Illinois State University

University Housing Contract

Terms and Conditions

2022-2023

 

I. INTRODUCTION

All the material referenced herein becomes and shall be an integral and binding part of the University Housing Contract. For purposes of this contract, University Housing includes the traditional University residence halls called Hewett, Manchester, Watterson Towers, Haynie, Wright, and Wilkins, the University apartments called Cardinal Court and the apartments located at 302 North School Street, 209 North Fell Avenue, and 211 North Fell Avenue in Normal, IL.

It is the student's responsibility to become familiar with all provisions of this contract. General or specific housing information contained on the University Housing Services website at Housing.IllinoisState.edu is also made a part of this contract.

Prior to the submission of an online application, a student must indicate that they have read and agree to these terms and conditions of the University Housing contract. In addition, residence hall applicants also need to read and agree to the terms and conditions of the Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality Meal Plan Contract. It is recommended that you print a copy of these terms and conditions for your personal records. Submission of an online application is legally binding. Rooms are to be occupied only by the person(s) properly assigned to them by University Housing. University Housing assignments are not transferable, and subletting is not permitted.

If for any reason required by damage, fire, emergency, earthquake, accident, flood, riot, or act of nature, or other cause beyond the control of the University, or if the University is unable to provide adequate housing, or is filled to capacity, the University shall have the right to cancel this contract.

University regulations and policies affecting University Housing Contracts are subject to changes and additions. Such changes and additions shall be officially announced and/or posted on the bulletin board(s) in each University Housing area and posted to the University Housing Services website; this shall constitute actual notice to residents. The changes and additions shall become effective and binding at the date of such posting or official announcement.

 

COVID-19 University Housing Acknowledgement

Residing in University Housing entails known and unanticipated risks related to communicable disease, including, but not limited to COVID-19 and health consequences due to such exposure or infection.

Student understands that they cannot be guaranteed that they will not contract a communicable disease, including COVID-19, while residing in University housing.

Student agrees to follow all public health measures, policies, procedures, and rules put in place as well as all mitigation measures contained in Section V of these Terms and Conditions.  Health and safety standards are subject to change and are adopted as a part of the University’s COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies as recommended by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

 

II. ELIGIBILITY AND UNIVERSITY ON-CAMPUS HOUSING POLICY

A student must be registered at the University and must be at least 17 years of age at the time of commencement of their University Housing occupancy. Requests for exceptions to the minimum age requirement, including a parent/guardian signature, may be submitted to University Housing Services for review by the Director. Admission and/or enrollment to the University does not guarantee eligibility for on-campus housing.

Priority to assigning a space in University Housing is given to full-time, degree-seeking students. Full-time is defined as 12 or more credit hours for undergraduates and 9 or more credit hours for graduates. Part-time is defined as less than 12 credit hours for undergraduates and less than 9 credit hours for graduates. The University may deny or cancel a part-time student’s University Housing Contract at its discretion. Students assuming part-time status after they have occupied their space must submit a written request to continue their University Housing Contract. If the University cancels a student’s contract due to a change in status, the student is still responsible for all cancellation charges pursuant to the contract; the charges will be assessed on the same basis as if they had withdrawn from the University as of the date of the cancellation.

University Housing Services reserves the right to deny or cancel a University Housing application-contract to students whose past or current behavior and/or criminal conviction indicates a possible risk to the safety, health, or life of any person, and/or to the safety of public or private property, and/or disruption to the University Housing community or living-learning environment. If a decision to deny University Housing is made prior to the first day of the contract period, the student will be financially responsible for the nonrefundable application fee. If a decision is made on or after the first day of the contract period, the student is still responsible for all cancellation charges pursuant to the contract; the charges will be assessed on the same basis as outlined in Section III. F. Table 2-4.

Illinois State University under normal operation requires students to live in University Housing their first two years out of high school. Students should refer to the University Housing Services website at Housing.IllinoisState.edu for more information about the University On-Campus Housing Policy, residency requirement, and exemption process. Students subject to the above residency requirement, who do not choose a housing space and sign up using the online housing assignment process, or have not received a written exemption to the residency requirement, will be required to seek an approved exemption in order to ensure they do not experience any system registration blocks.

