Housing Contract 2008 – 2009

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Western Washington University University Residences and Dining Services 2008 – 2009 On-Campus Housing Agreement

Under this contract, students pay for a campus residential experience that includes a full compliment of educational programs that support the Western Experience through inclusive and diverse residential communities that foster active learning, leadership, social responsibility, civic engagement, and effective citizenship; supported by a high quality, attractive and sustainable campus environment. The program supports a climate that is free from discrimination and sexual harassment.

  1. Eligibility:
    Student residents ("Student") must be enrolled in Western Washington University ("University") or University sponsored program and must maintain a minimum of 10 quarter hours for undergraduate students and 8 for graduate students.
  2. Regulations:
    Students agree to abide by all State and Federal laws, City ordinances, University regulations and the provisions of the Residential Community Handbook.
  3. Agreement Terms:
    The agreement is for the entire Academic Year, September 21, 2008 through June 12, 2009, or remainder thereof, excluding quarter break periods.
  4. Meal Service:
    Residence Hall contracts and rates include a mandatory meal plan. Apartment contracts and rates do not include a meal plan, but one may be contracted for separately at a separate rate. Services begin with dinner on Sunday before classes start (except for spring, which begins with breakfast on Monday). Services end with lunch on Friday of finals week. For Thanksgiving break, services end with lunch on Wednesday and resume with dinner on Sunday.
  5. Break Periods:
    Other than the below exceptions, students must vacate rooms by Friday at 4 p.m. of finals week preceding the quarter breaks. Buildings reopen the Sunday before classes resume.
    1. Buchanan Towers and Apartments:
      Students living in these buildings may stay during breaks at no additional charge if they continue residence for a minimum of two weeks of the following term. Those not continuing must check out at the end of the quarter or be subject to a daily fee during the break period.
    2. Commencement:
      Graduating students or others involved with commencement may stay in residence Friday night with prior permission from the Resident Director of their building.
    3. Other:
      Exceptions to remain in an assigned room during breaks other than those stated above require prior approval from University Residences. This is not included in the agreement and is subject to a daily fee during the break period.
  6. Deposit:
    The Student shall deposit $200 as security for the faithful performance of the Agreement. The security deposit will be refunded upon Agreement termination provided the Student has performed all agreement terms, covenants and obligations.
  7. Cancellation Before Occupancy:
    This Agreement may be cancelled in writing prior to occupancy, resulting in forfeiture of the $200 security deposit, except for the below exceptions for fall term.
    1. June 30th:
      If cancellation is received on or before this date the entire $200 deposit will be refunded.
    2. August 31st:
      If cancellation is received on or before this date $100 of the deposit will be refunded.
  8. Termination of Agreement:
    Termination shall not relieve Student of their liabilities and obligations. The student shall pay charges up to the time of termination, including any breakage fee that may apply.
    • By Termination of Student Status:
      Students must vacate rooms within 24 hours of termination of their student status.
    • By Default or Breach:
      The Agreement may be terminated, after 10 days notice of intent, in the event that the student:
      • Is in default in payment for more than 10 days, except where there is a written agreement to extend the period.
      • Breaches, violates, fails to perform, or is in default of the performance of any of the terms of this Agreement.
  9. By Student:
    The Agreement may be terminated by the student by properly moving out of their room during the year.
  10. Contract Breakage Fee:
    In the event of termination the student shall be liable for liquidated damages in the amount of:
    • Residence Halls:
      $5.25 per day for the remainder of the term of the Agreement, not to exceed $400.
    • Apartments:
      $2.67 per day for the remainder of the term of the Agreement, not to exceed $200.
    • Without Penalty:
      Students may be released without penalty for withdrawal from the University, participation in a study abroad or internship program, or approved appeal.
  11. Charges and Payment:
    Charges are assessed based on the published rate for the assigned room and board plan. Payments for the quarter are due the first day of classes of that quarter.
    • Late Fee:
      A late fee of $75 will be assessed once each quarter on past due balances of $500 or more.
    • Interest Charge:
      A monthly interest charge of 1% will be assessed on all past due balances.
    • Scholarships, Loans and Grants:
      Students are responsible for timely payment of balances not covered. Payments made from scholarships, loans, and grants are due upon receipt of monies.
    • Debt Collection:
      The student agrees to pay reasonable expenses of collection of an outstanding debt, including collection agency and attorney's fees. Students give authorization to contact all available resources to obtain information about current address, employment status, and other creditors, or any other data that will assist in the collection of defaulted account.
    • Rate Changes:
      Rates are subject to change by no more than 5% for emergency purposes as authorized by the Board of Trustees of Western Washington University.
  12. Damage and Cleaning:
    Students must keep assigned room/suite clean and advise University staff of any necessary repairs.
    • Damages:
      Students are responsible for costs, expenses or liabilities resulting from damage to a room, suite or building by them or their guests, except for those caused through an act or omission by University staff.
    • Cleaning:
      Students are responsible for the cost of additional cleaning required to return rooms to their pre-occupancy state.
    • Furniture:
      University equipment or furniture shall not be moved from rooms or public areas of buildings. The student is responsible for the replacement or repair of the property.
  13. Alterations or Decorations:
    Alterations to building and individual rooms are not permitted. The student may be required, at their expense, to remove alterations or decorations and may also be required to pay for any resulting damage.
  14. Refunds:
    The University will not give credit for absences from the University except in instances in which the Student is compelled to be away from the University for five consecutive days due to extenuating circumstances and has complied with the procedures outlined in the Residential Community Handbook. In such cases, the board portion of the room and board charge will be removed. Credit will not be granted if the Student's food is provided by another University department during the time of such absence.
  15. Appeals:
    Students may appeal adverse decisions or actions taken pursuant to this Agreement to the University Residences Appeals Board as outlined in the Residential Community Handbook. The Student is responsible for any fines under appeal. Appeals must be submitted within 30 days of the action under appeal.
  16. Services:
    The University shall furnish heat, electricity, water and sewer services. Internet and cable television will be provided, but student must provide cables and appliances.
    • Temporary Interruption of Service:
      Services may be temporarily interrupted when necessary because of accident, emergency, repairs, alterations or improvements, which are deemed necessary and desirable in the judgment of the University. The student shall claim no reduction or waiver of fees or other compensation, nor shall this agreement or any of its obligations be affected or reduced.
    • Delivery of Possession:
      If the University is unable to deliver possession of the assigned room because of fire, explosion, leaks, disruptions related to systems software, Acts of God, or reasons beyond its control, the University shall have no liability to the student for losses suffered.
    • Fire or Casualty Loss:
      If the student's room or residence hall should at any time be rendered untenable in whole or in part by fire or casualty, the University may, at its option, either immediately terminate this Agreement, or repair and replace the damaged room or residence hall within a reasonable time.
  17. Vacancies:
    If a roommate leaves, the remaining student(s) will be notified of available option and may include:
    • Occupy Room as Super-Single or Doubled-Triple:
      This option is dependant upon space availability. The student must sign an addendum to their contract and agree to pay the increased charge for the remainder of the academic year.
    • Consolidate Rooms:
      The student may move in with another student of the same gender who is also without a roommate. The University may note the location of open spaces, but the student is responsible for coordinating the move, which must be completed within one calendar week. Students will not be forced to move to a new location more than once during the academic year unless a move is made for conduct reasons. This does not apply to temporary assignments.
    • Accept a Roommate:
      Students who do neither of the above must be willing to accept a new roommate when someone is assigned to that space any time during the academic year. If a student refuses to accept the roommate, the student may be charged the super-single or doubled-triple rate from the date when the student's original roommate moved out, and may be subject to disciplinary action.
  18. Personal Property Damage:
    The University assumes no responsibility for personal property loss or damage.
  19. Reassignment:
    The University reserves the right to reassign students to different rooms, residence halls or apartments, or rescind super-single room assignments at any time in the event such reassignment is deemed necessary. Unless otherwise notified, the University reserves the right to reassign space if a student does not check in by the 3rd day of classes.
  20. Transfers or Sub-Leases:
    The student may not transfer or sublet any room or meal plan covered by this Agreement.
  21. Discrimination:
    Western Washington University is an AA/EEO/Title IX Institution. The University's policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, or status as disabled or Vietnam era veterans. Western Washington University complies with applicable Federal, State and Local laws, regulations and executive orders. Persons with disabilities may request this material in alternative format or arrangements for reasonable accommodations by calling disAbility Services at 360-650-3083.
  22. Waiver of Breaches and Cumulative Remedies:
    The failure of the University to exercise any right or remedy available as a result of the Student's breach of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver by the University of any such rights or remedies. No terms or conditions of this Agreement required to be performed by the Student and no breach thereof shall be waived, altered or modified except by an express, written instrument executed by the University. The receipt of rent by the University with the knowledge of the breach of any terms, covenants or conditions of this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of such breach. Remedies of the University under the terms of this Agreement are cumulative and are not exclusive of any other remedies or redress which may be utilized in case of any breach or threatened breach by the Student.
  23. Partial Invalidity:
    Any provision of this contract which shall prove to be invalid, void or illegal shall in no way affect, impair or invalidate any other provision hereof and such other provision shall remain in full force and effect.

Please also see: 2008-09 Preliminary Room & Board Rates
Rates are subject to change by action of Western Washington University Board of Trustees.

For descriptions of meal plans go to http://housing.wwu.edu/dining/mealplan.php