Residence Life - Student Housing Services

Residence Contract

Table Of Contents

1.0 Introduction

1.1 General

In order to live in residence, you are required to enter into a contract with the University of Guelph. The contract is comprised of two parts: an online Application for Residence/Residence Contract (hereafter referred to as the Application/Contract), and this document, in which the terms and conditions of the contract are described in detail.

Please read this document carefully before completing your Application/Contract with the University. You and Student Housing Services will be held accountable for the terms and conditions outlined herein. Further explanations and details may be found in the Residence Student Handbook and the Community Living Standards that you will receive upon arrival.

The University reserves the right to change without notice any of the terms related to residency in Student Housing including but not limited to the Residence Contract and Residence Student Handbook.

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1.2 Contract Period

Your residence contract is for two semesters (usually the Fall and Winter semesters) unless you are eligible for a one-semester contract, the conditions of which are outlined in Section 2.5. Unless you are a DVM or graduate student, both semesters for which you are contracted begin on the day residences open (see Important Dates) and end after the completion of your last scheduled exam.

If you are a DVM or graduate student, you may remain in residence until the residence closing date (see Important Dates). A Winter semester per diem contract extension rate shall apply for any time spent in residence other than the period from the opening and closing dates for residence. If academic obligations require that you remain beyond the close of residence, you are required to complete a request for an extension. Your extension form will be reviewed and approved where possible.

There is a charge for terminating your contract; see Section 4.3 for details.

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2.0 How To Apply

2.1 The Application

  1. Complete the Application/Contract that is located on the Internet at the address provided in your offer of admission, or as provided by Student Housing Services. If you cannot access the Application/Contract, contact Student Housing Services at 519 824-4120, Ext. 58701. Please answer ALL questions on the application.
  2. After satisfying yourself that you agree to the terms and conditions of the contract, as outlined in this document, authorize the Application/Contract where indicated. The online electronic acceptance indicates that you understand and agree to the terms and conditions of the Contract.
  3. Submit a $500 residence deposit by one of the following methods:
    1. Internet / Telephone Banking (this is the preferred method of payment). Use on-line or telephone banking at the major banks (Bank of Montreal, CIBC, Royal Bank, TD Canada Trust, ScotiaBank, PC Financial) and Credit Union Central of Ontario. The payee name is University of Guelph - Residence Deposit or University of Guelph - Residence Dep. Please note that there are several University of Guelph payees...you MUST use the Residence Deposit payee, and you will need to provide your 7-digit UofG ID# as the account #. Your payment must be made by the June application deadline, if you are eligible for guaranteed residence accommodation. Please allow 48 - 72 hours for your payment to be processed.
    2. Money Order, Bank Draft or Certified Cheque (no personal cheques) Send a currently dated money order, bank draft, or certified cheque payable to the University of Guelph in the amount of $500 to:

      Residence Admissions Office
      Maritime Hall
      University of Guelph
      50 Stone Road East
      Guelph, ON N1G 2W1

      The payment must be currently dated, payable to the University of Guelph, and must have your name and 7-digit UofG ID# on the front. Your payment must be received by the June application deadline, if you are eligible for guaranteed residence accommodation. DO NOT send your deposit to the Ontario Universities' Application Centre. Post-dated payments and personal cheques will not be accepted.
  4. If you are paying by money order, bank draft, certified cheque or are sending other "hard copy" material to Residence Admissions, please do so by Purolator or Federal Express couriers. They deliver directly to our office, several times a day. Our experience has been that materials sent by Canada Post or Priority Courier take longer to arrive, as neither deliver directly to our office. Within Ontario, please allow at least three working days for Purolator or Federal Express delivery, and at least seven working days if using Canada Post. Allow additional delivery time from outside of Ontario.

The residence deposit is an indication of good faith that you intend to enter residence and fulfill the obligations of the Residence Contract. Applications may not be processed without a deposit. Please see Section 4.2 for cancellation charge information.

Withdrawal of the application for residence or termination of the contract will result in forfeiture of all or part of your residence deposit. Please ensure that you are familiar with Section 4.3 on deposit forfeiture.

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2.2 Application Deadlines

We encourage you to apply for residence as soon as you have made the decision to attend the University of Guelph. June 1 is the last day for new undergraduate students entering Class Level (Semester) One to submit residence applications and be GUARANTEED accommodation in the single - student residences. Applications are still accepted after this deadline, but accommodation cannot be guaranteed. Please note that both your application and deposit must be received in the Residence Admissions Office by 4:30 p.m. E.D.T. on the deadline date. We regret that this deadline cannot be extended due to late offers of admission.

