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damage policy 

photo of campusThe residence hall is a home away from home. Its comfort, attractiveness, and state of upkeep reflect upon those who reside within the university community. Normal wear and tear is expected, and the cost of replacement and repair is anticipated when residence hall fees are determined. However, the effort to keep costs as low as possible is severely hampered by deliberate damage done to the facility.

Acts of vandalism are strictly forbidden. Every effort is made to identify and charge the individual(s) who is (are) responsible. However, at times, damage occurs which is not attributable to anyone. The university, therefore, has implemented a policy to deal with this problem. When deliberate, malicious, or accidental (as a result of misconduct) damage to a hall occurs, and the responsible person(s) do(es) not come forward, the following system for administering the charges will be implemented:

Loss of or damage to property in common areas, which includes the property and services of contracted university affiliates, is assessed against the entire residence hall population, or against the section of the hall if the person(s) responsible cannot be determined. The costs of repair or replacement of damaged items will be based on an overtime basis.

Room or apartment damage will be charged to the residents of that apartment or room on a proportionate basis. Damage done in a corridor, floor lounge, stairway, kitchen, hallway, or utility room will be charged to the residents on that floor or section on a proportionate basis. Damage to the main lounge, study rooms, basement, vending and video machines, elevators or other common areas, will be charged to all the residents of the hall areas, or will be charged to all the residents of the hall.

If damage is present when a student checks out of his or her room, then the billing will be divided among occupants in that room unless one agrees to pay the whole amount. Charges will be made for damages or any additional custodial service needed as a result of:

  1. The use of nails, tape, adhesive picture holders, tacks, decals, stickers, etc., which have caused permanent damage to walls, doors, wood, or metal surfaces.
  2. The replacement of room/suite/apartment screens.
  3. The removal of excess debris from resident rooms.
  4. The reassembly of beds.
  5. Violation of the procedure regarding checkout conditions.

The minimum damage bill for an individual will include a $3 administrative service charge plus the costs of repair or replacement, on an overtime basis. If damage bills are not paid promptly, the following action will be taken:

  1. The resident's name will be submitted to the Records Office with a request to put a hold on course registration and transcripts.
  2. The Office of Residence Life will invoke Occupancy Clause #11 of the Residence Hall Contract, resulting in the immediate termination of the student's contract or the non-renewal of the contract.
  3. Residence Life officials reserve the right to turn unpaid bills to the central collection agency, jeopardizing the individual's credit.