This license obligates you to remain in on-campus housing for the entire academic year.
I have read and agree to abide by this license and the regulations as stated. It is each student’s responsibility to monitor and respond to messages on voicemail on their residence hall room telephone, e-mail provided by Binghamton University, and their residential community mailbox. Binghamton University uses these three official services of the University to make contact with students.
This license is extended by the University, to individual students and students with families, for an on-campus space in residential facilities. This license is not for a particular room, and should not be construed to be a lease. This license is in effect from the day you accept occupancy through the date you check out as defined in this license. This license is also in effect during summer Orientation and summer housing. Failure to occupy a space after signing this license does not relieve the student of the responsibility to fulfill its terms. Likewise, a student who occupies a space without signing the license is nevertheless responsible for all its terms and conditions. Residents who do not reside in the apartment communities or in halls designated for break housing may not occupy rooms when the residential facilities are closed. All students in the first-year class of the University, regardless of credit hours earned, are required to live in University housing for their first academic year unless permission to live off campus is received from the Office of Residential Life. Exempt from this policy are students with dependents, local students living at home and students over 21 years of age. All residents in University housing, except those living in Susquehanna and Hillside communities, are required to participate in one of the resident dining programs. Residents in University housing are expected to conduct themselves in a manner appropriate to a community living environment. Residents must abide by the policies and regulations of this license and “Rules of Student Conduct and Procedures for Review of Student Conduct.” The University reserves the right to reassign or remove a resident from University housing. Any violation of any section of this license may be referred for judicial action.
I. ELIGIBILITY. To be eligible for residence in University housing, a resident must be enrolled as a student in the University. Priority for University housing will be given to full-time degree candidates. Housing for part-time and/or non-matriculated students is considered by request on a case-by-case basis. Part-time and/or non-matriculated students granted University housing are bound by the terms of the yearly housing license. Residents in University housing during the fall 2008 semester who drop to part-time status for the spring semester are required to remain in University housing for the spring 2009 semester unless granted approval to cancel by the Residential Life Office.
Residents not officially registered in, or who are mandated by, the University are required to vacate their rooms within 48 hours of becoming ineligible and may not remain as the “guest” of another resident. When becoming ineligible to live in University housing, residents failing to vacate University residential facilities (removing their person and possessions and returning the keys and access card) will incur weekly housing charges until they have properly vacated all residential facilities.
Any student who is administratively removed from University housing will not be eligible for University housing at any time in the future. Also, any resident who voluntarily vacates his or her room or who must be re-admitted should understand that his or her opportunity to return to University housing will be contingent upon availability.
II. FAMILY OCCUPANCY. The primary area for housing families is Susquehanna Community. Proof of marriage, domestic partnership or family dependence is required. Non-student spouses/partners and dependents shall remain eligible for University housing only as long as they are living in the apartment with the eligible resident. Families are permitted to occupy apartments in no greater number than one person above the normal occupancy level of the apartment. It is the responsibility of the residents to make known to the community director any change in marital status or family size that would affect eligibility for continued occupancy. Failure to notify the community director of such a change may result in termination of this license and other action as deemed necessary. Residents are accountable for the actions of their non-student family members.
III. ATTENDANT CARE. Housing accommodations for students needing attendant care will be considered in rooms designated for such use. The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities will verify the need for such an accommodation. Attendants who share a bedroom with a resident with a disability must be of the same gender. No housing charges will be assessed for attendants living in a bedroom with residents with a disability if such accommodation is made in a bedroom normally designated for this purpose. Additional room rent, at the full rate, will be charged for attendants living in a separate bedroom. Non-student attendants shall remain eligible for University housing as long as they abide by the conditions of this license and “Rules of Student Conduct and Procedures for Review of Student Conduct,” and as long as the person in their care is a student living in University housing.
IV. SUMMER OCCUPANCY. This license is also in effect for summer 2009. Those registered for Summer Session courses (May 26-Aug. 7) who are not current residents of Susquehanna Community will be housed in Hillside Community for the 2009 Summer Session. Only current residents of Susquehanna Community may continue their residency throughout the summer.
Residents of Susquehanna Community who are not continuing their residency through the summer must return all keys and vacate the apartments by the date the community closes for the spring semester, Fri., May 15.
