Residential Life and Housing/Dining Contract 2026-2027

By submitting payment of a $200 non-refundable housing deposit to the Bursar and completing and signing the Residential Life and Housing/Dining Contract, each student agrees to all terms and conditions pertaining to the occupancy of a Residence Hall and a Meal Plan at Rhode Island College. Rooms and Meal Plans are contracted for the entire academic year. Students should read the provisions carefully before submitting a completed contract.

Terms and Conditions

Eligibility

• To be eligible for on campus housing, a student must be enrolled at Rhode Island College as a full-time, matriculating student taking a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Any special circumstances must be approved by the Director of Residential Life and Housing or for disability-related accommodations, by the Center for Disability Access. Part-time students who desire to reside in College residence facilities, or students who continue to reside in the halls after becoming part-time students, may at the discretion of the Director of Residential Life and Housing be allowed to reside in College residence facilities. Such permission, if granted, shall not be automatically renewable.
• Each resident must pay a non-refundable deposit of $200.00 when reserving their room. This deposit will be used to reserve your space, for programming, and will be applied to your room charges.

Occupancy Period

• Rooms are contracted for the entire academic year. The academic year commences on the move-in date that is provided in writing from Rhode Island College Residential Life and Housing or the day a student accepts their room key, whichever comes first. For graduating students, the Agreement is extended and terminates at 10 a.m. on the day after Rhode Island College Commencement. This Agreement excludes occupancy during College vacation periods.
• A student's residency will be terminated if they do not sign for their keys and occupy their room assignment within three (3) business days after the first day of classes for the semester. Thereafter, the space will be reassigned. Reassignment of the space does not release the student from the obligations of the Residential Life and Housing/Dining Contract. An exception may be made for students who informed the Office of Residential Life and Housing, in writing, as to a planned arrival at a later time.
• Except for graduating students, as provided for above, students must completely vacate their rooms within 24 hours after their last exam each semester or by the official date of closing (whichever comes first); and at designated vacation/closing periods during the year. A fine of $50.00 will be assessed if an unauthorized student is found in a residence hall after official closing and additional sanctions may apply.
• Residency will be terminated upon withdrawal. Residents must vacate within 48 hours following termination of their student status; they must complete the official check-out procedures with a member of the Residential Life & Housing staff.

Occupancy During Vacation Periods

• This agreement does not grant permission for a student to remain in housing during College vacation periods of Winter Break and Spring Break. Students may apply to remain in housing during the College vacation breaks for an extra fee.
• Students remining in college housing during college vacation periods will be required to participate in a non-academic-period meal plan. Additional fees apply
• The College reserves the right to use a student's room during a vacation period. Reasonable notice of intended use must be given so that the student may make arrangements for their property.

Hall/Room Assignment Changes

• Room and Hall changes will not be permitted during the first two weeks and last two weeks of each semester.
• All room change requests are subject to availability of space. Changes, when approved, are granted on a "first come, first serve" basis.
• Because of variable residence rates, adjustments to the rate from the new assignment offered may be made. The student is responsible for payment of the adjusted rate from the room change.
• Residents have 48 hours from the time of offer to complete their room change. Residents may not occupy two spaces for more than a 48-hour period. When an occupant transfers to another hall, they must complete the official check-in and/or check-out procedures with a member of the Residential Life & Housing staff.
• If you have been approved for a room change from a hall you will maintain your current dining plan.
• If you are initiating your room change request on the basis of a disability or a disabling medical condition, please note that the Center for Disability Access is responsible for evaluating and granting reasonable accommodation requests. Students must request housing-related accommodations based on current medical, mental health, or food related disabilities through the Center for Disability Access. The Health & Wellness Office (Health Services and Counseling) may be consulted.
• A fine of $50.00 per person will be charged for any unauthorized room changes and/or unauthorized housing of non-residents and other sanctions may apply.

