Terms and Conditions 2024-2025

Syracuse University

Office of Housing, Meal Plan, and I.D. Card Services
Office of Student Living

Terms and Conditions of Undergraduate Housing 2024-25 Table of Contents
  1. Introduction: These are the terms and conditions for occupying student housing at Syracuse University (“Terms”). They are an inseparable part of the electronic application for student housing. Upon submission and acceptance of the housing application, these Terms and Conditions become enforceable. Syracuse University requires students to reside in University housing during their first two years of enrollment at the University regardless of class standing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, transfer students are not required to reside in University housing but are encouraged to apply for housing, and housing will be assigned to transfer students at the University’s discretion if it is determined that space is available. Students will be financially responsible for the cost of University housing attributable to the mandatory periods even if they fail to occupy University housing as required by University policy. Similarly, students who elect to live in University housing for a given academic year by participating in the University’s room selection process will be financially responsible for the cost of University housing for that academic year even if they fail to occupy the housing. Students not required to live in University housing may do so if they desire, with the consent of the University, provided space is available. Students who elect or are required to live in Syracuse University student housing are obligated to comply with these Terms for the period set forth in item 4. All undergraduate students living in Syracuse University student housing, with the exception of students in South Campus apartments, are required to be on a Syracuse University meal plan. All students occupying student housing are required to adhere to the Code of Student Conduct published in the Student Handbook and the Residential Living Standards, Community Standards and Residential Policies as established by the Office of Student Living. To the extent any of those standards and policies conflict with the terms and conditions of these Terms, these Terms shall be deemed to govern. All students and guests shall comply with these Terms. Except as provided herein, a violation of any provision of these Terms shall be considered a substantial violation of these Terms and shall constitute sufficient grounds for removal or relocation to another housing unit.
  2. Definitions: The following terms shall have the meanings set forth when used in these Terms:
    1. ‘‘The University’’ shall mean Syracuse University.
    2. ‘‘The student’’ shall mean the student at the University occupying the student housing unit upon the terms and conditions of these Terms. It shall also include, when the context requires, any other person signing the application for housing as being financially responsible for paying housing charges.
    3. ‘‘Student housing’’ shall mean student housing at the University designated by it for occupancy by students.
  3. Eligibility For Student Housing: The University reserves the right in its sole discretion to determine who shall be eligible for student housing. The following are minimum requirements, but the University may establish other requirements from time to time:
    1. No person shall be admitted to student housing unless that person is an undergraduate student at the University who meets the requirement set forth in this section.
    2. Undergraduate students must be registered for at least 12 credits per semester.
    3. Undergraduate students must be at least 16 years of age upon checking into the residence all.
  4. Duration of Occupancy: Regardless of class standing, or how many semesters the student has resided in University housing, housing assignments are for the full academic year, both fall and spring semesters. Room charges are billed by the semester. The term of occupancy and financial obligation is from August to May. Students who select housing and are registered will be financially responsible for the occupancy term if notice of cancellation is not received by the following date: May 1, returning students who select housing during the spring room selection process; July 1, housing applicants other than those students assigned during the spring room selection process; January 1, housing applicants for the spring semester only. The housing unit shall be available for occupancy 24 hours prior to the first day of registration for the normal undergraduate semester and shall be vacated not later than (i) 24 hours after the student’s last regularly scheduled final exam for the semester or (ii) the end of the undergraduate exam periods for the year, whichever occurs first. Occupancy of provisional housing for additional periods accommodating longer academic years in some colleges shall be at additional pro-rated rates. Should the student not obtain a key and occupy the housing unit assigned by the first day of classes of each semester, or provide notice of late arrival, the University may terminate the student’s housing assignment by written notice and assign the housing unit to another student. In such event the student shall remain financially responsible for the housing charge to the extent provided in these Terms. The University reserves the right to partially or fully restrict access to residential facilities in the event the University determines, in its sole discretion, that occupancy presents a risk to health or safety. Access restrictions under this provision do not create a right to any partial or full refund. Refunds are governed by the Tuition, Fees and Related Policies bulletin.
  5. Housing Charges: All housing charges are established each year by the University and are uniform based upon the type of housing and the term of occupancy. Housing charges shall be determined by the University prior to the beginning of the occupancy term and published in its bulletin or other schedule of fees and charges and upon publication shall be effective for purposes of these Terms.
  6. Payment of Housing Charges: Housing charges must be paid to the Syracuse University bursar’s office upon receipt of the bill.