Residents living in Susquehanna Community during the summer who do not have a fall housing reservation must vacate their assigned apartments by noon on Sat., Aug. 8. Additionally, summer residents who have a different assignment for the fall semester or who cancel their fall assignment must also vacate their summer housing assignment by noon on Sat., Aug. 8.
Residents of Susquehanna Community who cancel their fall assignments after noon on Aug. 8 will be considered to have taken fall occupancy and are liable for payment of deposits as indicated in Section V. For the purpose of refunds, occupancy is defined as failure to vacate summer housing by noon on Aug. 8, 2009.
V. DEPOSITS.
1. Fall Housing Deposits. To secure a housing assignment for the 2008-09 academic year, current students must pay an advance housing deposit of $200, credited toward the fall semester’s room rent. Current students are ineligible for a refund once a housing reservation is secured. New students must pay an advance housing deposit of $200, credited toward the fall semester’s room rent. New student tuition and housing deposits are refundable until May 1 or within 30 days of the date of the admission letter, whichever is later.
2. Spring Housing Deposits. To request a housing assignment for the spring semester 2009, eligible students who are not fall residents must pay an advance housing deposit of $200, nonrefundable after Dec. 1, 2008. New student tuition and housing deposits are refundable until December 1 or within 30 days of the date of the admission letter, whichever is later.
3. Deferred Tuition Deposits. New students who are not required to make payment of the tuition deposit and who have secured a housing assignment will remain liable for payment of the housing cancellation fee even if they choose not to attend the University.
VI. HOUSING ASSIGNMENT. Binghamton University is not permitted to classify students according to race, religion, national origin or disability. ASSIGNMENTS CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE MADE OR CHANGED BASED ON THESE FACTORS. Housing in Hillside Community is reserved for upper-class students. Susquehanna Community accommodates families and upper-class students. New graduate students are provided housing contingent on space availability. Freshmen are assigned to space in one of the non-apartment undergraduate residential communities only. Exceptions will be considered for freshmen with families, non-traditional freshmen (21 years old or older) and those who have a documented University-approved medical need for apartment housing.
Students are not guaranteed specific housing assignments and are liable for payment of room rent at the specified rate of the room to which they are assigned. Residents are prohibited from switching rooms without prior University authorization. Residents cannot permit any part of their rooms, suites or apartments to be shared by persons not assigned by the residential community.
The University has the obligation to fill its rooms to designed capacity, and some students may be assigned temporarily to share a double room with two other students. As vacancies become available, residents assigned three to a double room are required to accept permanent assignment to a vacancy in an under-occupied room. Residents offered the opportunity for reassignment from a double room with three occupants to a vacant space in an under-occupied room have 24 hours to confirm their acceptance of the reassignment.
After residents have been reassigned from double rooms with three occupants, and after the end of the second week of classes, consideration is given to requests for room changes. Room changes must be completed prior to the beginning of the room reservation process for the fall and spring semesters, as specified by the Residential Life Office. All changes must be approved by the residential community’s assistant director or community director. The University reserves the right to assign new residents to fill vacancies and make changes in room assignments.
VII. ROOM CHANGES AND VACANCIES. For the fall 2008 semester, residents may begin placing their name on the room-change waiting list on Sept. 2, 2008. Room changes end Oct. 24. For the spring 2009 semester, residents may begin placing their name on the room-change waiting list on Jan. 26. Room changes end February 13, 2009. Residents living in an accommodation in which a vacancy exists may have the opportunity to choose one of the following options:
1. Name a current University resident to move in with them.
2. Move to another room where a vacancy exists.
3. Apply for the room as a paid single, if paid singles are allowed at that time.
4. Be assigned a roommate or be reassigned to another room with a vacancy.
The Office of Residential Life reserves the right to make administrative room changes at any time.
VIII. OCCUPANCY. Occupancy is defined as acceptance of the key(s) and access card and/or moving personal possessions into the room, suite or apartment. Occupancy is also defined as failure to vacate after obtaining approval of a housing cancellation request or failure to remove all possessions from residence and return key(s) and access card.
Residents failing to properly vacate University residential facilities will incur weekly housing charges until the room, suite or apartment is properly vacated.