 

III. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

 

A. Purpose

University Housing will be used by the student solely for residential and educational purposes.

 

B. Furnishings

The University supplies basic furniture, such as a desk, chair, dresser, closet/wardrobe, window treatments, and bed. The apartments located at 302 North School Street, 209 North Fell Avenue, 211 North Fell Avenue, and Cardinal Court also have basic living room furniture and major kitchen appliances. Students supply their own bed linens, towels, wastebasket (these should be metal), desk lamps, and other personal items. Students must not move furniture from room to room, stack furniture, move furniture from public areas to their rooms, or detach fixed furnishings. For a list of prohibited items refer to the University Housing Services website at Housing.IllinoisState.edu.

 

C. University Housing Staff

To assist students in adjusting to and deriving a maximum educational benefit from their University Housing experience, each residential area has live-in and live-out professionals, graduate staff, and undergraduates to assist and advise residents.

 

D. Assignment and Room Change Policy

The University reserves the right to make assignment of space, to authorize or deny apartment, room and roommate changes, to consolidate vacancies (see Section III. E.), and to require a student to move from one room, residence hall, or apartment to another. The University further reserves the right to require a student to vacate University Housing on a temporary or permanent basis for a legitimate reason including but not limited to: failure to meet financial obligations to the University, exhibiting behavior not conducive to the living-learning environment, failure to remain in good standing with the University, for reasons beyond the University’s control, or when University Housing availability changes. The charges outlined in Section III. F. will apply. Residents who withdraw from the University are required to vacate their University Housing within three calendar days.

Students may not make room, apartment, or roommate changes after the close of the online room selection process (for those students who select their rooms online) or after a room has been assigned by staff. After the tenth day of classes, changes to the housing assignment are considered only after the students involved have made a serious attempt to adjust to and/or remedy the situation. Requests for housing assignment changes must be approved by the Housing professional staff in the University Housing area involved.

Students are obligated to pay the room rate for the room to which they are assigned, whether the room was selected by the student or assigned by University Housing Services.

It is the policy of the University to assign roommates without regard to race, creed, or sexual orientation. Students will be assigned a roommate(s) based on gender identity. Rooms are designated as male, female, and neutral. Female rooms are for students who identify as female, male rooms are for students who identify as male, and neutral rooms are made available to all genders including non-binary, male, and female. The official room and roommate assignment notices are made available on the University Housing Services Portal prior to opening.

University Housing Services will attempt to recognize mutual roommate preferences insofar as University Housing space is available.

University Housing applications for new freshmen and transfer students will not be processed until the applications for admission have been approved by the Office of Admissions and Records.

 

E. University Housing Spaces

The University strives to maintain rooms and apartment units at their designated occupancy level. The University reserves the following rights: 1) to approve preferred students from one room or apartment to another room or apartment; 2) to offer or decline residents the option of paying an additional amount determined by the University to keep their room or apartment at the reduced occupancy level for the remainder of the current semester; or 3) to reassign a student into a room or apartment with another student in order to consolidate occupancy. Any space change must be approved in writing by the Housing professional staff and be completed within five days including weekend directly following notification to consolidate.

 

F. Cancellation Policy

The University Housing Contract covers the periods outlined in Table 1 below:

Table 1

	Residence Halls and Cardinal Court	If Residing in, 302 North School Street, 209 North Fell Avenue, or 211 North Fell Avenue
Contract period	August 15, 2022 – May 13, 2023	August 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023
Last day of occupancy for the fall semester if canceling for spring semester	December 17, 2022	December 17, 2022
Last day of occupancy for the spring semester	May 13, 2023	June 30, 2023

 

University Housing Contracts must be canceled by students according to the following provisions, dates, and charges.

1. Requests for cancellation must be submitted electronically in the Housing and Dining portal and signed by the student. Paper forms are available upon request.

2. All requests for cancellation must be submitted in the Housing and Dining Portal. Notification of cancellation to other University offices or departments will NOT serve as notification of a request to cancel the University Housing Contract.

3. Students who are required to live on campus per the On-Campus Housing policy may not cancel the University Housing Contract unless they are withdrawing from the University or has an exemption to the University On-Campus Housing Policy approved, in writing, by University Housing Services.