  7. Utilities: The University shall furnish at no additional cost all heat, light, and water reasonably required for the housing unit occupied by the student. Such utilities shall be furnished in accordance with the existing design of the housing unit or building occupied by the student and shall be subject to load limits and availability. The University may charge the student for any extraordinary or unreasonable use of utilities. The student shall not tamper with temperature sensors. The University shall not be liable for any interruption of utility service unless such interruption is caused by its gross negligence.
  8. Use of Premises:
    1. Recreational and Athletic Equipment.  The use of recreational and athletic equipment is permitted in designated areas of building.  The use of recreational and athletic equipment in hallways is prohibited.
    2. Residence Purposes Only. The student shall use the housing unit only as a residence for themselves. The living space may not be used for business purposes.
    3. Maintenance and Repairs. The University shall be responsible for all maintenance and repair of the housing unit and its furniture and equipment. The student shall not attempt to perform such maintenance or repairs, but shall notify the University’s Facilities Services Office of the need for maintenance or repairs. The University will inspect residential units for pest control purposes, and will provide treatment as necessary.
    4. Right of Entry. The University reserves the right to enter the housing unit from time to time at reasonable hours for reasonable purposes and not an excessive number of times to inspect the housing unit or perform repairs and maintenance. The University shall endeavor to give advance notice to the student of the proposed entry, but such notice is not required and is specifically waived where emergency or other conditions, including safety and security conditions, prevent the giving of notice or make it impracticable. The student shall not interfere in any way with the University’s right of entry under this subparagraph.
    5. Notice of Safety Inspection. The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) inspects annually all residential facilities, including randomly selected student living spaces. The OFPC is able to levy fines for all violations that are identified and not corrected. Students will be notified in writing of violations found and provided a minimum of 30 days to correct the violation. Payments of fines for uncorrected violations within student living spaces are the responsibility of the student(s).
    6. Furniture. Furniture supplied by the University shall be maintained in its proper location. The student may rearrange the furniture within the housing unit but may not disassemble it, exchange it with other students, or move it to other locations. Furnishings shall not block windows, doors, or heating units. Furniture shall not be placed on top of other furniture. Furniture shall only be used for its intended purposes. No furniture shall be taken from lounges or other common areas and placed in a student’s private area of residence or moved to any other location. University furnishings are not to be used outside the housing unit.
    7. Elevated Beds. The University recommends the use of University-supplied furniture and mattresses and does not endorse the use of student-constructed bunk beds or other elevated beds (lofts) in campus residences. In the event of use of such beds, students do so at their own risk. Elevated beds must not exceed 5 feet, 6 inches from the floor, must be 3 feet from windows, be at least 18 inches from sprinkler heads, and may not be more than 48 inches wide. The University retains the right to order the dismantling, or prohibit the use, of any elevated bed. The University does not assume any obligation to inspect or approve elevated beds constructed or installed by students. The failure to prohibit the use of any such bed is not to be construed as approval.
    8. Air Conditioning, Refrigerators, and Other Appliances. No air conditioning or other heating or cooling equipment or apparatus shall be added to or utilized in the housing unit. However, students requiring air conditioning for medical reasons may request special permission. Such student may submit, in advance of occupancy, a Health Care Provider Form explaining the nature of the disability.  Permission is subject to confirmation of the medical need by the University’s Center for Disability Resources. Refrigerators, less than 5 cubic feet, may be used in student rooms. Space heaters, lava lamps, halogen lamps, and multi-headed lamps are prohibited and subject to immediate confiscation and disposal. The student shall be responsible for paying all costs and making necessary arrangements for the property to be removed from the University’s premises. The use of extension cords is prohibited in all University Housing facilities including apartments. The use of a UL- listed grounded power strip with a built-in fuse or circuit breaker is permitted. “Daisy chaining” or plugging two or more power strips into one another is prohibited. Extension cords will be confiscated and not returned.
    9. Keys. Residence hall and apartment keys are issued by the University to the assigned student upon checking into the residence facility. Issued keys are for the express use by the assigned student and may not be given or loaned to another individual. In the event that a student loses or misplaces a residence hall or apartment key, that student shall be responsible for the reasonable and actual cost of both parts and labor associated with replacement of the locking cylinder and new keys for the unit. Replacement keys shall be obtained only from the University. Keys may not be duplicated by the student. The student may be charged a reasonable fee when the University is required to unlock a door for a student who has lost or misplaced a key or is otherwise locked out of his or her room. Keys must be surrendered at check out.  Keys received after check out will not be accepted.
    10. Storage of Personal Belongings. No personal belongings are to be stored in the parking lots or premises surrounding student housing or in any of the common areas of such housing. All personal belongings are to be stored in the student’s housing unit or such other place as may be designated by the University from time to time. No flammable substances, including and motors, shall be stored or used on the premises. Storage of personal belongings in student housing other than during the occupancy term is not permitted.