Maintenance of Premises

• Residents will be held liable for damage to or loss of College property based on inspection before and after occupancy. Residents are not allowed to make changes or adjustments to rooms or furnishings (e.g., deadbolt locks, construction of lofts, painting of rooms and suites, etc.).
• Rooms, bathrooms and suites must be left clean and in good condition. Each student is individually responsible for damage or loss in their room. If damages or losses in a suite or hall cannot be assessed to an individual the assessment will be charged pro rata to members of that particular suite or hall. Any student who is billed for personal damages (excluding common area charges) in excess of $400 will have their housing status reviewed.
• Students are required to keep the room or suite and premises in a clean and sanitary condition and report any unsatisfactory conditions promptly.
• Health and Safety Inspections will be conducted. If a room or suite is found to be a health and safety violation, the College may have the room or suite cleaned or remediated, and pest control service administered. The College may also, in its sole discretion, move a student(s) temporarily or permanently to accomplish this work. Any such expense will be borne by the student where the condition is due to the student's actions or failure to act as required.
• In the event of a pest infestation, the College has contracted with a private vendor to exterminate pests with minimal pesticides. To request pest control service, the student must submit a service request via the Residential Life & Housing Office, where requests are forwarded to the vendor. The residents will be given instructions of how to prepare the room or suite prior to the arrival of the vendor.
• Failure to notify or take immediate action as directed by the College regarding maintenance and pest control hazards or deficiencies on College property will result in student being charged for damages, repairs, and services. Student agrees to follow all directives in order to eradicate pests. This may include, without limitation, room preparation, clothes laundering, and leaving student's bed space for a period of time.
• Residents are expected to notify the Residential and Housing Office of any potential fire or safety hazards and promptly report a fire, or indication of a fire, of any type. Additionally, they are responsible for reading and observing all College fire safety guidelines and must participate in evacuations, including drills and fire safety inspections. Students are expected to help prevent false alarms and should immediately report any tampering with fire safety equipment to their hall staff members. Tampering with fire safety equipment (including but not limited to: extinguishers, alarm systems and conduit, smoke detectors, sprinkler heads, strobes, devices, door closers, and exit signs) is prohibited. This includes covering, disarming, attaching to, or hanging anything from this equipment. Residents are financially responsible for charges assessed as a result of tampering with fire safety equipment and should expect referral to the Student Conduct Board, immediate removal from the residence hall, and possible arrest under Rhode Island or municipal laws or ordinances.

Community Standards

• Students must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct and all Residence Hall Policies and Procedures. Students are subject to termination of housing for violations of such policies.
• Students are responsible for all activities occurring within their room, suite, and bathroom. This includes any improper behavior and/or damage to the property by a guest whether the resident is present or absent at the time it occurs.
• Any residents involved in deliberately discouraging or rejecting a fellow student who is officially applying for or attempting to occupy a legitimate vacancy, may be reassigned within College housing, may be dismissed from College housing and/or may be referred for discipline.
• In the event changes in policies occur during the year they must also be followed. Violators are subject to termination of their residence hall contract and/or disciplinary action by a College Decision-Maker or Rhode Island College's Hearing Board.
• Monetary fines will be assessed for various Residential Life and Housing Policy Violations or for the failure to pay previously assessed fines.

7. Right of Entry

• Authorized College representatives shall have the right to enter housing spaces without prior notice for the purpose of: fire safety and health inspections, compliance with multiple dwelling unit laws, responding to clear indications of immediate danger to life, safety, health or property, or maintaining the conditions of the facilities and furnishings.
• Whenever possible, students will be present during room entries. Students will be notified at least 48 hours before formal Health and Safety Inspections are conducted.
• A search of premises occupied by students, or the personal possessions of students, may be conducted upon authorization of designated College personnel or Police to determine compliances with College regulations and applicable laws where there is probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred or is taking place.

Insurance

• The College is not responsible for injuries or loss of student property by fire, theft, water damage, etc. The College's insurance program is limited to coverage of College-owned property. Every resident is encouraged to obtain/carry adequate personal property/renter insurance and health insurance.
• Subject to the provisions of applicable law, the College shall not be liable directly or indirectly for personal injury, loss, and/or damage to personal property of a resident, guarantor, legal guardian, or guest caused by fire, theft, or any other cause, whether such personal injury, loss, or damage occurs in a residence facility or elsewhere on or off the College campus.

Additional Conditions

• A resident must occupy their own assigned room; it may not be rented to any other individual.
• Residents are subject to removal from the halls if they allow other residents or non-residents to live in their room and/or suite.
• When there are double rooms occupied by one person, the Residential Life and Housing Office has the right to move students together so that all double rooms are occupied by two people, or the student may be charged the cost of both spaces.
• The College reserves the right to adjust a student's room assignment when in its sole discretion such action is deemed appropriate.
• This Agreement is not a lease and is not governed by the Rhode Island Residential Landlord Tenant Act, R.I.G.L. 34-18-8. This agreement shall be governed by Rhode Island law and the courts of the State of Rhode Island shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any suits arising hereunder.
• A student may not be able to participate in the Housing Eligibility Process and/or the Room Selection Process if they are on Housing Probation or have an unpaid balance.
• Rhode Island state law requires that all residential students meet immunization requirements mandated by the Rhode Island Department of Health. A completed immunization record and a medical physical examination, signed by a health care provider, must be entered into the Health Services Patient Portal before a student may receive their room key.
• The Office of Residential Life & Housing will use email as an important form of communication. Students are expected to regularly retrieve their ric.edu email and students acknowledge that all emails sent to such email addresses shall be deemed to have been received not later than 48 hours after being sent.

