustees reserves the right to change or modify the room rates outlined herein as economic conditions warrant.

Meal Plan Cancellation and Adjustment Policy

All students assigned to residence halls are automatically issued the minimum (Bronze Custom) meal plan each semester if no selection is made. The Dining forfeiture schedule will be followed if a meal plan cancellation is necessary. Students can make adjustments to their meal plan using the options below. When requesting a change to the meal plan, students will be required to either electronically or physically sign a meal plan change form before the adjustment is completed.

1. 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 Accounting Office on a Meal Adjustment/Cancellation Form.
2. Dietary/Medical: University Dining 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 University Dining is unable to meet a student’s prescribed diet.
3. Meal Plan Changes: Students changing from one meal plan to another may execute this change by completing a meal plan change form. If you have any questions about this form or how to complete it, please contact University Dining, at mealplan@bgsu.edu. Changes can be made through the first week of classes without a fee assessment. During the second and third week, changes can be made, but will incur a $50 change fee. After the third week, no changes will be allowed. See below for dates.

   	Fall Semester	Spring Semester
   Changes made without a fee	August 26, 2024 – August 30, 2024	January 13, 2025 – January 17, 2025
   $50 change fee assessed	August 31, 2024 – September 13, 2024	January 18, 2025 – January 31, 2025
   No changes allowed	On or after September 14, 2024	On or after February 1, 2025

4. Meal Plan 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 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 $20.00 will be charged to any meal plan cancellation.