The Housing Contract:
All Housing and Food Service contracts are for the academic year. Mars Hill does not offer month-to-month or single semester contracts. Students may not sell or lease any portion of their contract/room to another individual. The contract becomes effective upon assignment of a room and the issuing of a room assignment letter. The contract term commences on the opening date of the academic quarter you marked on your contract OR, the day you move into the residence hall if you sign up and move in after the first ten days of an academic term. The contract continues through the last day of Spring semester and does not include the summer sessions. Charges are not prorated during the first or last ten days of a term.
The contract does not include occupancy during Winter Break and Spring Break when the residence halls are closed. When deemed necessary, vacation housing will be offered to residents at a per day cost. Residents requiring housing during a closed period must apply for vacation housing through the Student Life office.

Security Deposit:
A $250 security deposit is due with the contract. The purpose of the deposit is (1) faithful performance of the agreement, and (2) for damages beyond normal wear and tear. The $250 deposit does not represent the maximum liability for fees associated with damages or violating terms of this agreement.

Room Assignments:
Students will be assigned rooms provided they are fully admitted full time (minimum 12 credit hours) students in good standing (academically, financially, and with the Dean of Students office) at the time room assignments are made. Students must maintain full time status to reside on campus or get approval from the Director of Residence Life. Assignments cannot be made without first receiving a completed contract and the $250 housing deposit (unless special arrangements are approved by the Director of Residence Life). Housing priority is given to students continuing their residency for another year and then to new students based on the date the contract was received. Conduct records will be considered when making assignments.
Residents can not refuse a roommate/apartment-mate who is assigned to their living area. Refusing a roommate will result in conduct sanctions and additional room charges. Changes in room assignments may be requested through the Residence Life Office and will be made on a space available basis. All changes must be approved by the Residence Life Office. The College reserves the right to reassign students either temporarily or permanently for safety, administrative, or disciplinary reasons with 48 hours notice.
Meal Plans:
All on-campus residents are required to be enrolled in one of the campus meal plans based on their class standing. There are four meal plans available: Blue (19 meals/wk), Bronze (15 meals/wk), Gold (10 meals/wk), and Lion (7 meals/wk). First year students are required to have either the Blue or Bronze meal plan. Juniors also have the option of Blue and Bronze or Gold plans and Seniors can choose from any of the plans offered. The housing and food service contract does not include nor require the provision of food during the breaks and vacation periods.
Payment:
The student must pay the appropriate housing fees as published by Mars Hill College (or provide proof of Financial Aid deferment) prior to occupancy. If the student fails to pay the appropriate housing fees according to this agreement, the student will be assessed all costs associated with the collection of this debt, including reasonable attorney’s fees if legal action is required. The student will be unable to enroll in future semesters at Mars Hill until the account is paid in full.

Refunds:
Refunds for room and board charges for residents who move out of the Residence Halls before the end of the contract period are generally prorated based on the check out date. Upon request, the $250 deposit, less any deductions for charges or damages, will be returned to the student approximately eight (8) weeks after the end of the student’s final agreement session. If a student has outstanding financial obligations to the college, this deposit may be held or applied to any balance.
Behavior:
Residents are required to observe the Student Conduct Policy and Residence Life behavior policies as outlined in Residence Life Policies and Guidelines or be held liable for sanctions levied through Residence Life and/or the Dean of Students Office. Residents’ contracts may be terminated for causes of behavior code violations that are deemed detrimental to the living environment and are therefore subject to contract cancellation provisions and charges. Students who are required to live on campus and are evicted are still liable for housing costs for the full length of the contract.
Cancellation:
The contract may be terminated upon notice given by the College or notice of cancellation given by the student. Failure to follow appropriate cancellation or move out procedures may obligate the student for room and board charges. The college may terminate the contract for any reason including inappropriate conduct or health reasons that renders group living unwise. If a student has not moved into the residence halls, he or she may cancel the contract by contacting the Residence Life office either in writing or in person. It is necessary that the cancellation notice be given directly to the Residence Life office. Cancellation fee after May 1, regardless of whether the student has moved in, is $250. This does not apply if the student is not admitted to Mars Hill. If a student has moved into the residence halls and intends to cancel their contracts before it ends, termination notice must be given in writing to the Residence Life office. Students moving off campus after occupancy are subject to room and board charges, which may or may not be prorated. Charges will not be prorated during the first or last ten days of a term. Cancellation fees will be waived under the following conditions:
You have completed your academic program.
You are withdrawing, transferring, or otherwise leaving school.
You are relocating back with parents or moving in with a spouse.
Requests for other exemptions to the cancellation fee may be made to the Director of Residence Life but they are rarely granted.

Property:
Mars Hill College is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal property. Residents are encouraged to purchase their own personal property insurance. Students must pay the cost of replacement or repair for damages to his or her room unless another party takes responsibility for the damages. Charges for property loss or damage to College owned property will be assessed by the Residence Life office and be taken out of the student’s housing deposit. Charges in excess of the $250 deposit will become bills owed to Mars Hill. The college will make an effort to repair all physical problems with a residence hall room/apartment in a reasonable time frame. Delays in repairs can happen and Mars Hill will not abate room rates in such situations.

Check outs:
Students are required to vacate their room with all of their belongings within 24 hours of the cancellation of their contract. Any time a student moves out of a room/suite/apartment they are responsible for checking out with a Residence Life staff member and following the standard checkout procedure. The resident is responsible for leaving the room/suite clean, and removing all of their personal belongings. Students will be responsible for room charges until all belongings are removed and they check out properly. All keys should be returned at checkout. A student who fails to check out of his/her residence by the closing date and time may be subject to a late checkout charge.
Complete a Housing and Meal Plan Contract