Cancellation of Residential Life and Housing/Dining Contract by Student

• Cancellation Prior to Cancellation Deadline- Enrolled Students: Matriculated students who paid a housing deposit, signed the housing contract, and chose a housing assignment for the following academic year during the College's official Housing Selection Process may cancel their housing through written request at no additional fee, if written request is received by August 1st. Cancellation will result in forfeiture of $200 housing deposit.
• Cancellation Prior to Cancellation Deadline- Students who paid a housing deposit, signed the housing contract, and were given a housing assignment for the following academic year from the Residential Life & Housing Office may cancel their housing and meal plan through written request at no additional fee, as long as written request is received by August 1st for the fall semester or January 1st for students who did not reside in housing during the Fall semester and were seeking to move into housing for the spring semester. Cancellation will result in forfeiture of $200 housing deposit.
• Cancellation After Cancellation Deadline: Students who paid a housing deposit, signed the housing/dining contract, and have a housing assignment, must submit a Contract Release Request Form to the Office of Residential Life & Housing for consideration. The College may exercise its discretion to grant or deny the request. If the College denies the request for cancellation, the student shall be responsible for the full fee period of the contract (academic year), any charges for damages, cleaning, and any non-refundable housing fees, as well as Meal Plan charges as listed on the refund Policy for Withdrawal from Dining.
• Contract Release Request Form: Students who wish to cancel their housing after the cancellation deadline, and have circumstances that meet the criteria below, may submit a Contract Release Request Form for review.
  • Withdrawal from the College
  • Graduation from the College
  • Military Deployment
  • Attendance to an official College approved program (i.e., study abroad, national student exchange, or the equivalent)
  • Financial Hardship (Must include verification appropriate to the circumstance and must demonstrate a loss of income that has occurred since the cancellation deadline from the Financial Aid and/or Bursar Offices.)
  • Medical or Disability Related Hardship (Must include documentation from a licensed provider or from the Center for Disability Access on official letterhead, stating diagnosis, as well as a statement of how living on campus is related to the hardship and the student's treatment.
• Students who are released from their housing contract will be charged pro rata for the amount set forth in the Residential Life & Housing refund schedule (below), as well as the based upon dates of occupancy, plus any charges for damages, cleaning, and any non-refundable housing fees.
  • Any student who did not apply for a cancellation release and fails to occupy their assigned space one week after the contract start date shall be considered a "no-show" cancellation. Students considered "no-show" cancellations shall owe the full fee period of the housing contract (academic year) for enrolled students, or a four (4) week rent fee for non-enrolled students, plus any charges for damages, cleaning, any non-refundable housing fees, as well as Meal Plan charges as listed on the refund Policy for Withdrawal from Dining.

Revocation of Housing Contract by College

• If the student is evicted from College housing, voluntarily leaves College housing, or is suspended from the College, the student shall owe the full fee period of the contract (academic year), any charges for damages and cleaning, and all non-refundable housing fees.
• The College reserves the right to suspend or revoke a student's housing provided by this contract when the safety or health of the student or any member of the College community is threatened, pending due process action by an appropriate judicial authority or administrative officer.
• Students are subject to termination of housing for violations of College policies as stated in the Student Code of Conduct and Resident Handbook.
• Residency will be terminated should a student be dismissed for any reason from the College.
• The Office of Residential Life and Housing reserves the right to suspend or revoke housing provided by this contract if money is owed to Residential Life and Housing or to the College. This includes but is not limited to: room reservation and damage deposits, room and board fees, monies owed for outstanding hall damage or other bills.
• I understand that upon reasonable notice, Rhode Island College reserves the right to terminate or suspend housing contracts due to public health emergencies, including COVID-19 or other events or conditions beyond the College's control. In the event RIC terminates or suspends housing contracts due to public health concerns or other events as set forth above, the College will offer fair and reasonable reimbursements for impacted students as appropriate and based on the current refund schedule and information available at that time.

