Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract

This Housing and Food Service Contract (“HFS Contract”), made effective on the date the Student indicated their signature, is a legally binding agreement between The Pennsylvania State University (“University”), a state-related institution and instrumentality of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania subject to the Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation laws and the above-named individual (“Student”) for an assignment in University-owned residential spaces (“University housing”).

Term. The Term of this HFS Contract is for the academic semester(s) or Break Access/Holiday Housing period, as identified in the HFS Contract offer.
1. Academic Semester Housing. If the HFS Contract Term lists an academic semester, this HFS Contract is for housing during that academic semester only. Specified dates for occupancy during the academic semesters will be finalized and posted on the Arrival website no less than six weeks before the contract term begins. The Student is required to vacate University Housing during identified break periods. The University will announce the closedown schedule for when University Housing will close and reopen for each break period. If the Student is not able to leave campus, the Student must purchase the Break Access/Holiday Housing option when accepting the HFS Contract in order to occupy their assigned housing during the official University closures for fall break (late November), winter break (late December/early January) and spring break (early March).
2. Break Access/Holiday Housing Option. If the Student has purchased the Break Access/Holiday Housing ("Break Access") option, the title of the HFS Contract will reflect that election and the Term of this HFS Contract also includes housing during the official University closure during the academic year listed. The University will assess the Student a $25 administrative fee if the Student requests and the University agrees to process a change or addition to a HFS Contract for Break Access, or if the Student requests Break Access after the initial contract acceptance period.
Eligibility. To be eligible for residence in University housing, the Student must be in registered status, scheduled for courses as an undergraduate degree-seeking student and at least 16 years of age during period of occupancy.
Campus Meal Plan Required. All students residing in University Housing, with the exception of upper-class students who reside in University-owned apartments, are required to purchase the Campus Meal Plan for each semester/session that the Student resides on campus. Learn more about the Campus Meal Plan.
Rates and Payment for Housing and Campus Meal Plan. In consideration for an assignment in University housing and a Campus Meal Plan, the Student agrees to pay the University the rates specified for the Student's assigned housing, the Break Access housing option if selected, and selected Campus Meal Plan, as announced, or as they may be adjusted by, the Board of Trustees for The Pennsylvania State University. Housing and food rates are finalized by late March. For purposes of guidance only, previous rates for housing and Campus Meal Plans can be found on this site. Payment will be made in accordance with the University billing schedule established by the Bursar.
Right of Entry. The Student agrees that the University and people working for the University may enter the assigned housing as reasonable times to inspect, make repairs, or do maintenance. The University will only enter after providing reasonable advance notice to the Student, or on request of the Student, including requests submitted for repairs or maintenance. Advanced notice is not required in case of emergency.
HFS Contract Terms, Conditions, and Regulations ("TCRs"). Every academic year, the University publishes the “Housing and Food Service (HFS) Contract Terms, Conditions, and Regulations” (hereinafter referred to as “TCRs”), which is a document that details terms, conditions, and regulations on the use of University housing. The Student acknowledges and agrees their understanding that TCRs are hereby incorporated into the HFS Contract and agrees to read and abide by the TCRs. The University reserves the right to make changes to the TCRs, without advanced notice to the Student, to ensure a proper educational environment or safeguard the health and safety of individuals or the campus community.
Guests. The assigned residence may be utilized for residential use by the Student and temporary visits by the Students' invited guest(s). The Student is responsible for complying with the guest policy detailed in the TCRs.
Housing Assignment. The Student understands and agrees that the housing assignment preferences provided to the University are not binding and that the University does not guarantee the assignment of a particular residence hall or room, or assignment of a particular roommate. The University reserves the right to make all assignments and may change any assignment during the HFS Contract Term as described in Section VIII f. University-Initiated Room Change. The Student also understands that in order for the University to accommodate occupancy overflow, the Student may be assigned to supplemental housing. Supplemental housing is comprised of non-traditional living spaces (e. g., residence hall lounges) that are converted into permanent living spaces.
1. Housing Accommodations Request: If the Student has a disability that may require a reasonable accommodation, the Student understands that the Request for Reasonable Accommodation in Housing form can be submitted to the Housing Assignment Office at any time.
