2023–2024 Contract and Cancellation Fees

Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Housing & Residence Life Contract Terms and Conditions

1. Term

1. The term of this contract is for the entire Academic Year 2023-2024 or for the remainder of the Academic Year if signed after the start of the fall 2023 semester. Contracts that begin spring semester include only the spring semester.

2. Eligibility

1. You must be an actively enrolled full-time student at the University to enter into this contract for residential space in Housing & Residence Life facilities, or otherwise determined eligible by the Director of Housing & Residence Life for good cause.
2. The University requires you to receive the meningitis vaccine to reside in Housing & Residence Life facilities.
3. Individuals who have a criminal or juvenile record involving a felony offense are not eligible for University housing. If the University becomes aware that you have a record of criminal conviction(s) or other actions indicating behavior that could pose a risk to person or property and/or could be injurious or disruptive to the residential housing community or the living/learning environment, the University may reject your application for housing, or may terminate or suspend this contract.

3. Occupancy

1. Occupancy dates for this contract are listed on Housing & Residence Life’s website and are subject to change based on the University’s official academic calendar and assigned space. Consult the referenced website for your specific occupancy dates. Additional fees will apply if you take occupancy prior to the scheduled dates.
2. You must check-in by following check-in instructions provided to you for initial occupancy. Occupancy occurs when Housing & Residence Life issues a key or grants access on your KU Card to you for the assigned residential space. Actual physical occupancy of the residential space by you and/or placement of your possessions within the residential space is not necessary to constitute occupancy. It is your responsibility to fulfill occupancy expectations by noon on the first day of classes each semester.
3. You may not receive your assigned residential space if you do not check-in by noon on the first day of classes each semester and may be reassigned to a different space.
4. Contact Housing & Residence Life in advance to arrange for late check-in. Failure to establish occupancy without advance notification and corresponding approval from Housing & Residence Life to delay the occupancy constitutes a breach of this contract. Non-occupancy of assigned residential space does not terminate this contract, and the appropriate charges under this contract will continue.
5. You must follow check-out procedures when permanently vacating your assigned residential space. Unless you negotiate a modified check-out date, you must vacate within 24 hours following your last final examination each semester. Refer to the Failure to Vacate Policy below.

4. Residential Space Assignments

1. You may select your preferred residential space and roommates after the contract completion date from currently available spaces.  However, the University reserves the right to assign students to any Student Housing facility, even if not requested by the student; to move a student to another hall/room or cancel a student’s contract if the student does not adhere to the terms of this Contract or Student Housing policies; and to alter room/unit and hall assignments when deemed necessary.
2. The University determines all reassignments or other occupancy changes. On rare occasions, you may be required to move to a different residential space in order to accommodate an individual with unique physical requirements, to address maintenance concerns, or resolve unforeseen situations.
3. The University reserves all unoccupied space inside the housing unit for its use and future assignment. If you have contracted for partial residential space in a shared housing unit (e.g., shared bedroom, suite, apartment), the University may assign you a roommate at any time. The University can reassign you to a different residential space. Failure to move after reassignment or refusal of a roommate assignment by an established date will result in charges at the higher rate to you and referral to the student conduct process per the Housing & Residence Life Handbook.
4. You may request to transfer between available residential spaces and/or buildings as space permits.  Any transfer must be approved by Housing & Residence Life. Generally, the same policies and regulations apply in all residential spaces. When modified payment schedules, different amounts due, or new regulations apply, you agree to these changes as a condition of the transfer. The University may assess an administrative fee for the transfer request.
5. If you require a reasonable accommodation in your assigned residential space due to a medical condition or disability, you must establish a file with University Academic Support Centers, 22 Strong Hall, 1450 Jayhawk Blvd., Lawrence, KS 66045. University Academic Support Centers will make a recommendation to Housing & Residence Life regarding your residential space needs.
6. Housing & Residence Life hires and trains staff to participate with you and other residents in conflict resolution and to document incidents, initiating disciplinary action as appropriate.

5. Condition of Residential Space; Purposes for Use; Inspections

1. The University of Kansas is a residential academic community. As a resident in this community, you must comply with the policies and regulations in place to protect and promote educational activity, maintain order, and manage behavior affecting the freedom and privacy of others.
2. You may use assigned space for personal residence only. Activity involving regular use of Housing & Residence Life facilities or services for personal financial gain is prohibited. You may not assign or transfer this contract or sublet or otherwise assign the residential space to another person.
3. You give consent for your photograph or likeness and/or the residential space for use in publicity programs and other promotions created for The University of Kansas
4. You have a limited right to privacy in your assigned residential space.  The University reserves the right to enter living areas, locked or unlocked, including your assigned residential space, under conditions described in the Housing & Residence Life Handbook and at any time in the case of an emergency, for immediate resolution of policy violations or disruption, to perform maintenance or welfare checks, and as authorized by another occupant.
5. Maintenance requests initiated by you and/or your roommate(s) constitute permission to enter the space where maintenance or repair is to be completed.