IX. BREAK HOUSING. Residents of the apartment communities and residents of halls designated for break housing can remain in their residence hall at any time during any break that occurs in the fall or spring semester. Residents in break housing for the fall 2008 semester who will not be registered students at the University for the spring 2009 semester may not remain in residence after the halls close for the fall semester Dec. 20, 2008. If room, suite or apartment vacancy is not completed by this date, residents will continue to incur daily room rent charges during the semester break. Any resident of University housing who has not properly vacated by Jan. 21, 2009, will also incur daily room rent charges for each day he or she occupies the room, suite or apartment during the spring 2009 semester.
X. ROOM-RATE ADJUSTMENTS. After a resident has occupied residential facilities, no room-rate adjustment is available for the balance of that academic year if the resident vacates on-campus housing without permission or authorization to do so. Residents removed from University housing for disciplinary reasons are ineligible for room-rate adjustments.
In some cases, residents may be assigned temporarily to a double room with two other occupants. Residents not reassigned to a regular occupancy room by the end of the second week of classes are entitled to a daily prorated room-rate adjustment until they are moved to a regular-occupancy room or until the midpoint of the semester. Residents who voluntarily choose to live in an over-occupied room with three occupants are ineligible for any refund unless the vacancy is filled by another resident from a room occupied by three students.
XI. ACADEMIC YEAR HOUSING CANCELLATIONS AND PENALTIES. This license is in effect for the 2008-09 academic year. The only permissible reason for a resident to cancel the license is if he or she will not be a student at the University.
Residents who withdraw from the University for the fall semester prior to Dec. 1, 2008, and remain students at the University for the spring 2009 semester are not liable for fulfilling the terms of the license for the spring semester. Residents who withdraw for the fall semester after Dec. 1, 2008, and remain students at the University for the spring 2009 semester must fulfill the terms of the University Housing License for the spring semester and remain in University housing.
Approved housing cancellation requests are contingent on the status of the student for the spring semester. Residents who remain registered at the University for the spring semester will be liable for fulfilling the terms of the University Housing License for the spring semester. Residents who move off campus without an approved housing cancellation will be liable for room rent fees for the balance of the academic year.
Eligible residents who wish to request permission to cancel their license at the end of the fall semester must do so in writing. A Request for Housing Cancellation must be submitted and approved no later than Fri., Nov. 7, 2008, at 4:30 p.m. to avoid a $200 billing. Approved cancellations after Nov. 7, 2008, but before Jan. 22, 2009, will result in a billing of $200 without exception. Residents who attend a SUNY-sponsored program or transfer from the University and do not submit a Request for Housing Cancellation by the cancellation deadline will be billed for the $200 housing cancellation fee even if they are not yet accepted to the program or another institution. Additionally, residents living in the apartment communities or break housing halls who are leaving the University and cancel their license after Dec. 20, 2008, but before Jan. 22, 2009, will be billed daily rental for the time they occupy their room during the recess.
XII. EARLY ARRIVALS. Residents may not occupy or deliver items to their rooms, suites or apartments prior to the official opening date unless an early arrival request has been submitted and approved by Residential Life. Approved early arrivals will be charged nightly room rent from the date of early check-in until the date the residence halls officially open for the fall or spring semester.
XIII. LATE ARRIVALS. Residents must notify the appropriate residential community housing office if they plan to arrive after the official opening date for University housing. Housing assignments will not be held longer than 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 26, 2008, for the fall semester and 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 27, 2009, for the spring semester. Residents who do not check into their assignments on time will forfeit their housing deposit and assignments.
XIV. RESPONSIBILITY FOR USE OF HOUSING FACILITIES
1. Check-In. For verification, each resident must produce identification prior to being given access to his or her assigned room. Each resident must complete and sign the Condition Report(s) provided by the University within 24 hours of occupancy. Failure to complete, sign and return the form(s) results in the resident’s assumption of responsibility for any damage evident in the room, suite or apartment. These forms are the basis for assessment of any damage and/or loss attributable to the resident at the termination of occupancy.
