This is a legally binding contract between the University of West Georgia, acting through the Residence Life Office, and enrolled Advanced Academy of Georgia students. In consideration of payments made the student is entitled to occupy residence hall space and to the services provided by the Residence Life Office, subject to the terms set forth in this contract.
I. CONTRACT PERIOD
This contract, when appropriately signed and submitted, becomes effective upon its acceptance by the Department of Residence Life and is binding for the full academic year.
II. CANCELLATIONS
(A) New applicants for campus housing who decide not to enroll at West Georgia must cancel their contract no later than ten (10) working days prior to the first official day of classes for the initial semester of the contract. Cancellations after this date will result in forfeiture of the deposit.
(B) A student who has received a waiver of or has fulfilled the residency requirement and wishes to cancel his/her signed contract must do so no later than ten (10) working days prior to the first official day of classes for the initial semester of the contract. After this date, the student is bound to the terms of the contract and may cancel the contract only according to the contract buy out provisions (Section III.).
(C) During the academic year, an active contract may be terminated ONLY for the following reasons: 1) graduation, 2) withdrawal/failure to enroll, 3) marriage, or 4) serious illness or injury. Students must vacate their room within twenty-four hours of canceling this contract.
(D) Petitions to cancel contracts and other notices relative to this contract must be submitted in writing to the Department of Residence Life, University of West Georgia, Carrollton, Georgia 30118. Notification submitted to other University offices will not insure requested action.
III. CONTRACT BUY OUT
(A) A student who is obligated to an academic year contract may buy out the contract by paying an assessment of twenty-five percent (25%) of the remaining value of the contract. Contract buy outs must be completed by 5:00 PM on the first official day of classes for the first semester of the buy out period. Detailed procedures that must be followed to buy out the contract are available from the Residence Life Office.
(B) The student who buys out his/her contract will forfeit the housing deposit upon release from the contract.
IV. RIGHT OF UNIVERSITY TO CANCEL
(A) The University reserves the right to refuse admission or readmission to University housing or to cancel the contract during the academic year for the student’s failure to meet University requirements or to follow policies or regulations, or in the event of criminal conviction by civil authorities, or for any other reasonable cause.
(B) Upon the expiration or cancellation of this contract under any of the above conditions, the University shall have the right to re-enter the premises and remove the student’s property therefrom. The student waives the service of any notice to re-enter, notice to quit, or demand for possession. If the student fails to pay housing fees, additional fees, or assessments by the dates required by the Department of Residence Life, the University is entitled to pursue any or all of the following actions: terminate this contract, evict the student from University housing, cancel registration, and withhold transcripts, diplomas, or other records or documents maintained by the University.
V. DEPOSITS
The $250.00 deposit serves as a combined room reservation, room damage, room clearance, and key deposit. When requested, refunds will be made according to the following conditions: 1) the student is denied admission or is academically dismissed, 2) the University is unable to provide campus housing, 3) the terms of the contract are fulfilled, the student has been officially checked out of the room by a residence hall staff member, and the student is cleared of responsibility for damage to the room or building. The deposit will be forfeited, wholly or in part, when the student: 1) is responsible for damage to the room or building,
2) fails to follow department checkout procedures, 3) terminates the contract after the established deadline.
VI. REFUNDS
Students who officially withdraw from the University qualify for a prorated refund of room fees as determined by the date of the official checkout of the residence hall. Refunds will be prorated on a weekly basis. Students who vacate their assigned room during the semester without an official withdrawal or official residency release and students who withdraw and fail to officially check out of the room with the residence life staff will receive no refund of either housing fees or room deposit.
VII. CONDITION OF FACILITIES
(A) Students are responsible for the conditions of rooms, furnishings, and other items of property provided by the University. The student agrees to complete the Room Inspection Form by noting any discrepancies in the condition of the room described on the form at check-in. Upon checkout, the student will be billed for any repair of damages or replacement of university property beyond normal wear and tear.
(B) In the event of damage in hallways or common areas, students residing in the specific hall where the damage occurred may be charged for repairs or replacement of damaged property when not attributable to a specific individual.
VIII. LIABILITY
The University of West Georgia will not be liable for injury to persons or for loss of or damage to items of personal property which occurs in its buildings or on its grounds. This includes but is not limited to damage from fire, windstorm, vandalism, interruption of utilities, or condition of facilities.
IX. OCCUPANCY
(A) Students may occupy residence hall rooms on the announced opening date. Failure to occupy a reserved room within twenty-four hours of the beginning of classes may result in cancellation of a specific space assignment.
(B) Occupancy of rooms is allowed only by students to whom the room is assigned. This Contract is not assignable nor may a student sublet any portion of the contracted premises.
(C) The University reserves the right to (1) authorize or deny room and roommate changes, (2) place additional students in a student’s assigned room, (3) consolidate vacancies, (4) redesignate building usage, or (5) relocate students for reasons including, but not limited to, renovation, maintenance, construction, roommate conflicts, and disciplinary sanctions.
(D) In all residence halls, rooms shall be vacated no later than twenty-four hours after cancellation or buy out of the contract or after the student’s last final exam of the semester. Exceptions are made for students participating in a commencement exercise.
X. VACATION HOUSING
A resident is not entitled to campus housing when the University is officially closed. Except in Tyus Hall, residents should not plan to live on-campus between semesters or during Thanksgiving and Spring breaks. If temporary housing is available between semesters, the building and rate will be determined by the Department of Residence Life.
XI. ROOM KEYS
A student will receive a key to his/her room from the residence hall staff during check-in procedures. It is the student’s responsibility to keep the key secure and return the key to the resident staff upon vacating the room. A resident who loses his/her room key will be held responsible for the cost of lock replacement. Should the key be broken, a replacement key will be provided when the broken key is returned. Possession of unauthorized keys is prohibited.
XII. ROOM CONSOLIDATION
When a resident is left in a double occupancy room alone, for whatever reason, the resident will be required to pay the private room charge, select a roommate for his/her room, or move in with another resident who has been left in a double room alone.
XIII. ROOM ENTRY
While the University will make every effort to respect the privacy of the student and give prior notice if possible, the University reserves the right of entry for inspection, verification of occupancy, or repairs. The University also reserves the right of entry without notice in circumstances posing a threat to life or property or as are reasonably necessary to preserve campus order and discipline.
XIV. CONDUCT IN RESIDENCE HALLS
Students and their guests are expected to conduct themselves with proper regard for the rights, property, and privileges of other residents. Pets, solicitation of business, weapons, alcohol, controlled substances, alteration of locks, removal of furnishings, and tampering with any security or fire system are prohibited. Violations of these regulations may subject the individual to disciplinary action, confiscation of contraband, and removal from University housing or from the University itself.