6. Maintenance and Care of Facilities

1. The University agrees to make all necessary repairs and perform maintenance in the facility and the resident’s space by authorized personnel. Repairs will be made to the room and University furnishings upon request or in accordance with routine schedules. Temporary inconvenience caused by malfunction of mechanical, electrical systems, plumbing, or any other component of the space does not warrant a refund.
2. You agree to be directly and financially responsible for keeping the assigned space and its furnishings clean and free from damage, to cooperate with roommates in the common protection of property and in maintenance of the living space, and to advise the University of any deteriorated conditions of the room or its furnishings so timely repairs can be made.
3. You agree to use public areas, residential corridors and rooms, and equipment and furnishings in a careful and proper manner, to contribute to the orderliness and cleanliness of all areas, to cooperate in the common protection of property, and to advise the University of any deteriorated or hazardous conditions so timely repairs can be made. Charges may be assessed for common area damages or special housekeeping or maintenance services necessary due to misuse or abuse of facilities or equipment for which the resident is determined to be responsible, or to pay an equal portion of charges assessed to all residents of a corridor, room/suite/apartment, or facility when those responsible cannot be identified by the building staff or the responsible individuals fail to assume the charges.

7. Rules and Regulations

1. All residents, visitors, and guests must abide by the laws of the state of Kansas and the conduct rules of the University. The resident is responsible for complying with the rules, policies, and regulations contained in this contract, the Housing & Residence Life Handbook, and other official publications, including: 1) The Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities for the University of Kansas, 2) The University of Kansas Parking Regulations, and 3) The University of Kansas Policy Library. The terms of the policies and regulations may change from time to time. It is the resident’s responsibility to review regularly the Handbook to ensure awareness of and adherence to the current terms.
2. Acts contrary to federal, state, or local laws, and University regulations such as, but not limited to, sex offenses, gambling, possession and/or use of illegal drugs and/or controlled substances, theft, and disruption constitute violations of the Housing & Residence Life Handbook.
3. Violation by you of federal, state, or local laws, or the policies or regulations referenced above, or failure to independently manage daily life functions to the extent that custodial care might be required, may result in disciplinary sanction, reassignment to another residential space and/or building, revocation of future guest privileges, and/or other consequences including liability for full contract costs when this contract is cancelled by Housing & Residence Life.
4. If the University cancels this contract for violation of a policy or regulation, you may not reapply for Student Housing for a minimum period of one calendar year from the end of the contract period in which the cancellation was effective.
5. This contract may be immediately suspended and you may be required to vacate the premises when circumstances indicate that your continued presence in the assigned residential space may constitute danger, or threat of danger, to property, yourself, or others in the housing system.
6. If you are arrested for alleged criminal acts or have criminal charges pending against you, this contract may be suspended by the University. You will receive written notice from the University stating reasons for an interim contract suspension and the time and place for a hearing to be held within five class days at which time you will have an opportunity to show why your continued presence in the housing unit does not constitute a danger, or threat of danger, to others, yourself, or property.
7. In lieu of an interim contract suspension, you may be assigned to another residential space, be restricted from entering specified housing areas or units, and/or be restricted in other privileges normally allowed to you in Housing & Residence Life facilities.

8. Rates and Charges

1. Rates may vary by residential space, as rates are specific to the room type, community, amenities, and building. The Board of Regents adjusts rates annually. Current rates may be found on the Housing & Residence Life website.
2. You agree to accept room and food plan charges and pay the applicable fees in accordance with the scheduled due dates as posted by Student Accounts & Receivables. Fees not paid by the due date may result in the University taking one or more of the following actions against you: 1) postponement of scheduled check-in time, 2) suspension of access to housing and dining facilities, and/or 3) cancellation of this contract. Cancellation charges will apply.

9. Food Plan Requirement

1. If assigned to a residential space in a residence hall or scholarship hall, you are required to purchase a food plan. In scholarship halls, food is purchased for you and other residents to cooperatively prepare meals through a food board management program. The University may make changes to the food management program from time to time.
2. KU Dining provides dining plan choices for residents in residence halls, and you select your plan through the on-line housing portal. Refer to KU Dining’s website for more information, including plan details and cancellation fee schedules.
3. In apartments (Stouffer Place, Jayhawker Towers, McCarthy), food plans are optional. You may purchase a plan from KU Dining through the on-line housing portal.

10. Damages to Property

1. You are financially responsible for any damage you or any of your guests and visitors may cause in public or private areas of Housing & Residence Life facilities. The University may withhold academic records for nonpayment of obligations such as lost keys, broken or missing furniture, and other debts owed to KU Student Housing.
2. You understand and acknowledge that insurance carried by the University covers University property only, and you agree to be responsible for obtaining and maintaining your own insurance against loss or damage to property, personal injury, or liability. You further understand and agree that claims for injury or damage to persons or property resulting from the negligent or wrongful acts or omissions of Housing & Residence Life and approved personnel acting in the course and scope of their employment, are subject to the terms, conditions, and liability limitations contained in the Kansas Tort Claims Act, K.S.A. 75-6101, et seq.

11. Failure to Vacate Policy

1. You are responsible for your personal property at all times. If you do not vacate your assigned residential space as scheduled (following internal transfers as well as at the end of a contract period) and have not removed personal property, the University will make a reasonable attempt to contact you. If after 48 hours you have not vacated the assigned residential space, the University will dispose of trash and items already opened or used, and remove your remaining personal property and store it at your expense for up to 30 days. You will be charged $50 per day plus the daily rate for each day you and/or your belongings remain in the assigned residential space. After 30 days, the personal property is deemed abandoned and becomes the property of the University and, in most instances, will be donated or discarded.
2. The University shall not be liable for damage to or loss of property that might occur during the course of removal or disposal. The University will bill you for all costs incurred in removing and storing personal property, and restoration of the assigned residential space, and you agree to be responsible for payment of such costs, including any other outstanding charges.

12. Communication

1. KU Student Housing will make every attempt to communicate with you as needed either by email or by phone. The email of record for Housing & Residence Life is your KU email address. The phone number of record is the phone number associated with your official university student record.

13. Cancellation by the University

1. The University may terminate this contract by providing notice to the resident (in any manner, including without limitation, electronic or hard copy) after breach by the resident, including without limitation a resident’s failure to be or remain eligible for on-campus housing. Upon any such termination, the resident remains responsible for all charges in full under the contract, through the effective date of termination, in addition to any applicable fees and damages assessments otherwise provided in this contract.
2. The University reserves the right to terminate this contract due to emergency needs or other occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the University. In the event the University terminates this contract due to any act, order, regulation, or request of any governmental authority or agency or other occurrences including, but not limited to, natural disasters, floods, fires, tornadoes, riots, epidemics, pandemics or quarantines, the University will offer fair and reasonable credits of fees paid by impacted residents as appropriate and based on information available at that time. If the University invokes these force majeure rights the University will notify the impacted residents as soon as practicable.

14. Cancellation by the Resident

1. You may request cancellation of this contract through an on-line request form with Student Housing. Cancellation charges vary depending on the date and reason for request, as well as your student status at the University:
   1. Before check-in or the first day of classes: You may cancel this contract by submitting an online request. Cancellation charges (including applicable food plan charges) will apply.
   2. After check-in or first day of classes: Housing & Residence Life must approve the cancellation in order for you to be financially released from the full contract terms. You must submit the cancellation request through an on-line request form with Housing & Residence Life. The official cancellation date is the date you check out and leave, not the date of cancellation request. Cancellation charges (including applicable food plan charges) will apply.
2. Cancellation requests that are typically approved by Housing & Residence Life are: withdrawal from the University, failure to enroll, or academic dismissal; assignment to a KU-sponsored internship; research project, or other KU program which requires living away from Lawrence; completion of graduation requirements during the term of this contract; marriage during the term of this contract; or compulsory military duty.
3. Housing & Residence Life will consider cancellation requests for other unusual and compelling circumstances, including financial and medical hardship, which justify individual consideration. Documentation is required.
4. Housing & Residence Life will not approve cancellation requests when you remain enrolled but wish to move off-campus, including to Greek chapter houses. Full academic year contract fees (including applicable food plan charges) will apply.

15. Cancellation Fee Schedule for 2023–2024 (*Updated May 30, 2023)

Fall Semester

Spring Semester

16. Choice of Law

1. This contract shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Kansas, without regard to conflicts of law provisions. Jurisdiction and venue of any suit arising out or related to this contract shall reside only in the courts located in Douglas County, Kansas.

Non-Discrimination Policy

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the University’s programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies for the Lawrence campus: Director of The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY

Last Updated

Updated 11/3/2023

Fall 2023 – Spring 2024 Student Housing Calendar

Housing dates may be adjusted in accordance with changes in the official University calendar. We will continue to update this section with more specificity as dates are finalized.

Fall 2023

Spring 2024

When there are unusual issues connected with final examination schedules, graduation, or other compelling circumstances, contact the Complex Director to discuss the possibility of a modified check-out arrangement.

Residents of the residence halls and scholarship halls who will be on campus during winter break may arrange housing at additional cost. Information will be available prior to break regarding cost and building details.