Petition for Contract Release
The Petition for Contract Release process is for students currently in a housing contract. If the school year has not started and you want to commute from home, follow the exemption process. The residence hall contract is a legally binding contract. All residence hall contracts are for a full academic year, which includes both fall and spring semesters. While it is uncommon and intrusive, there is a process available for an administrative release from your contract. The process is reserved for those who have a significant and unforeseen change that occurred after the contract period began that prevents you from upholding your contractual obligation.
The contract cannot be terminated solely for the purpose of living off-campus or in order to commute from home. While this process can be done at any time, students should be aware of the housing forfeiture schedule when submitting their petition. The Housing Forfeiture Schedule is outlined in the Residence Hall Contract for Room and Dining Plan. There are no refunds after week four each semester. Please read the Petition for Contract Release Documentation Forms for the type of release applicable to your situation. Documentation is required and must be submitted in full for the release to be considered. Please choose the form specific to your situation and follow the directions within.
Medical Situation
Students wishing to pursue a release from the housing contract for medical and/or psychological reasons must get connected with Student Accessibility Services (SAS) and provide documentation of their disability. Documentation should be completed by the student’s healthcare provider or a licensed clinical professional that is familiar with the student’s disability and can be provided in a written letter on the medical professional’s letterhead with their signature.
Visit the SAS Housing Accommodations Page
Financial Situation
For a financial situation, you must provide documentation to verify a significant, financial change that prevents you from fulfilling the contract. If you are a dependent, the financial change must consider your family unit. The documentation must show a date after the contract period began. Examples of documentation include a parent/guardian’s employment status change or a significant, unexpected medical or home repair expense. Please note financial change verification requires you to verify options for additional student aid by visiting the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center.
Extenuating Circumstances
For extenuating circumstances, you must have a typed narrative of the reason for your request to be released and documentation that supports the request. Active military duty, deployment, marriage, or child raising responsibilities are examples of extenuating circumstances.
Open the Extenuating Circumstances Form PDF
University Sponsored Activity
Proof of participation in the activity from the college, department or campus organization is required, including participation dates. This category includes studying abroad, student teaching, and internships.
Open the University Sponsored Activity Form PDF
Greek Housing Release
Petition application to live in Greek housing for the Spring semester. Must meet the requirements by the Center for Student Involvement for approval. See the below link for more information. Deadline is December 1.