4. University Housing Services will acknowledge, by email and/or mail, receipt of a student's written request for cancellation of the contract. If the cancellation request is not acknowledged within ten (10) days, it is the student's responsibility to contact University Housing Services to ascertain that the request was received.

5. The student will be held responsible for cancellation charges as outlined below. (Note: these charges are in addition to the nonrefundable $50 application fee.) The cancellation date is the date the written request for cancellation is received in University Housing Services or, if after the beginning of the contract period, the date the student officially checks out of University Housing. Students who cancel their contract after moving into University Housing are required to vacate the premises according to the following chart.

6. If University Housing receives notification that you are no longer a student or ineligible for University Housing, but have not properly cancelled your contract, it will be cancelled based on the date University Housing receives such notification and charges will be based on the following charts.

Canceling for fall semester 2022 Residence Halls and Cardinal Court

 

Table 2: Fall Semester 2022 Residence Halls and Cardinal Court

Cancellation Date The cancellation date is the date the written request for cancellation is received in University Housing Services, the date the University cancels your contract if you have not properly cancelled, or, if after the beginning of the contract period, the date the student officially checks out of University Housing.	Charge	Move-Out Deadline  If the student is residing in University Housing, they must go through proper check-out procedures and vacate the premises as follows.
Prior to and including June 1	No charge	NA
Between June 1 and August 6	$250	NA
Between August 7 and the 10th day of classes for fall semester	$250 plus 50% of the remaining room charges from the first possible day of occupancy through the last possible day of occupancy for fall semester.	If student has checked into University Housing, they must vacate the premises within three calendar days of submitting cancellation request.
After the 10th day of classes for fall semester	$250 plus 100% of room charges from the first possible day of occupancy through the last possible day of occupancy for fall semester.	If student has checked into University Housing, they must vacate the premises within three calendar days of submitting cancellation request.

 

Table 3: Canceling for fall semester 2023 Fell and School

Cancellation Date The cancellation date is the date the written request for cancellation is received in University Housing Services, the date the University cancels your contract if you have not properly cancelled, or, if after the beginning of the contract period, the date the student officially checks out of University Housing.	Charge	Move-Out Deadline If the student is residing in University Housing, they must go through proper check-out procedures and vacate the premises as follows.
Prior to and including June 1	No charge	NA
Between June 1 and July 31	$250	NA
Between August 1 and August 5	$250 plus prorated room charges if student checked into room from first possible day of occupancy through the last day of occupancy for fall semester.	If student has checked into University Housing, they must vacate the premises within three calendar days of submitting cancellation request.
Between August 6, and the 10th day of classes for fall semester	$250 plus 50% of the remaining room charges from the first possible day of occupancy through the last possible day of occupancy for fall semester.	If student has checked into University Housing, they must vacate the premises within three calendar days of submitting cancellation request.
After the 10th day of classes for fall semester	$250 plus 100% of room charges from the first possible day of occupancy through the last possible day of occupancy for fall semester.	If student has checked into University Housing, they must vacate the premises within three calendar days of submitting cancellation request.

 

Table 4: Cancelling for spring semester 2023

Cancellation Date The cancellation date is the date the written request for cancellation is received in University Housing Services, the date the University cancels your contract if you have not properly cancelled, or, if after the beginning of the contract period, the date the student officially checks out of University Housing.	Charge	Move-out Deadline
Prior to and including December 1	$150	Residents must vacate the premises by the last day of fall occupancy as outlined in Table 1.
December 2 – January 5	$250	Residents must vacate premises within 3 days of cancelling.
January 6 thru the 10th day of classes for spring semester	$250 plus 50% of the room charge from the first possible day of occupancy for spring semester through the remainder of the contract period.	Residents must vacate premises within 3 days of cancelling.
After the 10th day of classes for spring semester	$250 plus 100% of room charges from the first possible day of occupancy for spring semester through the remainder of the contract period.	Within three calendar days of submitting cancellation request student must vacate premises.