2. Meals Accommodation Request: If the Student has a special dietary requirement which cannot be fulfilled by individual selection from the menu choices, the Student can work with the University's Registered Dietitian's office. If the University is unable to provide reasonable accommodations (including housing reassignment), the Student may be exempt from the Campus Meal Plan in accordance with the procedures provided in the HPRs.
3. Roommates: The Student understands and agrees that unless a mutual roommate request is made, the University will randomly match students to reside together. Even if a mutual roommate request is made, there is no guarantee of an assignment with a specific individual. The Student understands and agrees to the process and timeline for submitting a roommate request, and how requests will be handled by the Housing Assignment Office.
4. Vacancies: If a vacancy exists in a room, the University reserves the right to assign a student to that space without notice to the current occupant. The current occupant cannot refuse a roommate being assigned to the space.
  1. Any student who occupies a room with a vacancy must keep their personal belongings on their side of the room and may not use the second set of furniture. University staff will enter the room and clean the space that was occupied by the vacating student after the student vacates the space or in preparation for occupancy by a newly assigned student.
  2. The University is not responsible for damage to or loss of the Student’s personal belongings that are left in the vacant areas of the room, suite, or apartment.
  3. The University may also clean shared spaces, such as en-suite bathrooms, kitchen and living rooms, while the space is occupied to prepare for the arrival of a new resident. The current occupants of those spaces are responsible for making space in shared areas for the new student and their belongings.
5. Student Request for Room Change: Authorization for room changes is in the sole discretion of the University. Students are not permitted to switch their room assignment directly with another student, nor are they permitted to move into a vacancy within a room, apartment, or suite. All room changes are processed through the Housing Assignment Office and documented through the eLiving system.
  1. Students with eligible assignments may mutually agree to room changes using Room Exchange eBoard.
  2. In the spring semester, eligible students may relocate to vacant spaces using the Open Room system in eLiving.
  3. If the Student feels that an emergency room change is necessary, the Student must discuss their situation with a Residence Life staff member. The staff member may explore other options to resolve differences between roommates. Authorization for a temporary emergency room change is at the sole discretion of the University.
  4. If a Student changes their room assignment without authorization, the Student may be subject to an administrative fee charged on the Student's LionPATH account. Student may also be referred to Residence Life and/or the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response (OSACR).
6. University-Initiated Room Change: The University reserves the exclusive right to change the Student's room assignment in the event that (1) the location is needed for other programs or purposes; (2) the Student's room is specially equipped to provide for a medical need and such need arises; (3) conditions require such reassignment to ensure a proper educational environment or safeguard the health and safety of individuals or the campus community; or (4) to facilitate efficient housing operations. The University reserves the exclusive right to assign the Student to a vacancy in a room/suite/apartment, without prior notice or permission from the current occupant(s) of the room/suite/apartment. If the Student fails to complete a room assignment change, the Student may be referred to Residence Life and/or the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response (OSACR).
7. Non-Commercialization of Room Changes: When permitted, student-initiated housing assignment exchanges are only for the purpose of facilitating the mutually agreeable exchange of assignments. Students may not advertise, solicit, offer, accept, or exchange a housing assignment with another student for a fee, or anything else of value.
  
  A student who is found to violate this term may be referred to Residence Life and/or the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response (OSACR).
Financial Statement. The Student authorizes University to apply any financial aid received toward charges assessed to the Student's LionPATH account. University may continue to apply student aid funds for this purpose until the Student rescinds this authorization, which may be done at any time by contacting the Office of the Bursar.
Meningococcal Vaccination Statement. The Student understands that all University students residing in University housing are required to comply with the Pennsylvania College and University Vaccination Act. This Act requires that students be vaccinated against meningococcal disease or qualify for an exemption. By accepting the HFS Contract, the Student confirms their awareness of the immunization requirements.
Housing Deposit. The Student understands that the $100 Housing Deposit submitted with the acceptance of offer of admission to the University will not be refunded to the Student if the Student does not enroll and attend the University. If the Student attends the University, the housing deposit will be applied to the Student's LionPATH account as a $100 credit for the room charge. The $100 credit cannot be applied to other charges on the Student's LionPATH account. The housing deposit will not be refunded if the Student makes the choice to change the campus of registration and does not live in University Housing where housing and food charges are applied to the Student's LionPATH account.
