2023-24 Residence and Meal Plan Contract

Please Note: This is a Binding Legal Contract for the First and Second Semesters of the Academic Year 2023–2024.

1. Terms of Agreement

I understand that this contract obligates me to pay the room rent and board charge for both first and second semesters of academic year 2023-2024. I further understand that a release from this contractual obligation will be made only upon written notification of graduation, marriage, student teaching, co-op, study abroad or internship (where it is necessary for the student to live in another community), or withdrawal from the University. I understand this only releases me for the semester I am away, and if I return at anytime during the 2023-2024 academic year, I will be bound to this contract. Rates are subject to adjustments which may be enacted by the Miami University Board of Trustees; provided, however, that the combined room rent and board charge may not be increased by more than $25.00 per semester.

2. Academic Year

The term "academic year" as used in this contract includes the first and second semesters. The academic year as stated in the official University Calendar begins on August 28, 2023 and ends on May 17, 2024. Residents are to occupy their assigned spaces only in accordance with instructions in their letters of assignment. Policies will be enforced and charges may be assessed for occupancy during periods not covered by this contract.

1. For residents assigned to Residence Halls: the period between semesters, Winter Term, Thanksgiving and Spring recesses are not included in this contract; dining halls may be closed or have limited services during these periods). Students who request housing during break periods and Winter Term agree to pay an additional room rental rate and follow all provisions stated in this contract. Students must request housing from the Campus Services Center prior to any designated university break periods or Winter Term in order to stay in university housing.
2. For residents assigned to Heritage Commons Apartments: The period between semesters, Winter Term, Thanksgiving and Spring recesses are included in this contract (dining halls may be closed or have limited services during these periods).

3. First-Year Student Auto-Renewal

I understand that Miami University has implemented a second year residency requirement and that I will be required to complete this form again in order to state my preferences for my second year housing assignments. If I fail to complete the form next year, then this Agreement shall automatically renew for the 2024-2025 academic year on the financial terms established by the Miami University Board of Trustees for that academic year, and the University may provide any available housing to me for my second year.

4. Payment

For those preregistered, the room rent must be paid for each semester by the date shown on the invoice of fees and charges. Those not preregistered must pay the room rent at the time of registration.

5. Residential Fee

All residents under this contract will be assessed the Residential Fee described in the final section of this contract each semester.

6. Meal Plan

1. Residents assigned to Residence Halls are required to purchase a University Meal Plan as listed on this contract each semester.
2. Residents assigned to Heritage Commons are not required to purchase a meal plan. Heritage Commons residents may choose an optional meal plan.
3. The meal plan you choose will be charged prior to both first and second semesters. Unspent declining balance dollars carry forward from Fall to Spring, and also to the next year. Buffet meals do not carry forward. Meal plan accounts are active as long as you are enrolled at Miami University. Declining balance dollars are not refundable or transferable. Depending on your scholarship, some declining balance dollars do not roll over from year to year.

7. Student Status

Residents who live in the Residence Halls and Heritage Commons are required to be a full-time or part-time student and must register for at least 9 credit hours each semester and be declared an Oxford campus student.

8. Choice of Law

This contract 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 contract shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in the State of Ohio.

9. Nondiscrimination

1. The policy of the University is that discrimination against any individual for reasons of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy, age, disability, military status, or veteran status is specifically prohibited. Accordingly, equal access to employment opportunities, admission, educational programs, and all other University activities are extended to all persons. The University's Office of Equity and Equal Opportunity is responsible for the coordination of matters relating to equal opportunity and affirmative action.
2. The University agrees to make assignments without discrimination and to avoid changes of original assignments for reasons of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

10. Room Entry, Inspections, and Liability for Damages

1.  The University affirms its respect for each resident's right to privacy in his/her room and agrees to make a reasonable effort to give at least 24 hours notice prior to making inspections for damage and cleanliness.
2. The University regards room or apartment entry for purposes of improvements, maintenance, cleaning, recovery of unauthorized University-owned property, and fire and safety inspections as necessary for the health and general welfare of all residents and, therefore, entry is agreed to and authorized by the resident.
3. The resident is responsible for and agrees to pay the University for any damages to the residence hall room and for any damage caused by the resident to the residence hall.
4. A resident's request for maintenance service will constitute authorization to enter resident's room or apartment.
5. Except as indicated in this section, the University agrees that entry without notice will be made only in emergencies to protect or ensure protection of life, limb, or property.