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2.3 Eligibility

To be eligible for residence admission, and to maintain eligibility for residence accommodation, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. You must have received an offer of academic admission from the University of Guelph as a full-time student and must be registered accordingly. Part-time students may also apply for residence, but are eligible for accommodation ONLY after all eligible full-time students have been housed. Students planning to change from full-time to part-time status during or between semesters must contact Residence Admissions to determine if they may retain their residence accommodation.
  2. You must have submitted payment for the applicable residence deposit, as detailed in Section 2.1.
  3. You must have authorized and submitted an Application/Contract.
  4. You must have paid all previous charges for damages, long distance phone calls, fines, etc.
  5. You must not have been barred from living in residence by either the University Judicial Committee or Student Housing Services.

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2.4 Preferences

Building: We will attempt to accommodate you in the building that you request as a first choice. We will be governed by the information provided in the Application/Contract in selecting a room on your behalf. If you are dissatisfied with your room assignment, you should contact Student Housing Services (in writing or by e-mail from your UoGuelph account) and ask to have your name placed on a waiting list for your preferred space. For information on room changes after the residences open, refer to Section 5.7.

Roommates: You are welcome to elect to share a room with a friend. To arrange this, enter your preferred roommate's surname and University of Guelph ID number in the appropriate space on your Application/Contract. Roommates must be of the same gender and must have the same residence choices and priorities. While we cannot guarantee preferred roommate assignments, we will do our best to meet your request. By completing a residence application you grant permission for your name and @uoguelph.ca email account to be shared with an assigned roommate(s) or suitemate(s).

Room types: Single rooms are available first to students who have completed eight months attendance at the University of Guelph, or another university, or who have been admitted to the University as a mature student. (Consult the current Undergraduate Calendar for information on mature student status.)

Temporary accommodation: New students are normally assigned to multiple-occupancy rooms, though a number of single rooms may be available (usually in the South Area or East apartment-style residences). In some circumstances, students may be placed in temporary accommodation until a regular room assignment becomes available. Wherever possible, the student will be advised of this in advance. Relocations from temporary space to regular assignments are made as quickly as possible.

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2.5 One-Semester Contract

You are eligible for a one-semester contract only under one of the following circumstances:

  1. You must be entering residence for the Winter semester and must not have been in residence for the preceding Fall semester, or you must be entering residence for the Summer semester.
  2. You are not registering for the Winter semester.
  3. You will fulfill the requirements for graduation during the Fall semester, and have applied for Winter convocation.
  4. You enroll in a University-operated study-abroad or exchange program for the Winter semester.
  5. You enroll in a co-op program and obtain University-supervised work-term employment for the Winter semester.

If you are eligible for a one-semester contract and you are not returning for the Winter semester, you must terminate your residence contract with Residence Admissions in writing by the first Friday in November (see Important Dates), in order to qualify for a refund of your deposit. Your residence deposit refund will be processed in February.

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2.6 Room Assignment Priorities

The University of Guelph will assure you of accommodation in the single-student residences if you will be a full-time new undergraduate student in Class Level (Semester) One and your application and residence deposit are received by the guarantee deadline. Different priority and procedures may apply to graduate students. All other applicants are prioritized as follows:

  1. New students who enter Class Level (Semester) One in the Summer semester and live in residence throughout that semester, if their application and deposit are received by May 12.
  2. Students in residence for the Winter semester who re-apply for residence by the deadline in the Winter semester, and continuing students who live in residence throughout the Summer semester and re-apply by the May 12 deadline.
  3. All other applicants.
Priority within these categories may be randomized to ensure that students are treated equitably, i.e., priority is not "first-come, first-served".

Please Note:

  • All applicants other than new students eligible for the guarantee of accommodation are subject to being placed on a waiting list if the number of applications affects Student Housing Services' ability to accommodate new students.
  • Living Learning Centre (LLC) and Study-Intensive space applicants must apply for these communities in addition to the regular room application procedure.
  • Returning residence students have different application procedures and deadlines.
  • Student Housing Services reserves the right to relocate students to similar rooms if necessary.

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2.7 Photographs

Authorized University personnel may access your University I.D. photograph on-line, in order to verify your identity for the facilitation of services and for investigations that are being conducted by Student Housing and/or Campus Community Police.

In the event that your University I.D. photo is not on file or is found not to be a current likeness, Student Housing reserves the right to require that a new photo be taken immediately at the I.D. Card Centre. (A charge to have this photo taken may apply, and is your responsibility.)

Students are also required to produce a valid University I.D. card and residence keys/fobs when requested by any member of Student Housing Services and/or the Campus Community Police.

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3.0 Fees

3.1 Residence Fees

Single student residences at Ontario educational institutions operate in accordance with a conditional exemption from rent review provided under the Tenant Protection Act (1997) Part I, Section 3(g).