Damages. Damages, theft, or losses will be billed as additional charges under the HFS Contract and charged to the Student’s LionPATH account as follows:
1. Room occupants will be held responsible for the condition of the room and furnishings and for any damages or losses that may occur during occupancy. Occupancy shall be inclusive from the date of check-in to the date the Student properly checks out of the room.
2. Individuals identified as responsible for damage, theft, or losses in common areas of the building (such as corridors, elevators, stairwells, recreation rooms, dining commons, study rooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, work rooms, and lounges) will be billed for the cost of repair or replacements. Amounts will billed as additional charges under the HFS Contract and will be charged on the Student’s LionPATH account.
3. The Student must pay a damage assessment when billed or charged added to the Student’s LionPATH account.
4. Students are not permitted to make damage repairs or arrange for them to be made directly with another person or vendor. In an emergency, a staff member on duty must be contacted.
5. If the Student leaves the University at the end of the contracted period or earlier due to withdrawal from the University or other termination of study, or who fails to return the room key at the time of check-out, the Student will automatically be assessed a charge for a core(s) change and key replacement(s). The amount will be charged to the Student's LionPATH account.
Release of Liability. The Student agrees to hold the University and its agents and employees harmless from all damage, injury, liability, or loss sustained by the Student or others in the Student’s room that results from the negligent or intentional misuse of the room by the Student or others in the room. The Student also agrees to release and hold harmless the University and its employees for any liability for loss, theft or damage to personal property of the Student in any University housing area, including parking lots.
Insurance. The University does not provide property insurance for student belongings. The Student is encouraged to maintain appropriate insurance coverage for personal property.
Contract Cancellation or Release.
1. Failure to Enroll. The HFS Contract may be cancelled if the Student does not attend or enroll at the University during the term of the HFS Contract.
2. Extreme Circumstances. The Student may submit a request for a release from the HFS Contract for an extreme circumstance. An extreme circumstance is defined as a situation that has developed since the Student accepted the HFS Contract, as related to a financial situation, marriage, or medical/psychological concerns. The Student is required to complete the HFS Contract Release Request form and provide documentation to substantiate the request and show the change in the Student's circumstances. The HFS Contract Release Request will be reviewed by a University Committee that consists of staff from the Housing Assignment Office, Housing Operations, and Residence Life. The committee will determine if the request warrants a release. If the Student is released from the HFS Contract under this provision for the HFS Contract period term(s), the Student could have a fee applied to the Student's LionPATH account, in accordance with the date the request was submitted for consideration, as identified in the TCRs.
3. Withdrawal or Academic Drop. If the Student withdraws from the University, submits a leave of absence, or is academically suspended by the University, the Student is no longer eligible to live in University Housing. For withdrawals and leave of absence, the Student is responsible for following University guidelines so that the Student's LionPATH account is updated and all classes are cancelled. The Student's HFS Contract will be cancelled and room and meal plans charges/refunds will be based on the guidelines identified in the TCRs.
4. Transfer of Obligation. The University may release the Student from the HFS Contract if the Student is able to successfully transfer this HFS Contract to another eligible student in accordance with the procedures and regulations delineated Manage Your Contract information, within the timeframe specified by the University.
5. University-Sanctioned Academic Activity. The University may release the Student from the HFS Contract if the Student submits a timely Contract Cancellation Request based on a University-sanctioned academic activity that will require the Student to be away from campus (e.g., practicum, study abroad, internship).
Contract Termination by the University. The University may terminate the HFS Contract and require the Student to vacate University housing under the following circumstances:
1. Lack of eligibility or financial holds. If the Student is no longer in "registered status" fails to satisfy in a timely manner all financial obligations to the University, or has a financial hold placed on the Student's LionPATH account for housing and food charges incurred during previous semester.
2. Violation. If the Student violates any term or condition of this Contract, the Student Code of Conduct or any other University rule or policy.
3. Poor Conduct. If the Student engages in conduct that disregards the rights of other residents, jeopardizes the safety and/or well-being of themselves or other residents; or otherwise disrupts the housing environment; or
4. Criminal Conduct. If the Student’s conduct and/or proven criminal record indicates a potential threat or danger to the student or the University community.
Housing and Food Charges. In the event of a HFS Contract Cancellation, Release, or Termination, the Student is liable for room and Campus Meal Plan charges incurred through the date of cancellation, release or termination of the HFS Contract and/or when the Student officially checks out of University Housing, whichever occurs last.