11. Assignments

1. The University agrees to consider the information and preferences indicated on this contract.
2. The University may alter the resident's room or hall assignment to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), disciplinary reasons, catastrophe, renovation or closing of facility, consolidation of vacancies, unavailability of space, roommate incompatibility or if the change is determined by the University to be of benefit to the student or the University.
3. Students assigned to multiple occupancy rooms that are not filled to capacity, and have not been approved to purchase a double as a single, are required to be prepared for the assignment of an additional student to the room at any time. The University will give you notice when a roommate may be assigned. Failure to ensure that half of the room is vacant for the new roommate may result in disciplinary charges and reassignment.

12. Liability

1.  The University acknowledges, and the resident is hereby made aware, that criminal activity, personal injury, and theft occur, and that the risk exists for such future occurrence on University premises, specifically within and around Residence and Dining Halls. Therefore, the resident agrees to assume responsibility for his or her own personal safety and security, as well as for his or her own personal belongings.
2. The University does not assume responsibility for any residents', guests', or other persons' loss of money or valuables, or for the loss of or damage to property, or injuries, personal or otherwise, sustained on or about the Residence and Dining Halls premises.
3. The University recommends that the resident contact his or her local insurance carrier concerning the availability of protection against such losses.
4. Abandoned Property: The University is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal property in University owned residential spaces or in the public areas of those facilities. Students are required to remove all personal belongings from their former residential unit at the conclusion of their housing contract or if they withdraw or take leave from the University. Students who are not able to pack and/or move their own property for whatever reason are required to contact a moving company or make other arrangements prior to vacating their residential unit. Personal property left in residential units shall be considered abandoned property. A fee will be applied to a student's account for the disposal of abandoned property left in their former/vacated room and students shall also be responsible for any and all costs above that amount that are incurred by the University in disposing of abandoned personal property. Such costs shall be applied to the student's account in the same manner as room damage charges. Abandoned property may be disposed of in a manner deemed reasonable by Miami without further notice to the student. If Miami determines, in its sole and exclusive judgement, that the circumstances warrant, Miami may, in its sole discretion, attempt to contact the student. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the responsibility for maintaining custody and control over all personal property rests with the student, and Miami is under no duty or obligation to contact a student about personal property left in a residential unit. Miami University assumes no responsibility for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property; therefore, the student waives any claims against Miami University and its employees for damage or loss of any personal property left in a residential unit.

13. Enrollment Status

The resident agrees to vacate the assigned residence hall or apartment space and check out of the hall room within 48 hours after loss of status as an enrolled student. If the resident fails to vacate within the 48 hours, the proper authorities will be notified. All costs shall be charged to the resident.

14. Nonpayment and Additional Fees

1. The resident agrees that failure to make payments as prescribed does not relieve the resident of contract obligations, and understands that nonpayment may result in removal from the residence hall, reassignment of current room, denial of residential services, cancellation of current student enrollment, and denial of subsequent University registration until the amounts due are paid.
2. The resident agrees to pay the activity fee assessed by the residence hall or apartment.
3. The resident will be charged a lockout fee of $7.00 each time Miami University employees are called upon to provide entry to the residential building and/or the resident's room for the student.

15. Reassignment

1.  The resident understands and agrees that the resident's contract is for a room assignment determined by the University, not for any particular room, and that the University may reassign the student to another room or residential building for any reason stated in paragraph 11B, at any time when there is reasonable cause to believe that the resident has violated the Regulations for On-Campus Living, the Code of Student Conduct, and/or posted residence hall rules established by University officials or shows a disregard for the residential community and/or specific living area environment.

1. 1. The resident agrees to move to the designated room immediately upon notification of the reassignment.
   2. Reassignment is not a judicial action and is not a termination of the housing contract. The resident understands and agrees, however, that reassignment does not preclude the University from separately and additionally pursuing judicial action or termination of the contract.

B. The procedures for reassignment are as follows:

1. 1. Recommendation for reassignment will be made by a Resident Director or the appropriate Associate Director of Residence Life or Director of Residence Life.
   2. A decision to reassign a resident will be based on a review, by a Resident Director in consultation with the appropriate Associate Director of Residence Life and/or the Director of Residence Life, of available evidence of a violation;
   3. If reasonably possible, and depending upon the nature and seriousness of the alleged violation, the Resident Director or the appropriate Associate Director of Residence Life will talk with the resident before making a decision on reassignment;
   4. A resident who is reassigned in accordance with this provision can request an appeal by contacting the Office of Residence Life.