RESIDENCE ROOM RATES

FALL '12 / WINTER '13 -- Rates are total for the Fall 2012 and Winter 2013 semesters.

Room Type Campus Area Fall / Winter Room Rate (incl. Resnet1)
Single North & South $6,270
Single East Residence2 $6,550
Single University Houses3 $5,462 (no ResNet)
Single 372 College
490 Stone3
$5,356 (no ResNet)
Single 78 College Ave. W. $5,920
Apt: 1-person 78 College Ave. W. $7,540
Single East Village4 $7,138
Single East Village 2-bdrm5 $7,282
Double North & South $5,364
Double East Residence2 $5,814
Apt: 1/2-person North & South $6,366
Apt: 3-person North & South $5,760
Triple North & South $4,976
Quad North $4,770
Quad South $5,310

1. ResNet Internet service is provided to all single-student residence students, except those in the University Houses and Wellington Woods (West Residence). The cost of a network interface card (NIC) and/or installation (if necessary) is extra.

2. East Residence is apartment-style; 6, 8, 10 & 12-person apartments with kitchen (no meal plan required). Mostly single rooms; some doubles. A mix of new and returning students.

3. University Houses are located at various sites around the campus. Normally for graduate students. Telephone and ResNet are not included.

4. Townhouses with 4, 5 or 6 single rooms (mostly 4). Normally for returning students only.

5. Townhouses with 2 single rooms (extremely limited supply). Normally for returning students only.

Rates for Special Configurations

Where supply/demand requires or allows, room configurations may be modified by Student Housing. When occupancy in a room is increased, rate reductions will apply to all students in that room. When occupancy is decreased, rate increases will apply.

In some cases, charges for these special configurations may not be posted to your student account automatically; manual adjustments may have to be made by Residence Admissions. Questions concerning rate adjustments should be referred to the Residence Admissions Office at ext. 58701 or by e-mail at housing@uoguelph.ca.

Where your program requires that you attend university beyond the conclusion of the residence contract period, a contract extension rate of $28 per day is charged in addition to the fees above (see Section 1.2). This rate also applies if you remain in residence between semesters, when the residences are usually closed. This amount is under review for the F12/W13 year.

Summer Contract Rates

Room Type Campus Area Semester Rate (incl. ResNet1)
Single Village Townhouses $2,000
1-bdrm apt 78 College Ave (West Res.) $2,300
Single 78 College Ave (West Res.) $1,870
Single University Houses/Wellington Woods $1,800 (no ResNet)

Only the Village Townhouses, University Houses (grad students), and West Residences operate during the Summer semester. They are fully equipped with kitchen facilities, and shopping areas are close by. Optional meal plans are available from Hospitality Services.

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3.2 Payment Schedule

Your residence fees must be paid prior to the beginning of each semester, together with other University charges for tuition, meal plans, sundry fees, etc. For your convenience, all fees except the deposit are paid through: Student Financial Services
Level 3, University Centre
University of Guelph
50 Stone Road East
Guelph ON N1G 2W1
519 824-4120 ext. 58715
http://www.uoguelph.ca/studfin

The fees are paid in three installments, as shown in the following schedule. Please note that your deposit is applied against your Winter Semester fees.

FALL '12 / WINTER '13 RESIDENCE FEE PAYMENTS

Room Type Campus Area Deposit with Application Fall Sem. Payment Winter Sem. Payment Total
Single North & South $500 $3,135 $2,635 $6,270
Single East Residence $500 $3,275 $2,775 $6,550
Single Univ. Houses $500 $2,731 $2,231 $5,462
Single 372 College
490 Stone
$500 $2,678 $2,178 $5,356
Single 78 College Ave. W. $500 $2,960 $2,460 $5,920
Apt: 1-person 78 College Ave. W. $500 $3,770 $3,270 $7,540
Single East Village $500 $3,569 $3,069 $7,138
Single East Village 2-bdrm $500 $3,641 $3,141 $7,282
Double North & South $500 $2,682 $2,182 $5,364
Double East Residence $500 $2,907 $2,407 $5,814
Apt: 1/2-person North & South $500 $3,183 $2,683 $6,366
Apt: 3-person South $500 $2,880 $2,380 $5,760
Triple North & South $500 $2,488 $1,988 $4,976
Quad North $500 $2,385 $1,885 $4,770
Quad South $500 $2,655 $2,155 $5,310

Details about residence fee payment will be included with your registration information.

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3.3 Other Charges

In addition to the housing charges outlined in Section 3.1, you will be charged:

  1. Residence Activity Fee - $20.55 per semester (subject to change)

    Collected on behalf of the residence student government to support hall council activities.

  2. Meal Plans

    If you will be living in North Residences or South Residence, you are required to purchase a residence meal plan for each of the Fall and Winter semesters from Hospitality Services. Meal plans are optional for students in other residences, and in South apartments, because full kitchen facilities are provided.