 

7. Residents who withdraw from the University and do not properly cancel their contract, will have their contracts cancelled the date University Housing received such notice and must vacate their University residence within three calendar days of no longer being a student. Charges will be assessed as outlined in the tables above based on the date University Housing Services is notified in writing.

8. Residents must be registered for classes by the tenth day of the semester or their contract will be canceled, and they will be assessed cancellation charges in accordance with charges outlined in these Terms and Conditions. Residents not registered will be required to vacate their University residence within three calendar days.

9. University Housing residents graduating at the end of the first semester who wish to be released from the contract cancellation charges must give written notification of cancellation to University Housing Services no later than December 1. After this date, housing cancellation charges may be assessed as outlined in the tables above. Students graduating at the end of the first semester must vacate the premises by 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 17, 2022.

10. University Housing contract cancellation charges for first-time Illinois State University students receiving Title IV financial aid will be calculated in compliance with all applicable laws.

11. Students who are academically dismissed and not reinstated will be charged prorated room charges through the date they officially check out of their University Housing. Students who are academically dismissed, apply for and are granted reinstatement, but do not return to Illinois State and do not properly cancel the contract with University Housing Services in writing will be cancelled by University Housing Services and their charges will be assessed as outlined in the tables above

12. Failure to cancel the University Housing Contract and/or claim the assigned housing space by 4:30 p.m. on the fifth day of classes will result in cancellation of the contract unless prior notification is received by University Housing Services. The student will be held responsible for cancellation charges from the date the University has confirmation the student will not be occupying their room as outlined in the tables above plus the $50 application fee.

13. Upon the nonpayment of any portion of University Housing charges herein, the University may cancel the contract and refuse new registration to the student until University Housing charges are paid.

14. A contract release request is a formal written petition to obtain a release from the contract cancellation charges outlined in the tables above. The Contract Release Request process is for students who experience significant changes in circumstances beyond their control which prevent them from fulfilling the terms of the University Housing Contract and which cannot be resolved within the University Housing system. A Contract Release Request form may be obtained from the University Housing Services office or the University Housing Services website Housing.IllinoisState.edu. Contract Release Requests should be sent to the attention of the Assistant Director of Residential Life at Illinois State University, University Housing Services, Campus Box 2600, Normal, IL 61790-2600. The request will be reviewed, and a decision will be communicated to the student in writing.

 

G. Keys and Room Access

A room and, if applicable, apartment, suite, and mailbox keys shall be issued to each resident. The keys shall remain University property loaned or licensed to the student only so long as the student may rightfully occupy the room or apartment to which said key(s) provide access. The resident shall not deliver, surrender or otherwise relinquish possession of the room or apartment key(s) to any unauthorized individual or permit the key(s) to be duplicated or modified. Unauthorized possession, duplication, or modification of said key(s) may be grounds for University disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution. The student shall deliver possession of said key(s) to an authorized University official immediately upon termination of the student's right to occupy the room or apartment to which said key(s) provides access, or otherwise immediately upon demand of such official. Violation of any provision in this paragraph may be grounds for declaring the student in breach of the contract or other action by the University. Loss of any issued key(s) will result in a core change(s) for which the student will be billed.

Student IDs and/or keys are used to gain access to student spaces based on area assignments. As such, IDs and/or keys should never be given to another individual. In addition, students will be held responsible for the conduct of their guest and/or anyone that accesses the building with their key or ID and must obey visitation and guest regulations.

 

H. Policy on Student Teaching and Professional Practice

To prevent room cancellation charges during a student teaching or professional practice assignment (for University credit) which would require residence elsewhere, the student must complete a Cancellation Request at the Housing and Dining Portal or contact University Housing Services office. No charges will be assessed if the student removes all belongings from the room and apartment, turns in the room and apartment key(s), and signs the room and apartment closing inspection. Student teaching and professional practice assignments do not release the student from the balance of the contract period remaining after the assignment is completed. Upon return, reassignment to an alternative University Housing assignment may be necessary.

 

I. Damage and Liability

The Resident shall be responsible for all damages to the premises, furnishings, or appliances within said room or apartment or use of any common areas and will pay all charges upon receiving a bill for any damage.