2. Check-Out. Rooms, suites or apartments are not considered vacated until all personal possessions are removed and the keys and access cards are returned. Failure to return keys and/ or access cards upon check-out will result in charges assessed for lock and/or key access replacement. Residents must remove all refuse and discarded material and leave the entire room, suite or apartment as clean as it was at the time of check-in. This includes all furniture, kitchen cabinets, kitchen appliances, bathrooms and fixtures. Upon termination of occupancy, and by contacting a staff member, residents may identify and accept responsibility for changes in condition for which they may be assessed a charge.
Residents must vacate by the date stipulated in the official University calendar. The deadline to vacate for the fall 2008 semester is Sat., Dec. 20, 2008, at 11 a.m. For the spring 2009 semester, residents must vacate the residence hall 24 hours after their last exam.
The University reserves the right to remove residents or charge for occupancy beyond the deadline.
3. Cleaning. Residents are responsible for removing trash and recyclable items regularly. Residents are also responsible for maintaining satisfactory health and life safety standards and cleaning their own rooms, suites and all areas within apartments, including all furniture, fixtures, appliances and areas not routinely cleaned by maintenance personnel. The University reserves the right to ask residents to clean rooms, suites or apartments if their condition represents a health and safety concern or will result in deterioration of the facilities. Failure to cooperate with such a request may result in judicial action and billing to cover the University costs for the cleaning. Physical Facilities staff may enter during break periods to clean rooms, suites or apartments.
4. Commercial Activities. No commercial activity or solicitation may be conducted in or from University residential facilities.
5. Damage. Residents are responsible for any damage they cause, whether by intentional or unintentional means, to their entire room, suite or apartment, or to the furniture, fixtures, equipment and effects contained therein. Flush only items that toilets are designed to accommodate. Grease should not be put down kitchen or bathroom drains or toilets. Final inspections and assessments for damages are completed by a University inspection team after the resident(s) vacates the room, suite or apartment. Resident assistants do not assess damages. Charges for excessive cleaning, removal of personal property and loss or damage caused by residents are billed directly to the resident(s) responsible. In the event that two or more residents occupy the same room, suite or apartment and it cannot be ascertained which resident is responsible for the damage, the assessment is made against everyone equally.
Residents may be held financially responsible for any damages in stairwells, corridors, floor or building lounges, or common or public bathrooms.
6. Decorations. Residents may decorate their room, suite or apartment, with the understanding that any damages to the room, suite or apartment will be assessed to the resident(s) responsible. Attaching lightweight and removable decorations to windows or screens is permissible if it can be done in a manner that is safe and does not compromise the purpose or functioning of the screens or windows. Such decorations may not extend outside the room or onto the exterior of the building. Tapestries, carpeting or other fabrics, if treated with a fireproof material, may be suspended from picture moldings, but may not be hung in such a way as to limit egress from the entrance of the room. Proof of such treatment is required. Because of concerns over disturbing encapsulated asbestos and the possibility of ignited material affecting evacuation during a fire, affixing anything to the ceiling is expressly prohibited. (If using electrical decorations, see Section XV, Electrical Appliances.)
7. Furniture. Furniture provided by the University may not be removed from rooms, suites, apartments or common areas. Screens may not be removed from windows and security screen tabs may not be tampered with or removed. Furniture is not to be disassembled, nor are mattresses to be removed from bed frames. Bed frames must remain on the floor of the room at all times, except when using University-approved bed risers. Residents may arrange for bunk beds, when available, by contacting a residence hall staff member in their building. Charges for moving common-area or assigned furniture back to its proper location and for the loss or damage of such furniture are assessed against those responsible.
8. Guests. Residents may have overnight guests by obtaining prior permission of the other residents in the room, suite or apartment. Overnight guests may not stay for more than two nights in a seven-day period. Exceptions to this policy must have written permission from the resident director or community director. Such guests must be over 14 years old. Exempt from this policy are residents of family apartments in Susquehanna Community, who may have overnight guests younger than 14 years of age. Residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests and must be present for the duration of the visit. Residents and their guests are prohibited from using lounges or other common areas outside the room, suite or apartment as sleeping accommodations. Guests whose behavior or presence detracts from the community atmosphere or impinges on any resident will be required to immediately vacate University housing facilities.