    11. Pets. Fish are permitted in tanks, not to exceed one 10 gallon tank per student. Other than fish, no pets or animals of any kind are permitted in any student housing or surrounding University property whatsoever under any circumstances, except service animals for persons with physical disabilities may be permitted upon written approval from the Center for Disability Resources.
    12. Guests. Students are directed to the Student Living ( https://experience.syracuse.edu/student-living) for policy information regarding guests in on-campus housing. If the University terminates its permission for guests for any reason, guests must vacate immediately. The student resident is responsible for the conduct of guests and may be held financially and/or disciplinarily responsible for guests for any damage or misconduct caused by guests.
    13. Smoking. Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes and vapes, is not permitted in any University residence hall or apartment. The University is a smoke/tobacco free campus.
    14. Other Rules and Regulations. The living and study conditions at an educational institution are unique and must be adjusted from time to time for the mutual benefit of the University and all of its students. Therefore, the University may impose, and the student shall abide by, other and further rules and regulations for the conduct of students occupying student housing at the University. Such rules and regulations shall be published and made generally available by the University from time to time. They shall be enforceable upon the student upon publication and without further notice.
  9. Special Provisions—North Campus/Skyhall Residence Hall Housing: The following provisions relate only to residence hall housing:
    1. Cooking. Except in locations provided, the student shall not use cooking appliances (ovens, hot-plates, toasters, toaster ovens, crockpots, George Foreman-type grills, and other similar devices) for any purpose. Other high-heat appliances (irons, coffee makers, hot-air popcorn makers, and other similar devices) are permitted provided they are UL-approved and used in the manner intended. Use of a compact microwave oven, up to 1000 watts, is permitted if it is the only appliance in use on the circuit.
    2. Vacations and Recesses. Residence halls are closed for occupancy during the academic recess between the fall and spring semesters.
    3. Trash Disposal. Rooms, corridors, and common areas are to be kept free of trash, debris, and recyclables with such items disposed of in the facilities provided.
  10. Special Provisions—South Campus Apartment Housing: The following provisions relate only to student apartment housing located on the University’s South Campus:
    1. Duty to Pay Housing Charges. Each student shall be responsible for paying the housing charges due for the term of occupancy based upon the number of students occupying the housing unit.
    2. Cooking or Electrical Devices. Other than devices furnished by the University, no cooking devices (including, but not limited to, charcoal grills; gas, butane, or propane grills or stoves and their fuel; and other similar devices) shall be permitted or fuel stored in or around the housing unit, on any balcony or porch, or in any other place constituting a fire hazard. Electric freezers, washers, clothes dryers, air conditioners, dishwashers, roasting ovens, and other major appliances are also prohibited. A microwave oven is permitted if it is the single appliance in use on the circuit and is rated at 1000 watts or less.
    3. Trash Disposal. All trash, rubbish, and recyclables are to be disposed of in the facilities provided by, and the manner prescribed by, the University. No other garbage cans or other disposal facilities may be utilized. The student shall not prevent or hinder access of University personnel and vehicles to the trash disposal facilities. Any trash, rubbish, and recyclables not disposed of properly may result in a disposal fee.
    4. Porches and Stairways. Porches and stairways must be kept free of any obstruction to normal approach to the housing units. The use and/or storage of personal belongings, upholstered furniture, or University supplied furnishings on porches, stairways, and under stairways is prohibited, except for approved outdoor furniture which may be used on front porches as weather permits. Improperly stored items may be removed without prior notice and disposed of following the University’s abandoned property procedures.
    5. Waterbeds. Waterbeds are prohibited. However, students requiring a waterbed for medical reasons may request special permission. Students may submit, in advance of occupancy, a Provider Verification form explaining the nature of the disability. Permission is subject to confirmation of the medical need by the University’s Office of Disability Services. Approved waterbeds are permitted in ground floor, three-bedroom apartments only.
    6. Pools and/or Hot Tubs. Pools and/or hot tubs are prohibited within the housing unit, parking lot, sidewalk, or lawn surrounding University facilities.