Residents must inform University Housing Services of maintenance needs when necessary in order to avoid damages to property. If necessary, maintenance is not reported within a reasonable timeframe, all associated damages will be billed to the student.

Upon termination of the contract, the entire premises, including furnishings and appliances, shall be turned over by the Resident to the University in a sanitary, clean condition suitable for immediate occupancy by another resident. Any expense caused by the Resident’s failure to return the premises in such condition shall be charged to the Resident’s student account.           

Damages which cannot be attributed to a specific person will be split amongst all students living in the damaged area and billed to individual student accounts.

Room Damages determined to be “at fault” of the Resident due to negligence will be billed at the cost of repair.          

Appeals of any damage charges must be received by University Housing Services via e-mail (ResidenceLifeAppeals@ilstu.edu), within 15 days from the date of written notification that such charges have been assessed. Appeals postmarked or received after 15 days from the date of written notification of charges will not be accepted or reviewed.

The University assumes no responsibility or liability for the personal property of students. This includes, but is not limited to, damage, loss, fire, water damage, theft, flooding, etc. Students desiring this kind of protection must make their own arrangements for renter’s insurance.

 

J. Solicitation

The University prohibits any sales or solicitation in University Housing without written consent of University Housing Services.  Refer to the University’s Solicitation Policy 6.1.1 for additional information.

 

K. Appliances, Cooking, and Food Storage

All electrical appliances in University Housing must be Underwriter Laboratory approved. Refrigerators are permitted in student residence hall rooms providing they do not exceed 4.5 cubic feet, are no taller than 36 inches, and draw no more than 1.5 running amps. All electrical heat-producing and cooking appliances, with the exception of hair appliances (except for single serve auto shut-off coffee makers-i.e. Keurig), are prohibited from possession and/or usage in the residence halls. Irons may be used only in designated areas of each residence hall. A microwave oven is provided on each student living floor within East and West Campus, in every two suites in Watterson, and in each apartment unit in Cardinal Court complexes. Food permitted in student rooms must be stored in such a way as to prevent health and sanitation problems from developing.  University apartments are furnished with a refrigerator, stove, oven, and microwave; no additional refrigerators, stoves, ovens or microwaves are allowed in University apartments.

 

L. Items Not Permitted in University Housing

Items not permitted to be used or stored in the student rooms or any other area of the residence halls and apartments include but are not limited to: any internal combustion engine, any acids, automobile batteries, candles, halogen lamps, gasoline, firearms or other weapons, fireworks, water beds or other water-filled furniture. Heat producing appliances such as coffee pots (except for single serve auto shut-off coffee makers-i.e., Keurig), hot pots, and popcorn makers are not allowed in residence hall student rooms but are allowed in University apartment kitchens. Due to health standards and possible inconvenience to other residents, no animals (except for animals necessary as approved by Student Access and Accommodation Services), birds, or pets of any kind other than fish (limited to 10-gallon tank) are to be housed or kept in University Housing. Weight-lifting equipment and devices, musical instruments equipped with amplifying devices, and instruments which disturb other residents may be used only in those areas of the University Housing so designated. These devices may not be used in student rooms. Prohibited items posing a risk to life, health, or safety may be removed and maintained in a safe location by University Housing Staff until such time that they can be removed from University Housing property by the owner/resident. University Housing Services offers designated spaces that require the use of candles. These spaces may be reserved and utilized in compliance with the policy outlined during reservation.

 

M. University Housing Opening and Closing Dates

During official University vacation periods, the University Housing buildings (except for Manchester Hall, Hewett Hall, Fell Ave./School St., and Cardinal Court) are closed and students must vacate the premises. Cardinal Court, Manchester and Hewett Halls open the Monday before the official opening of all other residence halls and remain open during University break periods throughout the academic year. Cardinal Court, Manchester and Hewett residents do not have to vacate the premises during any break periods. Wilkins Hall remains open, and residents do not have to vacate the premises during the fall break period. The apartments at 302 North School Street, 209 North Fell Avenue, and 211 North Fell Avenue open on August 1 and remain open throughout the academic year, including all University breaks; and through June 30 of each year. Refer to the University Housing Services website at Housing.IllinoisState.edu for detailed opening and closing information and to the Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality website at Dining.IllinoisState.edu for dining center opening and closing dates.