9. Inspections. It is the University’s intent to act in a manner consistent with residents’ constitutional rights of privacy and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure. The University reserves the right to inspect rooms, suites and apartments in the interest of health, safety, cleanliness and property control. A minimum of 24 hours’ notice will be given prior to such inspections. Such inspections are conducted by appropriate University personnel (e.g., Residential Life, New York State University Police and/or Physical Facilities personnel). In all cases, authorized personnel must carry University identification, present it on request and announce their purpose for entry. University personnel may not enter any room without first knocking on the door and allowing a reasonable period of time for response by the residents. Inspections are conducted by residential community staff at the beginning of each vacation or recess period. In situations involving health, safety or maintenance issues, authorized University personnel may enter without prior notice.
10. Keys. Residents are prohibited from lending or giving their keys or access cards to other individuals. Duplication of keys is prohibited. Residents are responsible for all keys and access cards issued to them. Lost, stolen or damaged keys or access cards will necessitate the replacement of the lock(s), key(s) or access card, the cost of which is charged to the resident.
Damaged or broken keys or access cards must be returned to the residential community office; otherwise, they will be presumed lost or stolen. Lost or stolen keys or access cards must be reported immediately by residents. The University will then initiate a lock change. Once a lock change has been reported, regardless of whether or not the key(s) has/have been found, the resident is still liable for payment of the charges. Failure to return all key(s) and the access card upon vacating may result in the resident being billed.
11. Painting. Rooms, suites and apartments are painted on a scheduled basis. Residents are not allowed to spackle or paint.
12. Quiet/Courtesy Hours. Because the academic nature of the University requires all persons to respect the right of others to conduct classes without disturbance and to study, sleep and fulfill academic responsibilities without interruption from excessive noise, courtesy hours are in effect at all times. Residents must cooperate with reasonable requests to lower the noise level during courtesy hours. During quiet hours in residential communities, residents are expected to keep the noise level to a minimum so as not to disturb anyone. Noise should not travel outside the confines of the room, suite or apartment. Reported incidents of excessive noise and/or repeated incidents will be investigated.
From Sunday night through Friday morning, quiet hours are midnight to 8 a.m. For weekends, quiet hours are 2 a.m. to 10 a.m., Saturday and Sunday mornings. Each residence hall government may decide at the beginning of the academic year to extend these quiet hours. During final examinations, 24-hour quiet hours begin at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of classes and continue through the end of the last examination on the last day of examinations. Susquehanna Community has 24-hour quiet hours, seven days a week, throughout the year.
13. Reporting Repairs. Residents are responsible for reporting to the residential community staff the need for repairs to their assigned rooms, suites or apartments. This includes any fixtures, furniture, equipment and effects contained therein. The University is responsible for making repairs, with priority given to those that require immediate attention. Residents may not make repairs to their rooms, suites or apartments or equipment. The resident needs to be present for the repair work unless it is an emergency situation.
14. Searches. As opposed to inspections, no room may be searched, except by appropriate legal agencies or University personnel with a warrant, or under emergency circumstances, or by authorities to whom the resident has given express consent for each individual instance.
15. Structural Modifications. Residents are not permitted to modify structurally or to authorize or order the structural modification of their room, suite, apartment or any other part of any building. This includes, but is not limited to, the application of wallpaper, adhesive paper, paneling, exterior aerials and antennae, etc. Residents may not alter, replace or install locks or other security devices.
XV. PETS. Pets are not allowed in any University-operated housing facility. This includes all animals, reptiles and birds (including fowl). The only exceptions are service animals for individuals with visual or physical disabilities. Residents in University housing may, with agreement of all residents of the room, suite or apartment, keep small fish in a properly maintained bowl with a capacity no greater than one gallon. Air filters, power heads, heaters or similar devices are not permitted.
XVI. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES. Appliances, decorative lights and multi-plug power strips with internal breakers must be Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed. For reasons of fire safety, halogen lamps, multi-light lamps, and extension cords are not allowed in student rooms, suites or apartments. Surge protectors with internal breakers are permitted, but cannot be connected to another power strip to add length to an outlet. Approved appliances include refrigerators (5.5 cu. ft. maximum), computers, small microwave ovens, toasters and toaster ovens, etc. All refrigerators, if not already supplied with grounding mechanisms from the manufacturer, must be grounded by means of a three-wire cord assembly with a three-prong plug. Refrigerators must be cleared of all food, disconnected and left with doors open when the residential facilities are closed. Use of electrical devices such as radios, stereos, etc., is permitted, providing such devices are plugged in within the room. All electrical appliances must not exceed the amperage limits of the circuits within the room.