  11. Room Assignments: Room assignments shall be made by the University in its sole discretion. Advance notification of roommate assignments may not always be possible. The use of room selection, preference, seniority, or time priority systems for making such assignments may be changed or limited in its sole discretion. Individuals of the same gender are assigned as room or apartment-mates in student housing. During the room selection process, an opportunity to select a gender inclusive room exists for returning students participating in the process. The University shall reasonably cooperate with students desiring a change in room assignments. Any student desiring a change shall apply to the housing office and comply with its prescribed procedures. Failure to comply with the housing office’s prescribed procedures may result in disciplinary proceedings and/or administrative fines. The student shall pay upon the University’s request any increase in housing charges for the new room assignment, including increases that are incurred by the student as a result of University conduct action. The University reserves the right to assign occupants to different University housing in the event of a re-designation of housing unit category, or substantial conflict with other community members or due to concerns for health or safety. The University also reserves the right to assign occupants to other units in comparable student housing in order to make optimum use of space. At any point in the academic year, residents of rooms or apartments that are not occupied at capacity may be required to relocate to comparable space in another housing unit. Upon any change in the number of students occupying the housing unit, the housing charges payable by each student shall be adjusted as of the date of the change based on the University’s prevailing housing rates, including South Campus apartments occupied by three or four when occupancy decreases. Any additional housing charges due to the University shall be paid upon the University’s giving of a notice setting forth the amount due, and the University shall promptly pay any refunds due to the student(s).
  12. Meal Plans: All undergraduate students living on North Campus and students living in the Skyhalls on South Campus are required to be on a designated meal plan. Meal plan requirements, eligibility, and selections can be reviewed at Housing, Meal Plan, and I.D. Card Services (https://housingmealplans.syr.edu). In addition, a meal plan may include dining dollars that can be used on an a-la-carte basis in designated cash dining operations. The student’s valid SU I.D. card allows entry into the dining centers for those on a meal plan. These cards are not transferable. Lost or stolen cards should be reported to the Office of Housing, Meal Plan, and I.D. Card Services or the Department of Public Safety as soon as possible. There is no reimbursement nor replacement of unused, lost, or stolen portions of a meal plan. Appropriate changes in meal plans may be made during the first two weeks of classes each semester. With the exception of academic vacation periods, meals are served from the first day of the week of class registration through the last day of the undergraduate examination period for the fall and spring semesters. New York sales tax may be applicable and added to the amount of any University fee and charged in accordance with applicable law.
  13. Personal Injury and Personal Property: The University shall not be liable for any personal injury sustained by students or guests in or about student housing units or for any loss or damage to the personal belongings of students or guests occupying student housing units, whether caused by or resulting from fire, explosion, theft, vandalism, unlawful entry, falling plaster, steam, electricity, gas, water, the elements, the acts of other persons and/or other students, or any other cause whatsoever, unless the injury, loss, or damage is due to the negligence of the University or its employees. The University recommends that personal belongings be insured by the student under an appropriate insurance policy. Any personal belongings left behind by a student following termination of occupancy for any reason may be disposed of by the University at its discretion without any responsibility to account for any property.
  14. Suspension or Termination of Occupancy:
    1. Immediate Notice. Upon written notice, the University may immediately suspend or terminate the occupancy of a student if necessary to enforce the terms of an interim suspension, suspension, expulsion, or enforced medical withdrawal from the University or student housing.
    2. Leave of Absence. Upon filing a medical leave of absence or other voluntary leave of absence with the University, the University may suspend or terminate the student’s occupancy.
    3. Three Days’ Notice. Upon three (3) days’ written notice, the University may suspend or terminate the occupancy of the student upon the occurrence of any of the following:
      1. Failure to pay housing charges in full when due;
      2. Failure to comply with any other substantial term or condition of these Terms or of any University rule or regulation whether or not contained or referred to in these Terms, including but not limited to failure to comply with any requirement of paragraph 3 “Eligibility for Student Housing’; paragraph 8 “Use of Premises”; paragraph 9 “Special Provisions – North Campus/Skyhall Residence Hall Housing”; paragraph 10 ”Special Provisions – South Campus Apartment Housing”; or paragraph 18 “Withdrawal from Student Housing.”
    4. Fifteen Days’ Notice. Upon fifteen (15) days’ written notice, the University may suspend or terminate the occupancy of the student if the housing unit is closed or sold by the University.
    5. Thirty Days’ Notice. Upon thirty (30) days’ written notice, the University may suspend or terminate occupancy of the student and relocate the student in order to renovate housing.
    6. Refunds. Housing charges and refunds, if any, are governed by the terms set forth in the University’s Tuition, Fees, and Related Policies bulletin.