 

N. Meal Plans

The University requires all residence hall students living in the traditional residence halls (Hewett, Manchester, Watterson Towers, Haynie, Wright, and Wilkins) to have a residence hall meal plan contract. If a student does not select a meal plan, a meal plan will be assigned to the student by Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality and the cost of the assigned meal plan will be applied to the student’s university account. University apartment residents living in Cardinal Court and the apartments located at 302 North School Street, 209 North Fell Avenue, and 211 North Fell Avenue in Normal, IL, are not required to have a meal plan but may choose to purchase one if they wish. For more information about meal plans, visit the Event Management, Dining, and Hospitality website at Dining.IllinoisState.edu or call (309) 438-8351.

 

O. Telephone Service

Local telephone service is not provided by University Housing Services. Residents of the apartments at 302 North School Street, 209 North Fell Avenue, and 211 North Fell Avenue, may make their own arrangements for local service, if desired, through a number of local service providers which can be found online.

 

P. Subletting and Unauthorized Use of Rooms and Apartments

The student shall not allow anyone to live in their room or apartment who is not assigned to it by University Housing Services or assign/sublet this contract to any other person. Residents who allow their room or apartment to be used in violation of this provision are subject to a penalty charge not to exceed the full room charge for each violation, and possible disciplinary action.

 

Q. University Policy Concerning Room Inspection, Entry, and Search

The University reserves a reasonable right of entry into any University Housing room or apartment to assure proper maintenance and repair, and/or to investigate when reasonable cause exists to believe that a violation of University Housing or other University regulation is occurring within student rooms or apartments. These checks are done routinely as part of closing inspections and on an as needed basis. The complete policy on room and apartment entry and search can be found at Housing.IllinoisState.edu/about/policies.

 

R. University Policy Concerning Emergency Equipment

Tampering with, damaging, or inhibiting the use of emergency equipment in any University Housing Services space is expressly prohibited. Residents may not use emergency equipment for any purpose other than emergency use. This includes fire extinguishers, sprinklers, heat and smoke detectors, fire hoses or water lines, public address systems, fire doors, exit lights or panels, or any other emergency equipment. Violations of this policy are considered serious and may result in severe consequences, including but not limited to Code of Student Conduct charges, criminal charges, contract cancellation, and/or responsibility for damage, repair, or other associated costs.

 

S. Nonwaiver of Covenants and Conditions

The failure of the University to insist upon strict performance of any of the covenants or conditions of this contract or to avail itself of any rights or privileges enumerated herein, in any one or more instances with regard to any one or more students shall not constitute a waiver or relinquishment for the future of such covenant, condition, right, or privilege, but the same shall remain in full force and effect. The receipt, by the University, of any payment with the knowledge of the breach of any covenant or condition hereof, shall not constitute a waiver of such breach, and no waiver by the University of any provision hereof shall be effective unless expressed in writing and signed by an authorized representative of the University.

 

IV. ROOM RATES

At the time this document went to print, the 2022-2023 room rates had not been determined. When the 2022-2023 plans and rates have been established, they will be posted on the Housing website. The University reserves the right to increase University Housing rates at any time.

The room rates for the 2021-2022 academic year ranged from $2,747 to $5,976 per semester, depending on room type and location. New applicants must submit a $300 initial payment along with their University Housing application-contract. The initial payment consists of a nonrefundable $50 application fee, and a $250 initial payment that will be applied to the room rate.

Manchester Hall, Hewett Hall, Fell Ave./School St., and Cardinal Court remain open during all University breaks during the academic year. All students assigned to Manchester and Hewett are required to pay an additional $100 nonrefundable charge per semester above and beyond the basic room rate whether or not they stay over break. Residents of Manchester, Hewett, Fell Ave and School St., and Cardinal Court who are not returning for second semester must vacate their room and go through proper check-out procedures by 2 p.m. on December 17.

Wilkins Hall remains open during fall break. All Wilkins Hall residents are required to pay an additional $30 fall break charge in the fall whether or not they stay over break.