    There is a separate termination policy with respect to meal plans. Consult the Hospitality Services material for more information and costs.

  3. Contract Extension Rate

    If you request and receive permission to remain in residence past the normal closing date(s), a contract extension rate of $28 per day will be charged in addition to the fees outlined in Sections 3.1 and 3.2. (This amount is under review for the F12/W13 year.)

  4. Other Charges

    Other charges may be applied for damage repairs, improper check-out or room transfers, keys not returned, remaining in any residence building after your check-out date without written departmental approval, etc. Appeals of any such charges must be made, in writing, to the Associate Director, Facilities Services within 30 days of the invoice date.

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4.0 Terminating Your Contract

4.1 Commencement of Contract

Your contract commences once you successfully complete and submit the online application. Unless you are placed on the waiting list, a room assignment will made by the University, in accordance with the information in your Application/Contract.

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4.2 Termination by the University

Depending upon the circumstances, termination of the residence contract by the University may result in per diem accommodation charges and/or partial or full forfeiture of the residence deposit. In the event that you incur such a charge and your deposit has already been applied to your fees or has not been submitted, the charge will be added to your account with Student Financial Services and will be subject to University collection procedures.

In the event of a critical emergency (fire, flood, pandemic) the University may close and students may be required to immediately leave the campus and vacate their University residence rooms. At that time students will be directed about taking personal belongings (either all or some) depending on the situation and timing of the closure. In rare circumstances, the University may remove possessions and furnishings from student rooms so that they may be used for other emergency purposes. The University will not be responsible for the loss of or damage to personal items that must be moved and stored during critical emergencies.

Termination of the contract by the University may result from any of the following events:

  1. You fail to check into your room by noon on the first day of classes in each semester.
  2. You withdraw academically from the University. You must notify Residence Admissions of your withdrawal, as well as Undergraduate (or Graduate) Program Services.
  3. You become academically ineligible to continue at the University.
  4. You are unable to meet the Student Financial Services requirements for the payment of residence fees.
  5. The University Judicial Committee or Student Housing Services bars you from living in residence.
  6. You elect not to accept the room that was assigned to you, where the room assigned was in accordance with the information in your Application/Contract, and where you will not accept the University's offer of alternate rooms from its empty bed inventory.
  7. You cause damage or allow damage to be caused to your room or its University-supplied contents.
  8. You are evicted from residence. If the University terminates the contract, forfeiture of your residence deposit will result without prejudice to the University's right to claim for other losses, damages, etc.
  9. You fail to pay your residence deposit by the deadline, or any overdue fees or charges, or this contract is terminated by the University as a result of any breach by you.

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4.3 Termination by You/Forfeitures

If you terminate your Application/Contract for any reason, you shall forfeit all or part of the residence deposit, depending upon the date that the termination is received. Termination of the Fall/Winter contract after the start of the Fall semester will result in forfeiture of the entire $500 deposit, and per diem charges will be applied as well. In the event your deposit has already been applied to your fees or has not been submitted, the applicable charge will be added to your account with Student Financial Services and will be subject to University collection procedures.

Please note that all terminations must be in writing.

Termination deadlines and forfeitures are as follows:

Date Termination Received Forfeiture Amount
Before May 1 $100
May 1 - May 31 $150
June 1 - June 30 $200
July 1 - August 15 $250
August 16 - opening day $500
After opening day $500 + per diem fees will be charged.
Under most circumstances, a full refund of the deposit is not possible.

However, if the University informs you that you are academically ineligible to attend (required to withdraw), a full refund of the residence deposit is made.

If you believe that you should receive exemption from the forfeiture regulations (e.g., for medical reasons), you may submit an appeal, with supporting documentation, to the Deposit Appeals Committee of Student Housing Services.

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4.4 Vacating Residence After Termination

If your contract is terminated, you are required to vacate your residence room no later than 24 hours after the date of termination.

Refunds of residence fees are calculated from the date on which proper check-out procedures (vacate residence, keys returned, check-out form signed, room inspection completed, personal property removed, etc.) have been completed with the appropriate Residence Desk.

If you wish to terminate your contract, please contact the Residence Admissions section of Student Housing Services to ensure that the necessary procedures are completed.

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4.5 Refunds

Allowable refunds are calculated on a daily basis of 1/100 of the semester rate, and are credited to your account with Student Financial Services. In any event, refunds are not allowed for termination on or after the last day of classes each semester.

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5.0 Student Rooms

5.1 Responsibility for Contents

You are provided with a room inventory form at check-in. Please complete it carefully and return it to your Residence Desk. The completed form is retained by us as a check against loss or damage to the room or its University-supplied contents. Taking possession of the room, or failure to submit a room inventory form, shall be conclusive evidence that the room and its contents were in satisfactory condition and repair on the date possession was given. All residence rooms are furnished and removal of that furniture is not permitted. If you require special furnishings, you must notify Residence Admissions when you apply, and you must provide the appropriate (e.g., medical) documentation for your needs.

We hold you financially responsible for any damage or losses to your room or its contents, and also for the cleanliness of the room upon vacating.

On vacating your room and residence, all personal belongings must be removed, all garbage must be removed and disposed of properly, and the room must be in the same condition as when you took possession, normal wear and tear excepted. If you are assigned to apartment or townhouse-style accommodation, you are jointly and severally responsible, with the other occupant(s) of the apartment or townhouse, for damage or losses to the shared areas of the apartment or townhouse.

In some circumstances, you and the other students in your building or section may be accountable for damage to that building or section.

You will be invoiced for losses, damage, special cleaning or maintenance required as a result of your occupancy.

Property left in a residence room longer than 48 hours after the room has been vacated is considered to be abandoned and will be removed at a cost of $25 to you and may be destroyed or otherwise disposed of thereafter. We do not accept responsibility for the storage or safekeeping of property abandoned in residence rooms.

Damage to the room or its University-supplied contents may result in a termination of this contract by the University.

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5.2 Rights Reserved by Student Housing

Student Housing Services subscribes to the principle that residence students are entitled to enjoy a reasonable right to privacy in residence rooms. It reserves, however, the right to enter rooms, terminate contracts, repossess rooms or reassign students and to effect other steps necessary and advisable for the safety, security and well-being of University students and University assets.

Student Housing Services reserves the right to amend residence rules and responsibilities, to alter all fees and deposits contained in this contract at any time, and to place applicants on waiting lists wherever necessary.

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5.3 Subletting

You are prohibited from subletting your residence room, or from permitting its use by others except as outlined in the Student Housing Services policy regarding guests (see Section 6.2.F).

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5.4 Commercial Use

The use of a residence room, mailbox, telephone or data connection for any commercial purpose is prohibited.

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5.5 Liability for Room Contents

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the University, its officers, directors, employees and others for whom it is in law responsible are not liable, directly or indirectly, for loss or theft of personal property, or for damage or destruction of such property by fire, water or other cause, however caused. The University strongly recommends that you obtain insurance against such eventualities. We do not purchase such protection for your property. Coverage can often be obtained through a "rider" on your family's tenant or homeowner insurance policy, which should include liability coverage* for injury or damage.

* Liability coverage helps provide protection for you and/or your parents, from claims from other students or the University for damage or injury that may have been accidentally caused by you.

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5.6 Keys & Fobs

For the protection of your personal possessions, you are advised to lock your doors when leaving your room. Lost keys/fobs should be reported immediately to the Residence Desk. If you lose your room key or fob, a spare will be issued for up to 7 days from the Facilities Office to allow you to find the original. However, after 7 days, you will be charged $75 and your lock will be changed.

At the end of each semester, students are required to return their residence keys and check out at the Residence Desk and vacate their residence building within 24 hours of their last exam [or by noon on closing day, whichever is sooner]. Failure to do so will result in a $125 improper check-out fee and a $75 charge for a lock change. Students without proper authorization who are found in a residence building after they have checked out, or after the date of their expected check-out, may be charge under the Trespassing Act.

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5.7 Transfers

You are not permitted to transfer or change rooms without receiving written permission from Student Housing Services. As you are held responsible for long distance telephone charges and for damages to your room, it is in your best interest not to transfer rooms until the required procedures have been completed.

Transferring rooms may result in an additional charge and/or an adjustment in fees, depending on your new room type and location. Additional charges or credits will be posted to your account with Student Financial Services. If you wish to transfer rooms, you should contact your Residence Manager or Residence Admissions in Maritime Hall.

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5.8 Telecommunications

Student Housing Services provides integrated telecommunications services in each residence room (except in the University Houses and West Residences - Wellington Woods), including basic local telephone service, voice mail, and Internet (ResNet). The cost for these services is included in your residence fees (except in the University Houses and West Residences - Wellington Woods), with the exception of a network card (NIC) and cable for ResNet, and ResNet installation (if required).

You are responsible for your phone.  A replacement cost of $150 will be charged to your student account for damaged or lost phones.

If you have unpaid bills, you could be subject to academic sanction. (Refer to the current Undergraduate Calendar for information on the consequences of academic sanction.)

You may not add another resident's extension number to a personal voice-mail distribution list without their consent.

You are prohibited from using your telephone service or ResNet connection, or permitting them to be used, for a purpose or in a manner that is contrary to law or University policy, or for the purpose of sending annoying or offensive calls or messages. Use of the ResNet Internet service is also governed by the ResNet contract and the University's Acceptable Use Policy. When you connect to or use ResNet, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the ResNet contract and the Acceptable Use Policy.

Abuse of the residence telecommunications system may result in termination of your service and, depending on the nature of the abuse, may result in termination of the housing contract and/or charges under Student Rights and Responsibilities and/or criminal charges being lodged against you.

Students assigned to the University Houses and West Residences - Wellington Woods may contact our office at housing@uoguelph.ca for additional information.

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6.0 Residence Behaviour & Responsibilities

6.1 Residence Staff

Student Housing Services employs professional, support and student staff in the residence buildings. They act as resource personnel and agents of Student Housing Services and are responsible for ensuring that you abide by the following rules and regulations, in addition to the Student Rights and Responsibilities (available from the office of the Associate Vice-President, Student Affairs), and the Residence Student Handbook, for the betterment of the residence environment.

You must clearly and honestly identify yourself to, and cooperate with, Student Housing staff and other University personnel when asked to do so.

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6.2 Rules

The following rules are established as minimum standards to help maintain vital residence communities. They are designed to support the values that are outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities document and the Residence Community Living Standards. Rules may be amended at any time upon reasonable notice being given. When you check into your room, you will find the Residence Community Living Standards in the Residence Student Handbook. These standards provide greater detail about the University's expectations of your conduct within residences as well as the consequences for not adhering to them.

  1. You have the privilege of enjoying social activities as long as they do not conflict with the rights of other students to pursue academic endeavours.
  2. You are required to maintain your room in compliance with provincial and municipal regulations.
  3. When notified of fire or other emergencies in the building, you must immediately leave the building and remain outside until permission to re-enter is given by safety/security personnel. Failure to comply may result in eviction from residence and termination of this contract.
  1. The following practices and activities are prohibited throughout the residence system:
    1. discharging, tampering with, or operating any fire prevention or detection apparatus for any purpose other than the control of fire. These activities may result in immediate eviction from residence;
    2. tampering with electrical or mechanical services, telecommunications equipment, vending and laundry machines or push carts;
    3. being on the roof of any residence except in emergencies - any student found to be on the roof of any residence building may be subject to immediate eviction from residence;
    4. throwing or dropping anything from balconies, windows or rooftops;
    5. participating in potentially destructive activities that may cause personal injuries or property damage, e.g., pranks, water fights, indoor sports or using inline skates or bicycles in the building;
    6. entering another resident's room or disturbing another resident's property without the permission of the resident;
    7. bringing in or keeping firecrackers, gunpowder, flammable solvents or other forms of explosive or volatile material in the residences;
    8. unauthorized entry or meddling with contents of University store rooms, offices, Residence Desks, dining halls, mechanical rooms or construction areas, and possession of unauthorized keys;
    9. bringing into or keeping in residence life forms other than plants and non-dangerous fish in aquariums;
    10. cooking in rooms or using electrical or other cooking appliances, including but not limited to toasters, toaster ovens, hot plates, microwave ovens, grills, etc., except in areas with approved kitchen facilities;
    11. keeping bicycles or motorized cycles in stairwells, hallways, lounges or other common areas in residence, on balconies or public walkways;
    12. relocating lounge and dining area furniture into student rooms;
    13. installing or using water beds or hot tubs;
    14. installing or using satellite dishes or other telecommunications equipment or services not approved by Student Housing Services;
    15. installing or using halogen lamps;
    16. engaging in activities for the purpose of obtaining services from Student Housing without making appropriate payment.
    17. engaging in activities that compromise the safety and/or security of residents, their belongings, or residence buildings.
  1. Individual hall councils may formulate additional rules for their own halls, providing such rules are consistent with the rules outlined herein and approved by Student Housing Services. Any such additional rules are binding on all students.
  2. Non-resident students are prohibited from residing in residences except on an occasional basis and provided the following conditions are met:
    1. Each resident is permitted to host up to two (2) guests at any one time in their own residence building. Overnight guests may not stay for a period of longer than three (3) nights in the same week, nor may they stay in residence repeatedly.
    2. Residents are not permitted to allow a guest to stay in their room without the consent of roommate(s).
    3. Residents must inform their guests of all policies and be present as hosts of their guests at all times. Failure to be present does not mitigate or relieve the host’s responsibility for their guest’s behaviour. Residents are responsible for their guest’s behaviour (including on-campus guests) whether they participated in, condoned or were aware of that guest’s behaviour or not.
    4. Residents must sign in their guests at residence desks by completing the Guest Sign In form. Forms are also available online. All Guests must wear the wristband issued by the Residence Desk Staff throughout their stay in residence.
    5. Students are not permitted to host guests during Orientation Week, Homecoming, or any time after the end of classes each semester.
    6. Guests who violate the rules will be required to leave the residence immediately.
    7. Additional guest regulations may be established for particular events or periods of time during each semester.
  1. All students, other than Interhall Council members and Student Housing Services staff, are required to vacate their rooms within 24 hours of completion of their final examination and not later than noon on the last day of each semester. You must apply to Student Housing Services for permission to stay beyond the normal date for vacating your room.
  2. Student Housing Services reserves the right to remove from residence, with one hour's notice, any resident judged to be disturbing others during the final examination period.
  3. For health reasons, food is to be stored in suitable containers to avoid contamination, vermin and odour.
  1. You are bound by the laws of Canada and the Province of Ontario, and by University and Student Housing Services policies. You will be advised of the policies through the Residence Student Handbook, the Residence Community Living Standards and by residence life staff upon arrival to residence. Specific attention should be paid to the following policies:
    1. Alcohol. Students must abide by all Federal, Provincial and University laws and policies.
      1. Laws of the Land: The legal drinking age is 19 years of age. Supplying minors or selling alcohol without the proper license are violations of the laws of the land.
      2. Mass Consumption: The swift or high volume consumption of alcohol, including drinking games, is prohibited in residence. Possession or consumption from "common source" alcohol or large volume containers is also prohibited. A large volume container is defined as a container holding more than 500mL of beer in a single container or 750mL/26 ounces of any other type of alcohol, including but not limited to wines and spirits. Some examples of "common source" alcohol include bubbas, kegs of any size and Texas Mickies.
      3. Beer Bottles: Bottles have proven to be a safety hazard in residence due to broken glass. Consequently Student Housing Services maintains a "no beer bottles" policy. A glass beer bottle is defined as a glass container to contain any alcoholic beverage considered to be "beer", "lager", "malt liquor", "cider beer", or "ale". Beer bottles can be confiscated by RLS.
      4. Open Alcohol: Alcohol consumption is prohibited on street level, residence desk areas, lobbies, foyers, elevators, stairwells, washrooms, public common rooms and lounges. Students found with open alcohol in public spaces will be asked to pour it out.
      5. Alcohol Paraphernalia: Alcohol paraphernalia such as funnels, brewing equipment and drinking hats are not permitted in residence and can be confiscated by RLS.
      6. Unregistered Functions: All "functions" must be registered and approved by the appropriate Residence Life Manager. A Residence Function Request form must be submitted at least 14 days in advance of any event where alcohol is to be served. A "function" is defined as any gathering over and above the maximum capacity of a residence room or more than seven individuals in a designated area that meets one of both of the following criteria: alcohol is being consumed as one of the primary activities of the gathering and/or music is a major part of the atmosphere and the volume is such that it is too loud to be defined as background music. A gathering with no alcohol, no elevated noise and no impact to the other residents may not be addressed by RLS. Since the above definition can be vague under certain circumstances, defining a gathering as a function is ultimately at the discretion of the RLS.
    2. Illegal Drugs. Students in residence are prohibited from possessing and/or using any illegal drug substance in residence. Individuals involved with trafficking illegal drug substances may be evicted from residence. Sanctioning will vary depending on the nature of the situation.
    3. Noise.You are expected to abide by the rules regarding acceptable noise levels. These rules have been formulated by Student Housing staff in consultation with Interhall Council. These guidelines are meant to act as minimum standards and may be enhanced through consultations with the community, hall council and residence staff. In general, the following quiet hours are observed:
      • Sunday to Thursday -11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
      • Friday & Saturday Evenings -1:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
      Noise levels at any time should not detract from any resident's ability to pursue academic endeavours or to enjoy their living environment. Student Housing Services will extend quiet hours during examination periods.
    4. Harassment, human rights and equity. The University has comprehensive policies concerning harassment, human rights and equity which apply to all students. Specific details on these policies may be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs, the Human Rights and Equity Office, or at http://www.uoguelph.ca/hre/.
  1. Due to the communal nature of residence living, any resident suspected of being infected by a communicable disease will be required to seek medical attention.
  2. Students are prohibited from affixing posters to surfaces other than bulletin boards, unless done using material approved by Student Housing (see Residence Student Handbook for details).
  3. Lit candles, incense, lamps requiring a combustible fuel, or similar items, are not permitted in residence. If you require the use of candles or incense for religious purposes you must contact your Residence Manager. Operable fireplaces may be used when properly screened and when appropriate safety precautions are taken.
  4. Gas barbecues may be used outside of the townhouses in East Village. Propane tanks must be stored at least 10 m. from any building when not in use.
  5. Students assigned to an area in residence that has been deemed a special community are expected to uphold the standards of that community.

6.3 Enforcement of Rules

The University reserves the right to amend, vary or supplement the rules and responsibilities and shall not be required to apply the rules and responsibilities uniformly.