  15. Vacating the Premises: Upon termination of the right of occupancy, whether by expiration of the occupancy term or otherwise, the student shall immediately vacate the housing unit, remove all personal belongings and deliver possession to the University. If the student fails to do so, the University shall have the right to immediately re-enter the housing unit and remove all personal belongings therein, without liability for trespass and without liability for any loss or damage caused by re-entry and/or removal. In instances where the student, through no fault of theirs, is unable to remove their belongings, the University may, but does not have the obligation to, remove the personal belongings from the housing unit and pack, store, and/or ship these belongings to the student at the student’s last known address at cost to the student. Additional charges for occupancy may be assessed. The student shall deliver all keys to the housing unit within 24 hours of departure. Failure to return all keys may result in an additional charge for the reasonable and actual cost of both parts and labor associated with changing locks. A student shall leave the housing unit in a clean and orderly condition, which includes the removal of all trash, and at South Campus, the cleaning of all appliances. Failure to leave the housing unit in a clean and orderly condition will result in a charge for excess cleaning.
  16. Notices: Except as may be otherwise set forth in these Terms, all notices to students shall be deemed sufficiently given if in writing and either: (i) mailed to the last known address of the recipient of the notice, such notice to be effective when placed in the United States mail in a properly addressed envelope with sufficient postage, or (ii) delivered personally to the student or any other occupant of the student’s housing unit over the age of 17, or (iii) placed in the student’s mailbox at the student’s housing unit by an authorized representative of the University, or (iv) sent to the student’s University e-mail address in accordance with University policy governing official communications. Notices to the University shall be in writing and delivered to the housing office.
  17. Responsibility for Damage: The student shall be personally responsible for any and all damage to the housing unit occupied by the student or any University property therein, reasonable wear and tear excepted, unless such damage is shown to have been caused by the University. The student also shall be personally responsible for any and all damage to other housing units resulting from the intentional or negligent act or omission of the student or any guest of the student. Nails, screws, and adhesives which may cause damage shall not be inserted into, or used on the wall or doors of the housing unit or any common areas for any reason. Loss of property or damage to common areas may be assessed to occupants of the floor or surrounding area. The student shall pay on request the amount of any cost, expense, or loss resulting from any such damage. Damage to University property may be reason for formal disciplinary review.
  18. Withdrawal from Student Housing: In all cases involving withdrawals from student housing after the occupancy term begins, refunds of housing charges, if any, shall be determined and paid in accordance with the University’s Tuition, Fees, and Related Policies bulletin.
  19. Right of Offset: In the event that any refund is due to a student, the University reserves the right to offset the refund amount against any other amounts owed by the student to the University for any reason.
  20. Additional Remedies: In addition to all other rights and remedies afforded it under these Terms or applicable law, the University may suspend a student who fails to perform (or with respect to whom there is a failure to perform) the financial obligations of these Terms, may prohibit the student from registering (either currently or at any future time) and from attending classes, and may withhold grades, transcripts, and/or diplomas.
  21. Location of Any Legal Action: Any student or other person financially responsible with respect to these Terms consents to be subject to the power and authority of the courts of the State of New York. Any legal action for the enforcement of any term or provision of these Terms shall be brought in the appropriate court in Onondaga County, New York.
  22. Applicable Codes, Ordinances, and Laws: The student shall comply and shall cause all guests to comply with all applicable codes, ordinances, and laws affecting the University’s student housing and the student’s particular housing unit.
  23. No Lease; Restriction on Transfer and Subletting: These Terms and the right of occupancy granted by it are a license to occupy space and are not a lease, do not create or constitute an interest or right in real property, and may be terminated as provided herein. The right of occupancy may not be transferred by the student, by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the University. The student may not assign or sublet his or her right of occupancy created by these Terms. Any attempt or purported assignment or subletting arrangement in violation of the foregoing is void.
  24. Waivers: The University may exercise all of its rights under these Terms either separately or together. Any exercise or failure to exercise a right or remedy under these Terms or under applicable law shall not be considered a waiver of any other right or remedy or of the right to exercise that or any other right or remedy in the future. No waiver shall be enforceable against the University unless in writing and signed by a duly authorized officer.
  25. Changes: Any change or modification of these Terms must be in writing and signed by a duly authorized officer of the University in order to be effective as against the University.
  26. Force Majeure: The University shall not be liable or responsible for any delay or failure hereunder, including without limitation making housing and utilities available if such delays or failures are the result of any happenings or events which could not reasonably be avoided, including without limitation, acts of nature, fire, flood, natural disaster, health and/or safety emergency, epidemic, loss of electricity or power, riots, war, or terrorist attack (or threat thereof).
  27. Accommodations: Students must submit requests for disability-related housing accommodations such as room adaptions or configurations, room assignments or modification of existing meal plan(s) to the Center for Disability Resources.

Office of Housing, Meal Plan, and I.D. Card Services
Office of Student Living
January 2024