The apartments at 302 North School Street, 209 North Fell Avenue, and 211 North Fell Avenue remain open throughout the academic year, including through all University break periods. Residents of 302 North School Street, 209 North Fell Avenue, and 211 North Fell Avenue who are moving out of their room and apartment for second semester must vacate the premises and go through proper check-out procedures by 2 p.m. on December 17.  

Each Cardinal Court apartment has a monthly electricity budget included in the room rate. At the time this document went to print, the 2022-2023 electricity budgets had not been determined.  When the 2022-2023 budgets have been established, students will be individually notified of the rate. The electricity budget for the 2021-2022 academic year was as follows, $80 per month for a four-person unit and $40 per month for a two-person unit. Once determined, if any apartment exceeds the monthly electricity budget, the students living in the apartment may be fined for excessive use. The fine will be split equally between the occupants. Being under budget one month does not allow an apartment to be over budget the following month. The monthly budget amount will remain the same throughout the contract period.

Electricity is included in the room rate for the apartments located at 302 North School Street, 209 North Fell Avenue and 211 North Fell Avenue.

Housing charges will be billed to the Student Account every semester and included in the installment plan for that particular semester. Billing statements will be available online. Students can access them via www.my.illinoisstate.edu. Failure to access a bill does not relieve the student of the responsibility of paying by the due date. Students may either print them and provide copies to appropriate payers or provide on-line access via authorized user access. Visit the Student Accounts website at www.studentaccounts.illinoisstate.edu for information about authorized user access, billing statement dates, due dates, and payment options.

Scholarships, grants, or loans will be used to pay room charges and other outstanding debts, charges, or penalties with the University. Any amount remaining will be refunded to the student via the Student Accounts Office.

All checks should be made payable to Illinois State University. The student’s university ID number must be written on the check. Please note that receipts for payment are not sent. Forward University Housing payments to Illinois State University, Cashier’s Office, Campus Box 1210, Normal, IL 61790-1210.

 

V. COVID-19 Acknowledgment of Risks and Public Health Mitigation Measures

Up to date information about COVID-19 can be found at coronavirus.illinoisstate.edu.

The coronavirus, COVID-19, is a highly infectious, life-threatening disease declared at this time by the World Health Organization to be a global pandemic.

Individuals with underlying medical conditions or other at-risk populations are especially vulnerable to the virus. COVID-19’s highly contagious nature means that exposure, especially through contact with others, can lead to infection. Additionally, individuals who may have been infected with COVID-19 may be asymptomatic for a period of time or may never become symptomatic at all.

Illinois State University and University Housing cannot guarantee a risk-free environment.

Health and safety standards are subject to change and are adopted as a part of the University’s COVID-19 prevention and mitigation strategies as recommended by the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

 

Students can expect that their housing experience will be impacted as the University continues to respond to this public health crisis. This section provides information that outlines the expectations for living in University Housing and various ways students may be impacted. University Housing will continue to update students through their Illinois State University e-mail account and University Housing website regarding any information necessary for the health and safety guidelines of our residential communities.

By accepting these Terms and Conditions, students acknowledge that it is impossible to prevent or fully mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infection, these rules and precautions are designed to reduce risk for Illinois State University students, faculty and staff, and members of the community and that such precautions may or may not be effective in mitigating the spread of COVID-19.  The Student agrees to comply with such rules and precautions, including but not limited to the items listed below.

Prior to Arrival

The University may impose requirements that you be tested for COVID-19 before arriving on campus regardless of vaccination status. Information regarding vaccination and testing requirements will be transmitted to students and made available at coronavirus.illinoisstate.edu.

Health and Safety

University Housing expects all members of University Housing Services residential communities- residents, staff, and visitors- to act in a manner that demonstrates respect and courtesy for those around them, including consideration for health and safety. As such, all residential students are prohibited from creating a hazard within housing and University Housing Services may request or require a resident to leave housing if their continued behavior poses a health or safety risk.