16. Contract Termination/Removal from Residence Hall

1. The University may terminate this contract at any time if the University determines that:
   1. The resident is delinquent in his/her tuition, room or meal plan fees or any part thereof;
   2. The resident's behavior shows a disregard for the residential community and/or the specific living area environment;
   3. The resident has misrepresented any fact on this contract;
   4. The resident has violated any term of this contract or violated any University rule, regulation or policy, including but not limited to, the Regulations for On-Campus Living and the Code of Student Conduct;
   5. The resident is not eligible for enrollment or is not enrolled for 9 hours or more as an Oxford campus student at Miami;
   6. The resident is, or is required to be, a registered sex offender pursuant to any federal, state or local law or has been convicted of a felony; or
   7. The resident failed to attend one or more mandatory residence hall meetings as described in the “Mandatory Residence Hall Meetings" section of this contract.
2. Any resident whose contract is being terminated for other than disciplinary reasons may request a hearing before the Director of Residence Life, or his/her designee, whose decision shall be final. In all other instances, the Code of Student Conduct shall govern the removal process. Breach of contract may also result in cancellation of current enrollment and in denial of subsequent University registration.
3. The resident who moves out of their assigned room during the term of contract without relief from contract obligations continues to be liable for room and meal plan fees which will accrue against his/her account whether or not services are taken.
4. Any unpaid fees or charges will be added to the student's University bill. Enrollment, grades and/or transcripts may be denied by Miami University until such time as the bill is paid in full.
5. The resident agrees that charges for any semester continue to accrue until the resident officially checks out.

17. Miami ID

1. The resident agrees to be responsible for the ID card to his or her assigned space and not to transfer use of the ID card.
2. The resident agrees to report loss of the assigned ID card and to pay the charges affected by the loss of the ID card.
3. Your card is as valuable as cash or a credit card. Safeguard your card. Keep it with you at all times and do not leave it unsecured. Miami is not responsible for any loss, theft or misuse of your ID card. A lost or stolen ID card should be reported immediately by calling 513-529-LOST (5678).

18. Online Directory

The university publishes a public electronic directory of student names and phone numbers. If you wish to request exemption from having your listing published, please send a written request to the One Stop for Student Success Office, Nellie Craig Walker Hall.

19. University Contract Confirmation Deposit

An advance Oxford Campus university contract confirmation deposit of $330.00 and an admission fee of $95.00 are charged to all incoming residential students. Generally, the $330 university contract confirmation deposit will be returned to the student after their final semester at Miami University. If the student pays the university contract confirmation deposit and fails to matriculate, or matriculates and withdraws mid-semester the deposit is forfeited.

20. Refunds

I understand and agree to be bound by the University policy regarding refunds of room rents paid at the beginning of a semester which are refundable in cases of withdrawal from the University as follows: (Please note that the University Contract Confirmation Deposit is forfeited in all instances.)

1. Withdrawal during the first five class days of a semester - 100% room rent.
2. Withdrawal during the sixth through the eighth class day of a semester - 90% room rent.
3. Withdrawal during the ninth through the twentieth class day of a semester - 50% room rent.
4. Withdrawal during the twenty-first through the thirtieth class day of a semester - 35% room rent.
5. Withdrawal during the thirty-first through the fortieth class day of a semester - 25% room rent.
6. Withdrawal after the fortieth class day of a semester - no refund of room rent.

21. MUlaa Accouny

Deposits to a MUlaa account will be credited to a debit account to be used for the Miami Bookstore, on campus laundry, vending, Miami Box Office, Goggin Ice Center, Rec Center Pro-Shop, and other services on campus. This charge will appear on the students fall semester bursar statement. This account will remain active as long as the student is enrolled. Balance remaining at the time of withdrawal, transfer, or graduation will be credited to the students bursar account and applied to outstanding charges, according to the policies and procedures of the Office of the Bursar.

22. Refrigerators and Air Conditioning UniAND Air Conditioning Units

Private refrigerators and air conditioning units are not permitted.

23. Subletting

The resident acknowledges that subletting of the room is strictly prohibited.

24. Mandatory Residence Hall Meetings

The University believes that the residency experience is a core component of the student educational experience. The University may designate certain residence hall meetings as mandatory meetings. Students must attend all mandatory meetings unless excused in writing by the Residence Hall director.

25. Miscellaneous

1.  If any term or provision of this contract is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other term or provision of this contract or invalidate or render unenforceable such term or provision in any other jurisdiction. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this contract so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.
2. This contract is the sole and entire agreement of the parties to this contract with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral, with respect to such subject matter.
3. This contract may only be amended, modified, or supplemented by an agreement in writing signed by each party hereto.
4. No waiver by any party of any of the provisions hereof shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and signed by the party so waiving. No waiver by any party shall operate or be construed as a waiver in respect of any failure, breach, or default not expressly identified by such written waiver, whether of a similar or different character, and whether occurring before or after that waiver. No failure to exercise, or delay in exercising, any right, remedy, power, or privilege arising from this contract shall operate or be construed as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power, or privilege.
5. This contract may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same agreement.

26. Room Rates per Semester

Please do not Send any Room Rental Payments with the Application and Contract. A semester's invoice of fees and charges will be provided at a later date.

2023-2024 Room Rates Per Semester