Graduate Housing Contract
FALL 2020/WINTER 2021/SPRING 2021
GRADUATE CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The Residential Services Housing Contract ("Contract") establishes an agreement between
Northwestern University ("University") and the student ("Student") for use of assigned space and
facilities of a residence for and in consideration of the keeping and performing by Student of all
understandings, agreements, terms and conditions of obligation enumerated herein.
The Contract does not guarantee assignment to a particular type of accommodation (room or
apartment) or assignment to any preference indicated by Student. Student's preferences are requests
only; preferences for room or apartment type, building of occupancy, and University's granting of
roommate requests cannot be guaranteed. Please note that refunds of any prepayments made under
this Contract are subject to the below listed Cancellation Fee Schedule, regardless of cause, including
but not limited to reasons related to room or roommate assignment. The Contract does not determine
final admission of the Student to the University. Assignment to on-campus housing is contingent upon
the University's final acceptance of the Student for admission, approval of the Contract by the
Executive Director of Residential Services ("Executive Director") or their designee and receipt of full
payment. If the rate for space, as assigned, varies from the payment made, an additional charge or
refund, as the case may be, will be made to the Student. Facilities may vary slightly from descriptions
in brochures or from model rooms or apartments. No discounts in rental rates will be made for such
variations.
The terms, conditions, and responsibilities are stated below:
University academic year (Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters, excluding Summer quarter) after the
signature date of this contract. I agree to vacate my room within 24-hours of my last final examination
in June,. I understand that unless formally released from this contract by the Executive Director (see
Residence Hall Policies and Procedures Release from Contract), I am responsible for the room rental
charges and any applicable fees..
2. MEAL PLAN: I understand that I am not required, as a condition of living in on-campus student
housing, to purchase an on-campus board (meal) plan. An optional board (meal) plan is available for
purchase. Additional information on the optional board (meal) plan is available at
www.dining.northwestern.edu or (847) 491-2020.
3. STUDENT STATUS: I understand that to be eligible for residence, I must be enrolled
at Northwestern University as a full-time degree candidate or as a special student; and that if such
enrollment is terminated for any reason, I am no longer eligible for residence in the premises, I am
responsible to advise the Department of Residential Services immediately of such change in status,
and I agree to vacate my room within 24 hours of such termination. I agree that I will not occupy
nor reside in any space other than my assigned room except that I may have customary use of the
common areas. I understand that this contract is not assignable, that subletting is not allowed, and
that only the persons assigned by the Department of Residential Services may reside in my room at
any time. I further agree that I may have one overnight guest staying in my room for no more than
three consecutive nights and up to seven nights total per quarter. All roommates/suitemates must
approve of guests. I further agree that I will not unreasonably interfere with my roommates' or any
other resident's rights under similar residence hall contract.
4. BUSINESS USE: I understand that I may not use my residence hall room or any University
housing facilities for commercial or business purposes. This includes, but is not limited to, use of
phone, assigned bedspace or available community lounge, study or kitchen spaces, data, and cable
TV lines, as well as voicemail and mailboxes to conduct or carry out any commercial business.
5. ANIMALS: I understand that, unless specifically authorized by the Executive Director or designee,
or as otherwise allowed by law, no animal of any kind is permitted in the residence hall at any time; I
agree that I will not bring in or keep any animal in any area of the residence hall and that I will not
permit any guest or visitor of mine to do so.
6. SOCIAL DUES: No social dues are associated with, or included as part of, this housing contract.
7. PAYMENTS: I agree that payment for each quarter is due in advance, in accordance with
deadlines stated in the University calendar. I understand that refunds of any prepayments made
under this Contract are subject to the below Cancellation Fee Schedule, regardless of cause,
including but not limited to reasons related to room or roommate assignment.
8. CONDITION OF PREMISES: I agree to accept and maintain the unit in its fully furnished condition
throughout the duration on this contract. All furnishings, fixtures and equipment are to be kept in
clean, sanitary and working order. I shall return the premises in as good repair as when possession
was taken, ordinary wear and tear excepted. If the premises are discovered to be in poor sanitary
condition or in a manner that could lead to an unhealthy or unsafe environment for a suitemate or
surrounding residents, I will be required to make the necessary changes and cleaning to the room or
apartment at my expense. These changes must be approved by the Executive Director or designee. If
I fail to make these changes within a reasonable amount of time, services will be provided to perform
the necessary cleaning. I shall then be responsible for the payment of the provided services. I am at
no time permitted to change the paint color in the room or apartment or make any physical alterations
to the unit. Such action shall result in my being financially responsible for the work required to restore
the unit to its original condition.
9. MAINTENANCE REPAIRS: Repairs necessitated by my negligence or that of my guests will be
made by the University. Any such costs will be chargeable to me upon written notice from the
University and shall be payable no later than the due date of the next installment of room charges
following such notice. The University reserves the right to bill me up to 60 days after my departure
from the premises for any damages caused by me or my guests.
10. HEATING AND WATER: The University shall furnish hot and cold water in fixtures provided by
the University for that purpose and a reasonable amount of heat, except when prevented from so
doing by causes beyond the control of the University or when the apparatus providing water or heat is
being repaired.
11. RESIDENT PROPERTY: The University reserves the right to restrict the use of my furniture or
other items if such use necessitates the removal of any of the University’s property from the unit or if
such furniture or other items are a health or safety hazard or interferes with the provision of services
to other residents of the building. Where my personal property is left on the premises for more than 7
days after I vacate upon expiration or termination of the contract, the University shall have the right, at
its sole option and without further notice, to either (a) dispose of such property, or (b) charge a
reasonable storage charge for any such property. Washers, dryers, dishwashers, ceiling fans, window
air conditioners, space heaters, large appliances, treadmills, either electrically or battery-operated or
any other items that are considered by the University to be a safety or health hazard, are not
permitted. The complete list of items not permitted for safety reasons can be found at
http://www.northwestern.edu/living/about-us/policies/policies-and-procedures/index.html.
12. ACCESS TO PREMISES: The University through its proper representatives shall have free
access at all reasonable hours to the premises for the purpose of insuring compliance with all
applicable laws and University regulations, and examining the residence for cleanliness and upkeep,
or making alterations and repairs, as well as for the purpose of exhibiting the residency to prospective
residents. The University agrees to make every effort, when practical, to inform me in advance of any
entry and examination; it being understood that nothing shall hinder the University’s right to enter the
residence during an emergency to protect life and property from imminent injury or to enter the
premises to save me from serious inconvenience. Within 30-days of my move-out date, I agree to
permit the on-site maintenance staff to make a pre-move-out inspection of the unit.
13. INSURANCE AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS: The University does not assume any liability for the
loss, damage or theft of any personal property for any cause whatsoever; if protection from the
possibility of such loss is desired, I should cover my own possessions with appropriate insurance.
Further, I hereby release and hold the University harmless for any liability to me or anyone claiming
through me and the University shall not be legally responsible in any respect for any loss or damage
which I or anyone claiming through me may sustain by reason of: a) Any strike, lockout, work
stoppage, or other disturbances, riot, civil commotion or Act of God affecting me or the
demised premises or any resident therein; b) Theft or burglary in or about the premises; c) Fire, water,
flood, rain, frost, snow, gas odors or fumes from any source whatever; d) Any injury to any person or
damage to any property not caused by the University’s direct negligence.
14. SURRENDER OF THE PREMISES: At the expiration or other termination of this contract, I shall
surrender possession of the unit and shall return all keys to the unit to the University’s designated
agent. Failure to do so will constitute a default of this contract as set forth in Section 14 and subject
me to an obligation to pay the liquidated damages sum set forth in Section 14 for each day I continue
to occupy the unit.
15. DEFAULT: I shall be considered in default of this contract in the event I am in violation of any
term or condition hereof, including but not limited to payment of room charges as provided herein. In
the event of such default, the University may, at its sole option, (a) re-enter and repossess the
premises, or (b) require me to vacate the same within 30 days following written notice of default. The
University may charge to my account all sums due and may, at its sole option (a) assess as liquidated
damages the sum of $75 per day up to 3 consecutive days of the continuation of such default and
$100 per day thereafter until the default is corrected and (b) bring suit for and collect all damages
it sustained because of my default, notwithstanding any re-entry or repossession by the University. No
waiver of any breach of any part of this contract agreement shall be a waiver of any succeeding
breach.
16. COUNTRY/STATE/CITY LAWS: I agree to observe, in my use of the residence hall premises,
and to cause my guests to observe, all laws of the United States, state of Illinois, City of Evanston,
and all Northwestern University rules and regulations, including those set forth in the Northwestern
Student Handbook. I acknowledge receipt of a copy of the Residence Hall Policies and Procedures by
reference herein and that the Residence Hall Policies and Procedures are made a part of this
contract. I understand that failure to comply with any of the terms of this contract, including any
University rules and regulations, shall be a default as described above. Upon termination of this
Contract for any reason, room charges will become immediately due and payable in accordance with
the Cancellation Fee Schedule set forth below.
17. RELOCATION AND REMOVAL: Notwithstanding any other provisions of this contract, including
but not limited to Sections 15 and 16 above, I acknowledge, understand, and agree to the following:
(a) Relocation: At all times, the University reserves the right to relocate residents with or
without prior written notice for any reason in its discretion. Such reasons may include, but
are not limited to, space availability, community health or safety, to protect University
property, to restore operations, to reduce costs, or for such other reasons as deemed
necessary by the Executive Director of Residential Services or designee.
(b) Administrative Action: The Executive Director of Residential Services, or designee,
may act administratively to maintain the residence hall living and learning environment by
moving a student to a room other than the one to which he or she was initially assigned,
by moving the student to another residence hall, or, when required in the best interests of
the University as determined in the sole discretion of the Executive Director of Residential
Services or designee, by removing a student from University housing, either on an interim
or permanent basis. These actions shall become effective immediately without prior
notice, are considered final, and not subject to further review.
(c) UHAS Process: Housing removal, relocation, suspension, probation, and warning, as
well as restriction on guest privileges and financial housing restitution are all potential
sanctions the University may impose through its University Hearing and Appeals System
(UHAS), as set forth in the Northwestern Student Handbook. Administrative action taken
in accordance with Section 17 of this Contract is not – and should not be construed as – a
determination on the merits of any underlying disciplinary charge filed by or against an
affected student(s).
(d) Housing Removal: Students removed from University housing for disciplinary reasons
may be held for the remaining room and board fees for the remaining portion of the
contract term.
18. COURSE REGISTRATION. Until all sums due and owing under this contract are fully paid,
I understand that I may not register for future course work in the University or receive transcripts,
diplomas or degrees.
19. CONTRACT ENFORCEABILITY. Should any part of this Contract be held invalid or
unenforceable or contrary to law, that portion will be construed consistent with applicable law and the
remaining portions will remain in full force and effect.
20. CONTRACT CANCELLATION.
Any residents not bound by the terms of the two-year residency requirement (i.e. rising undergraduate
third year, rising undergraduate fourth year, and graduate students) may request to cancel their
housing contract for reasons outlined in the housing policy, entitled, “Release From Contract” on the
NU Residential Services website. Submitting a cancellation request is not an automatic release from
your contract, nor does it guarantee that you will be released from your housing contract. Each
release request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If approved, and depending upon the date you
submit your cancellation request, you may be responsible for a cancellation fee or part/all of the
contracted rate. Cancellation fees are as follows:
During the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters:
$300 cancellation fee minus proration of housing rent used
During returning student contracting:
Cancellation Date Fee
Cancel on or before Wednesday, April 17, 2020 $0
April 18, 2020 – August 31, 2020 $300
September 1, 2020 – end of academic year $300 less prorated rent refund
*The cancellation fee may be waived for extenuating circumstances.
21. HEADINGS: The headings contained in this Contract are for convenience only and shall not be
interpreted to limit or otherwise affect the provisions of this Agreement.
22. PHOTO RELEASE: The student grants to University permission to: record Student’s participation
and appearance on videotape, audiotape, film, photograph or any other medium, whether now known
or hereafter conceived or created (collectively, “Recordings”); use Student’s name, likeness, voice
and biographical material in connection with such Recordings; exhibit or distribute such Recordings in
whole or in part without restrictions or limitations for any legal purpose; including without limitation
educational or promotional purposes, which the University and those acting pursuant to its authority
deem appropriate; and copyright such Recordings in its own name or to publish, to market and to
license or assign rights in such Recordings without consideration, compensation, accounting or report
to Student.
23. MINORS: If Student is under the age of 18 at the time of signing this Contract, Student and their
parent or guardian will be required to sign and accept the “Minor Students in the Residence Halls
Contract Addendum” portion of this Contract, the terms of which are incorporated as part of this
Contract.
24. ILLINOIS LAW: The laws of the State of Illinois shall govern this contract and any attachment or
addendum hereto, and shall govern any potential dispute arising out of this contract.
Graduate Housing Contract Addendum
Fall 2020/Winter 2021/Spring 2021/Summer 2021
In addition to the terms and conditions set forth in the Residential Services Housing Contract
(“Contract”) between Northwestern University (“University”) and the student, who is enrolled as a
graduate student at the University (“Graduate Student”), to which this Addendum is attached, the
parties hereby agree to the following:
1. Graduate Student will be permitted to extend the term of the Contract set forth in Section 1 to
include the Summer quarter after the signature date of the Contract and Addendum.
2. The Contract is not automatically renewed. Application for a new Contract to cover a
forthcoming Northwestern University academic year must be submitted to Residential
Services at least 60 days prior to the end of the Spring Quarter. Graduate Student may
request an assignment change when a renewal is submitted.
3. Only the spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children of Graduate Students are
eligible to reside in graduate housing.
4. All spouses/domestic partners/children residing in the contracted premises must abide by
Residential Services Policies andProcedures.
5. Occupancy is limited to two (2) persons per bedroom, per apartment; or one (1) person per
bedroom in units rented as “2-Bedroom Shared.”
6. Apartment keys may be provided to Graduate Student, domestic partner/spouse, and a
dependent child who is 14 years of age orolder.
7. Meal plans are not required as part of the Contract for graduate housing spaces.