Residential students are required to comply with health and safety laws, orders, ordinances, regulations, and health and safety guidance adopted by Illinois State University or University Housing Services. This guidance will likely evolve as the public health crisis evolves and may include, but is not limited to:

• Comply with vaccination and/or testing requirements as communicated by the university.
• Observe current, appropriate physical distancing practices at all times.
• Limit gatherings over a certain number and only meet if students can follow facility capacities, as well as University and other public health guidelines.
• Follow all face covering requirements for the University described at coronavirus.illinoisstate.edu. Face coverings will be not be required in your residential room, however, face coverings may be required in all common residential areas including but not limited to hallways, lobbies, and elevators.
• Follow good hygiene guidance such as regular hand washing, avoiding touching one's face.
• Observe any additional guidelines that may be posted or communicated at a University facility or website.
• Adhere to health and safety requirements that apply to all residents and staff and extend to all aspects of residential life, including bedrooms, bathrooms, community kitchens, lounges, computer rooms, courtyards, and other common spaces.

Students can find the full University Housing Guest policy on the University Housing website. This will undoubtedly create a very different living environment for the academic year. By signing these Terms and Conditions students acknowledge these restrictions and agree to abide by them fully.

Requirements for Symptoms, Quarantine, and Self-Isolation

By entering into these Terms and Conditions, students understand and agree that they must abide by quarantine and isolation requirements as described at coronavirus.illinoisstate.edu/faqs/#quarantine .  Students that are subject to quarantine or isolation will be asked to go to their permanent residence and are not permitted to attend in-person classes or attend University or other community events or activities until they are authorized to return. Students understand that they should notify Student Health Services immediately of any personal COVID-19 related symptoms.

Students are subject to all of the above safety measures and recommendations as they may change from time to time, University Housing Regulations, and the Code of Student Conduct. The Code of Student Conduct requires students to comply with all University policies, rules, and regulations. (Section VI.A.12.) In addition, failure to comply with reasonable and lawful requests or directives of University officials or law enforcement officers acting in the performance of their duties also is a violation of the Code of Student Conduct. (Sections VI.A.6). Any violations of the Code of Student Conduct may result in discipline, up to and including dismissal.

Relocation/Separation

Upon receiving a directive that students must quarantine or self-isolate, students will be asked to go to their permanent residence for the time period required by the directive. If students cannot go home University Housing Services will assist in locating alternative housing arrangements on-campus in so far as spaces are available.

At any time, the University may request or require a resident to leave or relocate within University Housing at University Housing’s sole discretion. Residential students are required to comply with requests from University Housing Services to leave their assigned space.

Failure to leave the assigned space by the date/time required is a violation of the Terms and Conditions and students may be subject to emergency removal from their assigned space and the cost of removal will be billed.

Not all residential spaces are appropriate for quarantine or self-isolation and students may not be permitted to remain in those circumstances during the periods of quarantine and self-isolation and may not be able to take all of their belongings for this short timeframe. If a student is subject to a directive to isolate or quarantine that requires them to leave University Housing does not constitute a termination of a residential student’s housing contract.

Financial Implications

Students understand that there will be no reduced cost if they are required to self-isolate or quarantine in a different space in University Housing and/or at an off-campus location for any period of time.

Students understand that their academic courses and/or schedule can change throughout the contract period and a change in the mode of instruction for one or all classes or for part or all of the semester will not reduce the cost for this contract in any way.

Housing and Dining costs will not be refunded in the event that any of these changes occur or a student decides to leave University Housing and the standard cancellation policies will apply.

Termination

University Housing Services reserves the right to terminate housing contracts due to public health emergency needs.

In the event of a conflict between this section and the remainder of the Terms and Conditions document, this section will apply.

 

VI. UNIVERSITY POLICIES AND APPLICABLE LAWS

Failure to comply with all University regulations, applicable federal, state, or local laws subjects the violator to possible University disciplinary action and/or cancellation of the University housing contract.

Illinois State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution in accordance with Civil Rights legislation and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or other factors prohibited by law in any of its educational programs, activities, admissions or employment policies, except where age, sex, or lack of a physical or mental restriction are bona fide occupational requirements. University policy prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. Problems of this nature are to be resolved within existing university procedures. Concerns regarding this policy should be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access, Campus Box 1280, Normal, IL 61790-1280, telephone (309) 438-3383. The Title IX Coordinator and ADA/§504 Coordinator may be reached at the same address.

An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity.