12 Month Housing Graduate and Professional Student License 2024-2025

Cornell University - Student and Campus Life - Housing and Residential Life
Twelve-Month Housing Graduate and Professional Student License: 2024-2025

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL HOUSING

Your Housing License is a legal and binding agreement that creates a revocable license for you to occupy your University-assigned housing, subject to these Terms and Conditions for Graduate and Professional Student Housing 2024-2025 (Terms and Conditions). The Terms and Conditions are part of your Housing License, and any references to “Housing License” expressly includes all provisions of the Terms and Conditions.

The Housing License is not a lease and does not create a landlord-tenant relationship between you and the University. This license does not guarantee assignment to a particular apartment, house, neighborhood, room, or roommate.

Your Housing License is legally binding as of the date you accept your housing assignment in the StarRez system and continues for the entire term (see Section V, Occupancy Period, below).

II. COMPLIANCE WITH LICENSE TERMS AND RULES AND REGULATIONS

Your occupancy of University housing is subject at all times to your compliance with the provisions of the Housing License, the Student Code of Conduct, all applicable University policies (expressly including but not limited to Policy 6.4: Prohibited Bias, Discrimination, Harassment, and Sexual and Related Misconduct), and all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. You also agree to comply with all Community Guidelines Handbook or any other rules and regulations as the University may from time to time issue for the welfare of the community or for the general convenience or comfort of residents.

III. ELIGIBILITY (Single Student)

To be eligible for residence in University housing during the academic year, you must:

Be currently registered as full time (12 credit hours) and maintain active status in a Cornell University academic-year special program; be participating in a University internship program; be an authorized employee/research assistant for a Cornell staff person/department; or be a University student employee authorized by Student & Campus Life (“SCL”) to live in University housing; and
Remain current on all financial obligations to the University.
For purposes of this license, a single student is defined as a person who resides singly, regardless of marital status.
It is your responsibility to notify the Office of Housing & Residential Life of any change in your status, eligibility, or family group size that would affect your continued occupancy. Failure to do so may result in termination of the license.

Individuals required by law to register as sex offenders who wish to live in University housing must notify Student and Campus Life prior to applying for housing. Contact housing@cornell.edu for information.

The University reserves the right to require you to provide verification of your eligibility status that is satisfactory to the University in its sole discretion. Renewal of any housing license is discretionary, and will be conditioned on your meeting all of the foregoing eligibility requirements.

IV. ELIGIBILITY (Student with Family/Partner)

To be eligible for residence in University housing during the academic year, you must:

be currently registered as full time (12 credit hours) and maintain active status in a Cornell University academic-year special program; be participating in a University internship program; be an authorized employee/research assistant for a Cornell staff person/department; or be a University student employee authorized by Student & Campus Life (“SCL”) to live in University housing; and
Remain current on all financial obligations to the University.

Individuals required by law to register as a sex offender who wish to live in University housing or who have a family member or partner who must register as a sex offender who wishes to live with the individual in University housing must notify Student and Campus Life prior to applying for housing. Contact housing@cornell.edu for information.

The University reserves the right to require you to provide verification of your eligibility status that is satisfactory to the University in its sole discretion. Renewal of any housing license is discretionary and will be conditioned on you meeting all of the foregoing eligibility requirements.

Occupancy of family/partner housing will be made available in the following order on a space available basis:

A Cornell student accompanied by another adult spouse, partner, or immediate relation with one or two legally dependent children; or a Cornell student accompanied by one, two, or three legally dependent children.
A Cornell student who is a candidate for a graduate or professional degree at Cornell who is accompanied by another adult spouse, partner, or immediate relation.
Two Cornell students, both of whom are candidates for graduate or professional degrees (adults must be spouses, partners, or immediate relations (example mother, sibling, etc.).

A Cornell student who is a candidate for an undergraduate degree who is accompanied by another adult spouse, partner, or immediate relation.

Occupancy of family-partner housing is limited by the size of the group as follows:

One-bedroom apartments may be occupied by
1. a student living with another adult spouse, partner, or immediate relation; or
2. a student living with another adult spouse, partner, or immediate relation, and one legally dependent child; or
3. a student living with one dependent child; or
4. a student living alone.
Two-bedroom apartments may be occupied by
1. a student living with another adult spouse, partner, or immediate relation; or
2. a student living with another adult spouse, partner, or immediate relation, and one or two legally dependent children; or
3. a student living with one, two, or three legally dependent children.
Studio apartments may be occupied by a single student only. A queen size or larger bed is not permitted.
A maximum of two adults is permitted in all family/partner housing units.
In no case may apartment occupancy exceed four persons.

All occupants of the apartment must be registered with the Hasbrouck Community Center.

Group size that exceeds occupancy restrictions may result in termination of the license. If your apartment registered occupancy changes at any point during your license term, you will need to update your records at the Hasbrouck Community Center. If you reside in family-partner housing and will be having a child live with you who is not your legal dependent, you are required to obtain and provide proof of legal guardianship of custody.

V. OCCUPANCY

You may occupy your assigned housing beginning on July 1, 2024 through 6:00 p.m. June 30, 2025 (the “Term”).
You may not change your occupancy period from these dates without prior written approval from the University. All residents are required to vacate their University housing by 6:00 p.m. on last day of the Term or License date.
You must occupy the housing assigned. Requests for housing changes must be filed with the Office of Housing & Residential Life. Approval of changes for any University housing are at the discretion of the University, and may result in a fee.
Your assigned housing may only be occupied by you and those persons registered to the unit with the Hasbrouck Community Center. You may not permit anyone not duly assigned or approved by the University to share any part of your assigned housing or attempt to assign or transfer your assigned housing to anyone else. You may not prevent another student from occupying a shared housing assignment.
If you fail to occupy your assigned housing, or if you vacate your assigned housing during the Term, you continue to be liable for your University housing charges for the entire Term unless you are granted a cancellation of your Housing License as provided in Section VII, Cancellations.
If your academic or personal circumstances require you to be away from campus for more than thirty (30) calendar days, you must notify the Office of Housing & Residential Life.
If your academic work or personal circumstances require you to be on campus before the established contract start date, you can request permission to check in early by contacting the Office of Housing & Residential Life. If approved, you pay a daily rate until the regular occupancy period begins.

VI. PAYMENTS

You agree to pay all required fees, charges, and penalties associated with your assigned housing.
Housing charges for actively enrolled students, including but not limited to all fees, charges and penalties related to your assigned housing such as cancellation fees, room change fees, and any charges for losses, damages, and other costs you cause the University to incur, will be billed through their University bursar accounts. No security or key deposit are required.
License holders unable to be billed through the Office of the Bursar must make monthly payments, in person, at the Hasbrouck Community Center. Monthly statements will be made available at the Hasbrouck Community Center by the 10th of each month for that current month with license holders receiving notification via email that statements are available. Cash or credit/debit card payment (no checks) must be made during open hours at the Service Desk at the Hasbrouck Community Center. Full payment is due no later than the 20th of the month. If the 20th of the month falls on a weekend or official University Holiday, full payment is due no later than the following normal business day.
The Office of the Bursar’s policies on payment of finance charges for late payments and other penalties for failure to make timely payments apply to all amounts owed, whether paid through the Office of the Bursar or at the Hasbrouck Community Center. See https://finance.cornell.edu/bursar/students-parents/paying-your-bill

VII. LICENSE CANCELLATIONS

The Housing License is binding for the entire Term. The University may permit you to cancel your Housing License under the following circumstances:
- If you withdraw or take a voluntary leave of absence from the University during the Term;
- If you are granted a medical withdrawal or leave, or an academic internship, graduation or study in absentia during the Term; or
- If the University determines, in its sole discretion, that there are adequate other grounds for cancellation.
Contract releases for any other reason than those listed above may be granted, but only under exceptional circumstances.
The University retains sole and absolute discretion over all cancellation determinations.
You may request a cancellation by submitting a written petition to gradhousing@cornell.edu
If you are granted a cancellation for any reason, you will be charged a per diem rate for each day you occupied your assigned housing. You will receive a prorated refund of any prepaid housing fees, less any applicable fees or charges. Individuals who are granted a cancellation will be charged an additional cancellation fee.
- $250 fee for cancellation with a secured individual to replace license
- $800 fee for cancellation for personal leave of absence or university withdraw during the Term.
You will be required to vacate your assigned housing and turn in your keys within 24 hours of the effective date of the cancellation.

VIII. LICENSE REVOCATIONS AND HOUSING REASSIGNMENT

The University may immediately revoke your Housing License, reassign you to other University housing or remove you from University housing entirely, and/or pursue disciplinary action in its sole discretion, if:
1. You fail to comply with the Terms and Conditions of the Housing License, including but not limited to the requirements of Section II, Compliance;
2. You engage in or threaten acts or behavior that in the University’s judgment may endanger public order or property, threaten the personal safety or security of yourself or others (by acts of physical or mental harassment, self-harm, or other means) or disrupt other students;
3. You refuse an assessment by Counseling and Psychological Services staff, if required by the University following your hospitalization for psychiatric reasons;
4. You cease to meet the applicable eligibility requirements in Sections III or IV, including the requirements applicable to individuals required to register as sex offenders;
5. You make a materially false statement in your housing application; or
6. For any other reason that the University, in its sole discretion, deems to be good cause.
  
  If your Housing License is revoked under 1.a – f, you will continue to be liable for all housing charges and fees. You will also be charged a
  
  $100 revocation fee. The University also may refuse to allow you to occupy any University housing in the future.
The University further reserves the right to terminate your Housing License or reassign you to other University housing based on:
1. Damage to your assigned housing (not caused by you, your family members, or your invitees) that results in it being unfit for occupancy, in the University’s sole opinion;
2. To prepare for or to conduct renovation, repair, construction, or demolition;
3. To respond to unforeseen circumstances or emergencies, including but not limited to epidemics or other public health and safety reasons.
4. If you are not able to occupy your assigned housing safely due to a disability and no reasonable accommodation will permit you to do so safely.
  
  If your Housing License is revoked under 2.a – c, you may be entitled to a prorata refund of your housing charges paid as of the date you vacate, in the University’s sole discretion.
You will be provided with written notice of any revocation of your Housing License or reassignment to alternative housing. You are required to vacate your assigned housing as of the date specified in said notice, in compliance with the Check-Out requirements in Section XIV.
If you are reassigned to different University housing in lieu of License revocation, for any reason, you will remain liable for all housing charges and fees for the entire Term. You will not be entitled to moving expenses or any other kind of compensation or refund.

IX. LATE ARRIVALS

You must notify the Office of Housing & Residential Life if you plan to arrive after the first day of classes for your school or college.

X. ASSIGNMENT OF CONTRACT

You may not assign, or otherwise attempt to transfer this License, or permit anyone not duly assigned or approved by the Office of Housing & Residential Life pursuant to the Eligibility and Occupancy requirements set forth herein to share any part of your assigned housing.

XI. RIGHT OF ENTRY

The University reserves the right to enter your assigned housing at any time, without notice, in times of emergency; to make repairs or complete needed facilities work; complete planned facilities project work; for housekeeping purposes; to inspect for compliance with health, fire, or building codes or with University policies or regulations; for law enforcement purposes; or for any other health, safety, or security purpose as determined by the University in its sole discretion.

XII. UTILITIES AND SERVICES

The University will provide water, sewer, electricity, heat, and gas without additional charge. Local telephone service is provided in the housing rate. Fees for long-distance costs are your responsibility. You are responsible for arranging and paying local television/cable service providers. When you vacate your housing assignment, you are responsible for notifying the service provider that your service is to be terminated. All facilities with WiFi data service have the base charge for network connectivity included in the housing rate. Additional charges will be assessed for excessive Internet bandwidth usage. Please check with Cornell Information Technologies (CIT) for details.

XIII. RESIDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Check-In and Check-Out Requirements
1. You will be issued keys to your apartment when you check in. You must complete a room inventory condition form within 72 hours of moving in to your apartment. This form, when countersigned by a representative of the Office of Housing & Residential Life, is the basis for assessing any damage or loss attributed to you at the end of the occupancy period. If you fail to complete and return the form, you assume responsibility for all damages in the apartment.
2. You must complete all check-out procedures. When checking out, you must remove all refuse and discarded material and leave your apartment in the same condition and working order as when you checked in. Charges for additional cleaning required, removal of personal property, and for any loss or damage you have caused will be added to your Bursar account or charged via credit card.
3. You must check out, return keys, and completely vacate your apartment by the official closing time of the final day of your license period. Charges will be assessed for every hour or fraction thereof that you or members of your group or any of your personal property, remains in the apartment past the closing time unless a written request for exception has been received and approved by the residence manager.
4. Check-out is not completed until the apartment is completely vacated and all keys are turned in.
Keys, Cards, and Lock-Outs
You may request that a staff member open your room door, and you may be charged a fee. You must report lost keys to the Service Center and file a report with Cornell Police within 24 hours. You will be charged for replacement lock core and keys. You must not duplicate apartment keys. If you lose your ID card, you must report it as lost and replace it within 72 hours at the University Registrar’s Office. More information pertaining to this topic can be found in the Community Guidelines.
University Property
1. You are liable and responsible for any damage or loss to your housing accommodation (including furnishings) and for any other damage or loss you, your family members or your invitees cause to other University property. Damage or loss must be reported promptly to the residence staff (i.e., Graduate Community Advisor).
2. You may not remove University-provided furnishings from your housing accommodation or any common areas without the written permission of the Office of Housing & Residential Life. If you do, you will be charged to have them moved back to their proper location.
3. Unauthorized removal of furnishings from common areas or from the building constitutes theft, and may subject you to disciplinary action in addition to the University’s other remedies under the Housing License.
4. Storage space for University-owned room furniture and/or students’ personal belongings is not available.
5. In addition, if common areas are damaged and the responsible parties are not identified, the University reserves the right to hold all residents of the floor, unit, hall or complex responsible for the cost of repair and/or replacement of damaged items.
6. For general expectations on living in on-campus housing, please see the Community Guidelines.
Asbestos-containing materials may be present in buildings. Additional information can be found at ehs.cornell.edu.
Commercial Activities
No commercial business or activity may be conducted in or from any University housing. Using residence telephones, Internet, wireless connections, and social media for profit-making purposes is also prohibited. If you violate this provision and the University incurs tax liability as a result, then in addition to the University’s other rights and remedies, you will be responsible for the cost of such taxes.
Apartment Care, Maintenance, and Repair
1. You are responsible for cleaning your housing accommodation; removing waste materials regularly; placing recyclable materials in designated containers; and maintaining satisfactory sanitation and life-safety standards as determined by the University in its sole discretion. If you do not keep your assigned housing in sanitary condition, the University reserves the right to clean it at your expense, and/or assess other fines.
2. You are responsible for maintaining the security of your apartment. You may not alter or replace the present locks or other security devices or install additional locks or other security devices.
3. An air conditioning unit may be installed, but installation must comply with the air conditioning installation policy. For information about the policy, contact the Hasbrouck Community Center Service Desk. You will be financially responsible for installation/removal costs.
4. The University will make all necessary repairs to the building, apartment, equipment, and furnishings. You must report any needed repairs to Facilities Management via the online maintenance request system (housing.cornell.edu). You may not make unauthorized repairs.
5. The University will maintain the dwelling and equipment therein and be responsible for cutting the grass and for removing snow from the main walkways and thoroughfares. You are responsible for removing obstacles to accomplish these functions and for removing snow from your own walkway and porch.
6. Apartment and room entrances, patios, and walkways must remain clear to provide for safe access for safety and maintenance personnel.
Guests
1. You may have overnight guests for not more than three (3) consecutive nights in a seven (7) day period without prior authorization from the Hasbrouck Service Center. Residents in one-bedroom and two-bedroom family apartments may have guests stay up to 45 days. Guests must observe all University rules and regulations. You are responsible for the behavior of your guests and for any damage they do. Overnight guests staying more than 3 consecutive nights must register with the community’s designated Service Center upon arrival.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
1. Smoking is not permitted in your housing accommodation or in any other portion of the building, including common areas. Smoking is only permitted outside, at least 25 feet from any University building. The use of electronic cigarettes and hookahs in housing accommodations or any other portion of the building is prohibited.
Common Area/Hallway Use and Damages
1. Playing sports or sleeping in any common area is prohibited.
2. Personal belongings may not be stored in hallways, stairwells, or common areas, or on walkways or entryways.
3. You may not plant trees, bushes, vegetables, flowers, or plants of any kind on the grounds. Designated gardening space is provided for residents of Hasbrouck (see residence staff for details). Potted flowering plants are permitted in porch areas and on sidewalks if they do not interfere with safety and maintenance personnel.
4. You are responsible for any damages you cause to any common areas.
Prohibited Belongings
Washing machines, portable dishwashers, clothes dryers, hot tubs, waterbeds, extension cords, halogen lamps, appliances not controlled by thermostats, hover boards, e-scooters, e-bikes and incense burners, as well as other potentially hazardous items, are prohibited in apartments. Possession or use of weights (except small dumbbells under ten pounds) and other weight-lifting equipment in apartments is prohibited. We reserve the right to demand immediate removal of these items.
Abandoned Property
If you leave behind any personal property in your housing accommodation or elsewhere in or around any University building after your license ends, the University reserves the right to sell or otherwise dispose of it without further notice.
Weapons
You may not possess or use rifles, shotguns, pistols, and other firearms or ammunition, archery equipment, gunpowder, fireworks, air rifles, air pistols, or any other dangerous instruments, including toys, replicas, or other representations, in your housing accommodation or anywhere else on University property.
Drugs and Alcoholic Beverages
You, as a single license holder, or you and/or any member of your family/group and your guests must obey federal, state, local, and community regulations on alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs. University policies on alcoholic beverages and other drugs are also applicable. The possession, use, or distribution of cannabis is prohibited on University property.

XIV. ANIMALS IN RESIDENCE

Pets are not permitted in family/partner apartments except for extremely small pets confined at all times to cages or aquariums (hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, birds, and fish - aquariums must be under 10 gallons) as per the Hasbrouck Graduate Living Community Guidelines Handbook.
If you violate this condition or Policy 2.8: Pets on Campus, the pet may be confiscated, and you may be subject to disciplinary action, in addition to the University’s other remedies under the Housing License.
Service animals (as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act) are permitted in University housing.
Emotional support animals are permitted in University housing if approved by Student Disability Services as a reasonable accommodation for a disability.
Residents with service animals or approved emotional support animals must comply with Policy 2.8: Pets on Campus.

XV. FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY

On-campus housing facilities are equipped with fire suppression systems and/or sprinkler systems in all residential rooms.
You and your guests must immediately evacuate the building and follow all residence staff directions if a fire alarm sounds. You are responsible for knowing where the fire alarm boxes are located in your building. Fire extinguishers are for use by trained personnel only.
The University is subject to fire and safety inspections by various agencies. (See XI. RIGHT OF ENTRY). If the University incurs a fine as a result of your failure to comply with the terms of your Housing License or with any request from residence staff or other University staff, you will be responsible for payment of the fine.
You must not store hazardous, explosive or flammable substances in any portion of University housing. The use or storage of candles, incense, and any other open flames in your assigned housing is prohibited.
You may not hang anything from sprinkler pipes or any part of the fire sprinkler system.
You must not activate false alarms, interfere with the proper functioning of the fire-alarm system, or tamper with or remove smoke detectors, fire hoses, extinguishers, or fire-fighting equipment. Violators may be subject to disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct or state or local law.
Residents are responsible for weekly inspection and testing of the carbon monoxide alarm located in your apartment, in accordance with the instructions provided by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. You are required to document weekly testing per instructions you will receive upon checking in to your apartment. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in fines, referral to the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards, and/or termination of your housing license.
Residents are responsible for monthly inspection of the fire extinguisher(s) located in your room/apartment, in accordance with the instructions provided by the Department of Environmental Health and Safety. You are required to document monthly testing per instructions you will receive upon checking in to your room/apartment. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in fines, referral to the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards, and/or termination of your housing license.

XVI. EXTERIOR AERIALS, ANTENNAE, AND DISPLAYS

You may not place exterior aerials, antennae, flags, or other display materials outside your room/apartment or extend them from the building. You may not splice internal cables and run them in to a room/apartment.

XVII. SECURITY AND SAFETY

You may not place yourself or others at risk by offering access to any residence or locked building to strangers or unauthorized persons. Residents purposely violating security policies by propping exterior doors or modifying latches may be subject to disciplinary action.
You are responsible for maintaining the security of your assigned housing. Your assigned housing should be kept locked when you are not present. All windows in unoccupied space must be closed and latched.
You may not alter or replace the present locks or other security devices or install additional locks or other security devices.
Neither you nor your guests are permitted on roofs, ledges, or overhangs. Neither you nor your guests are permitted to climb the exteriors of any University building.

XVIII. SOLICITING, CANVASSING, AND LEAFLETING

Soliciting, canvassing, and leafleting are generally not permitted in any University housing. Petitioning is not permitted in University housing. Student and Campus Life may grant permission if requests are made in advance to the Graduate Community Advisor.

XIX. REPOSSESSION BY THE UNIVERSITY

The University reserves the right to repossess student rooms, residence hall facilities, and apartments in the event of an epidemic or other emergency.

XX. LIABILITY AND INSURANCE

Your personal property is not covered by University insurance. The University strongly encourages all occupants to obtain renter’s insurance.
The University shall not be liable or otherwise responsible, directly or indirectly, for any loss or damage to any article of your personal property or your vehicle occurring anywhere on University property, whether caused by fire, water, steam, the elements, insufficient heat, loss or surges of electricity, theft, the actions of third persons, or any other reason.
In the event of a court determination of any University liability to you in connection with this Housing License, the aggregate amount of damages to be paid by the University shall not exceed the sum you paid under this Housing License.

XXI. FORCE MAJEURE

The University assumes no responsibility for failure to perform any terms or conditions of this Housing License due to fire, earthquake, flood, act of God, weather events, strikes, work stoppages or other labor disturbances, riots or civil commotions, litigation, war or other acts of any foreign nation, terrorism, epidemics, pandemics, power of governments or governmental agencies or authorities, national emergencies, or any other cause that is beyond the control of the University, regardless whether such a cause is similar or dissimilar to the foregoing examples, and regardless as to whether the subject event or cause was conceivable or foreseeable.

XXII. MISCELLANEOUS

Execution of this Housing License is not a commitment of admission to or continued enrollment in the University.
Any waiver by the University of its rights under this Housing License shall not be deemed a continuing waiver.
If any provision of this Housing License shall be found to be invalid, the remaining provisions hereof shall continue in full force and effect.
This Housing License represents the complete agreement between you and the University regarding your University housing, and supersedes any prior contracts or understandings, whether oral or written. It may not be amended in any way without the prior written permission of the University in each instance.
The Housing License is subject to the laws of the State of New York, without regard to conflicts of laws or principles. You agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the federal and state courts in Tompkins County, New York State, for the resolution of any disputes arising under the Housing License.
In any action, suit, or proceeding in any jurisdiction arising out of or relating to this Housing License, you and the University each knowingly and intentionally, to the greatest extent permitted by applicable law, irrevocably and expressly waive forever trial by jury.

Housing & Residential Life