Residential Life Handbook

6 Room and board fees for the fall and spring semesters are due at the same time tuition payments are due. The College reserves the right to change room and board fees at any time upon approval by the North Dakota Board of Higher Education. Cancellation and Refund A student who is suspended or withdraws from the college and thereby leaves the residence hall during the semester will receive a refund up to the 60% point of each semester as dated by the Business Office. Refunds are calculated on a weekly pro-rated bases. After the 60% point of the semester meal plans will not be refunded. Students evicted from housing due to disciplinary action will not be given a refund for room or board charges. A student who vacates his or her room before the end of the contract period, without properly checking out will be held responsible for the entire contract. Students are responsible for properly checking out of the residence halls according to established procedures. Additional charges for damages, missing keys, and cleaning will be assessed when necessary. Contract Release and Refund Policy In clearly unusual or extraordinary circumstances, students may petition for early release from their room and board contract. The Director of Student Services can provide students with a petition to live off campus. Students who violate the room and board contract may have their registration cancelled or be held liable for charges that remain on the contract. In the latter instance, college policy stipulates that students who have financial obligations with the college can have their records withheld and be denied permission to register. Occupancy Eligibility Full-time students receive preference for residence halls. If residence hall space is available, part-time students may also reside in campus housing. Housing Policy All full-time, unmarried students under the age of 21, and who do not have dependents residing with them are required to live and board in college housing or live with their parents or legal guardians. Commuting students will be required to complete a Housing Exemption form verifying that they are living at home. Dependents are defined as individuals claimed on the most recent federal income tax forms. Exceptions to this policy are as follows: • Students who have one previous academic year of full-time enrollment, summers excluded. • Students who are living with a grandparent, uncle, aunt, brother, or sister who is the head of a household as defined by qualifying for independent status for financial aid purposes (verification form required). • Discharged military veterans, National Guard and Reserve who have been activated within the last 5 years. • Students who turn 21 by November 1st for fall semester and March 1st for spring semester. Students who fail to comply with this policy will be assessed a $500 non-compliance fee. Petition to Live Off-Campus All first-year students are required to live in campus housing unless they meet Housing Exemption criteria. Students who are required to live in college housing may request an exemption and petition to live off- campus during their sophomore year if they meet the following criteria: 1.Are 21 years of age or older by November 1st of the fall semester. 2.Completed 30 semester credits, 15 of which must have been completed through DCB, (Note: Transferable credits earned while still in high school, including dual credit, AP, etc., will not be counted toward the total.) 3.Have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, and 4.Have an approved plan of study indicating they will graduate with a degree upon completion of their sophomore year. This plan must be approved by the Associate Dean for Student Services. Housing Fees Students must remit a $50 non-refundable application and reservation fee with the residence hall contract. Room assignments will not be made until the fee is