In addition to any financial costs that may be incurred, failure to comply with the above rules and responsibilities will result in prescribed procedures which may result in one or more of the following consequences (not in sequence):

  • warning letter
  • fines
  • behaviour bond
  • community billing
  • a charge before the University Judicial Committee
  • transfer to another residence hall
  • termination of this contract
  • eviction
  • being prevented from re-applying for residence
  • having reapplication priority adjusted
  • posting (being barred) from residence(s)
  • suspension from housing
  • probation
  • behaviour contract
  • educational sanction
  • having conditions placed on re-admission

Department- and University-approved procedures are followed when enforcing rules and responsibilities, and routes of appeal are available. The consequences normally imposed for each level of rule violation are detailed in the Community Living Standards section of your Residence Student Handbook.

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7.0 Residence Learning Communities

Please refer to the information and applications for the Residence Learning Communities if you are interested in the Academic Learning Communities (Clusters), Living Learning Centres (LLCs) or Themed Living Communities (TLCs). If you are a first-semester student applying for one of these options, please complete the supplementary application form and submit it as well as the Application/Contract and deposit. Returning students must apply by the returning student application deadline.

Students assigned to a Residence Learning Community are expected to uphold the standards of that community.

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8.0 Study-Intensive Area

Student Housing Services offers a location (or locations) where 24-hour quiet hours are in effect. If you select this option on your residence application, you will be provided with a supplementary application for this area to complete.

It is your right, as a resident of this area, to live in a quiet environment. If this right is being violated, you are encouraged to approach the person(s) responsible. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their needs and approach issues respectfully and maturely. If necessary, Student Housing Staff will assist in mediating disputes between students. Final decisions regarding dispute settlement rests with the Residence Assistants and Residence Managers.

Students assigned to the quiet area must accept the following regulations:

  1. You are obligated to maintain a level of room noise that cannot be heard outside your room when the door is closed.
  2. Regular living noise is acceptable in lounges, i.e., conversation, house meetings, use of kitchen facilities, etc., but students should not use lounges for other activities such as music, TV, large gatherings, boisterous behaviour, etc.
  3. The foregoing conditions are waived from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. During this time, reasonable noise levels, as interpreted by residence staff, will be allowed. This does not mean that "anything goes." This waiver does not apply during the final exam period.
  4. House/floor dinners and gatherings will be allowed on an occasional basis, provided that 75 per cent of the community agrees to the event and that approval is obtained from the Student Housing staff in the area in advance.
  5. Student Housing Services strives to promote community living and social interaction among students; therefore individuals expecting absolute quiet at all times may not be well-suited to residence living, even in a quiet area, and may want to consider other living arrangements.

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9.0 Smoking Policy

Smoking is not permitted anywhere in residence, or on balconies, or in outside areas close to entrances, windows or ventilation system air intakes.

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10.0 Correspondence

Student Housing Services conducts its correspondence with you by e-mail. The e-mail address that you supplied with your application to the University will be used until your University e-mail account is activated, after which only the University address will be used. This address is considered your official address for communication with the University. It is your responsibility to check your University account regularly.

Student Housing Services cannot accept responsibility for late or non-delivery of correspondence caused by Canada Post Corporation, courier companies, the on-campus mail services, or the Internet / e-mail systems.

Please address all e-mail correspondence concerning your residence application to:

Residence Admissions
housing@uoguelph.ca>

"Hard copy" correspondence should be addressed to:

Residence Admissions

Maritime Hall

University of Guelph

50 Stone Road East

Guelph ON N1G 2W1

Telephone: 519 824-4120, Ext. 58701

Fax: 519 767-1670

Internet: http://www.housing.uoguelph.ca

Correspondence sent by fax must be signed and include your University of Guelph seven-digit student ID number.

E&OE

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11.0 Important Dates

April 21/2012 Residences close at noon.
May 18/2012 Residences open for Summer Semester.
May 15/2012 $500 deposit is due for returning student residence applications.
June 1/2012 Application and deposit deadline for new semester-one students to be guaranteed residence.
Aug. 18/2012 Summer residences close at noon.
Sept. 1/2012 Fall 2012 residences open for new semester-one students.
Sept. 2/2012 Fall 2012 residences open for all other students.
Sept. 6/2012 Residence check-in deadline at noon.
Dec. 15/2012 Residences close at noon. Note: Students are required to check out 24 hours after their last exam or noon on December 15: whichever occurs earliest.
Jan. 5/2013 Winter 2013 residences re-open.
Jan. 7/2013 Residence check-in deadline at noon.
April 20/2013 Residences close. Note: Students are required to check out 24 hours after their last exam or April 20: whichever occurs earliest.

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