Appliances not permitted in rooms, suites or apartments include, but are not limited to, non-thermostatically controlled immersible heaters and open-coil hot pots and hot plates, deep-fat fryers, charcoal burners, gasoline stoves or open-flame cooking appliances, clothes washers, freezers, dryers and dishwashers. Electric heaters and air conditioners, other than those provided by the University, are prohibited.
Residents are personally liable for damage or injuries resulting from the use of unsafe or prohibited appliances.
XVII. SMOKING POLICY. The New York State Clean Indoor Act prohibits smoking in all residential facilities. Residents and visitors who wish to smoke must do so outside, at least 25 feet away from the building.
XVIII. INCENSE AND CANDLES. Candles or incense of any type are not permitted in student rooms, suites or apartments due to the potential fire threat they pose to all students living in the community. This includes any decorative or fragrant candles. Permission must be obtained from the resident director or community director to use them in observing certain religious holidays, provided they are not left unattended. Residents are personally liable for damage or injuries resulting from the use of candles or incense.
XIX. NOXIOUS ODORS. A noxious odor is ANY aroma of such intensity that it becomes apparent to others. Any odor can become noxious or offensive when it is too strong. Some examples of noxious odors include, but are not limited to, perfume, air fresheners or large amounts of dirty laundry. When a noxious odor can be localized to a particular room, suite or apartment, the resident(s) and/or guest(s) of that room, suite or apartment may be in violation of residence hall policy.
XX. FIRE SAFETY. All persons must evacuate the building when a fire alarm sounds. All persons may face disciplinary action and/or arrest if they fail to evacuate; cause false alarms; interfere with the proper functioning of a fire alarm system; tamper with or remove fire hoses, extinguishers, smoke or heat detectors, or fire safety apparatus; disable room, suite or apartment smoke detectors or alarms; or fail to inform the area staff when a smoke detector or alarm is malfunctioning.
XXI. STORAGE OF VEHICLES. The storage of motor vehicles of any kind is prohibited in University residential facilities. Bicycles are permitted only in approved and designated storage areas. Blocking of fire exits by any vehicle parked either inside or outside a building is prohibited.
XXII. DANGEROUS OBJECTS. The possession or use of any type of firearm, ammunition, gunpowder, fireworks, air rifle, air pistol, blade-based weapon, sword, chukka stick or other dangerous object is prohibited. Sternos, kerosene lamps, kerosene heaters, propane and other chemicals, etc., are also prohibited. The use of mercury thermometers is prohibited.
XXIII. PERSONAL PROPERTY. The University is not responsible for loss, theft or damage of personal belongings. Personal property is defined as any property not furnished by the University. Personal and University property must be stored within rooms, suites or apartments and may not be stored in passageways, stairwells or hallways. No storage is provided outside a student’s room, suite or apartment at any time. Waterbeds and non-University-provided lofts are prohibited.
Residents should keep their rooms, suites or apartments locked at all times. Personal property of residents is not covered by University insurance. Residents should carry their own insurance protection against loss or damage of personal property. Personal property may be registered with the New York State University Police and identified through Operation ID. The University reserves the right to dispose of any personal property remaining after a resident vacates.
XXIV. PERSONAL CONDUCT. Activities that could endanger the safety of persons and/or damage property are prohibited within the residence halls or on the grounds. This includes, but is not limited to, playing floor hockey, throwing a frisbee or football or playing any other sports in the hall, roller skating, roller blading, skateboarding, riding bicycles, water fights, firing toy guns that use hazardous projectiles, throwing objects from windows, entering or exiting from windows, etc.
Since living in University housing is considered a privilege and not a “right,” residents who are found in violation of University policy may be relocated or removed from University housing prior to being formally charged with an additional violation. Such action will not prohibit the University from also charging a student via the campus judicial process or local, state or federal laws.
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