Refund Policy for Withdrawal from Housing (Dining Separate)

The Residential Fee Assessment contained herein shall be applied in accordance with the 2026-2027 Residential Life and Housing/Dining Contract, when Contract cancellation has been granted by Rhode Island College in response to a Contract Release Request Form as set forth above.

College Dining Services Policies

(Students should contact Dining Services directly for any meal plan or other dining related questions/concerns.)

• All students who reside in campus housing are required to purchase one of the Residential Meal Plans offered. Residential Meal Plans are contracted for Fall and Spring semesters and the College reserves the right to adjust Meal Plan rates during the year should conditions require.
• The College reserves the right to adjust operational hours, service delivery, and services for reasons of safety, weather, and/or unique conditions.
• All Students are initially enrolled in Meal Plan A, and shall have an opportunity to choose the Residential Meal Plan option of their choice during the official add/drop period of the college. Students who do not choose a Residential Meal Plan will automatically be enrolled into Meal Plan A.
• Students may change their Residential Meal Plan option during the posted college add/drop period using the Anchor Mobile Dining App.
• Meals are redeemable at Donovan Dining Center. Up to 2 meals may be used in The Beestro Café. Flex Points may be used at Donovan Dining Center, or The Beestro Café, located in the Student Union. A limited vending fund can be used in designated food/beverage vending machines.
• Dining Services supports the full utilization of Residential Meal Plans and is available to assist any student who may encounter challenges accessing food service. Students can access meal and fund balances through our free mobile GET app.
• Improper use of the Anchor Mobile Dining (GET) App and/or the Student ID Card for food purchases (such as use by other than the plan holder), is prohibited.
• Students who have questions regarding their Residential Meal Plan are encouraged to visit the Dining Website or contact Dining Services for assistance.
• Students who have unique schedules and/or off campus responsibilities, are encouraged to visit the Dining Website or contact Dining Services to learn about The Residential Never Miss a Meal Program and/or other opportunities to access food service.
• Dietary and Nutritional support is available to students free of charge, by our Licensed, Registered Dietitian.
• Dining Services does not offer refunds for missed meals or unused Flex Points.
• Meal Plans are for the meal plan holder only. Meal plans cannot be shared and are non-transferable. Using someone else's meal plan is a violation of college policy and subject to discipline in accordance with the student handbook.
• Student feedback is valued and encouraged. Students may share their feedback in person, via email, or through our online feedback portal – The Anchor Line. Look for QR codes posted throughout the dining operations. Students are encouraged to provide their contact information to allow for follow-up communication and may submit comments anonymously.
• Food Allergies/Impairments: Rhode Island College is committed to making reasonable accommodations to meet the food service needs of individuals with food related allergies and sensitivities, in a manner consistent with the Center for Disability Access's policies and procedures. Residents seeking accommodation must self-identify and provide appropriate documentation of their condition to the Disabilities Service Center. Additional information on this process can be found at the Center for Disability Access website and Accommodations for Students with Food Allergies and Sensitivities.
• Shoplifting is stealing, and unnecessarily increases the costs for all students. Dining Services has zero tolerance for stealing. Such actions will result in an immediate referral to the proper College officials and appropriate follow-up. Any student who finds themselves in a unique situation where they do not have the funds for their purchase, is encouraged to see a Dining Service Manager for guidance and/or assistance.
• The official Residential Meal Plan effective start dates are August 28, 2026 for the Fall semester and January 17, 2027, for the Spring semester. Meals for the periods of December 23-24, 2026, and May 12-13, 2027, shall be provided for students who remain in the residence halls pending examination completion during these periods.
• Students remining in college housing during college vacation periods will be required to participate in a non-academic-period meal plan. Additional fees apply

Refund Policy for Withdrawal from Dining (Housing Separate)

RIC college policy is that resident students are required to participate in one of the resident meal plans.

If a student withdraws from housing or the college at any point in the semester, Dining Services will issue a prorated meal plan refund/credit based on the number of days used according to the board feeding calendar and an established formula which accounts for feeding days and Meal Points used. This calculation is based on the date the student's meal plan is inactivated by the Campus ID Office.

For Commuters, Grad Students and others who may elect to participate in the voluntary board program, those plans are for the semester purchased and unspent meals and FLEX at the conclusion of the semester are for the college's account. Only upon withdrawal from the college, will Dining Services provide a prorated refund/credit for the plan purchased within a particular semester.

For resident students, unspent FLEX will carry from Fall to spring but any unspent flex at the end of the spring semester is for the college's account.

Exceptions to Contract Terms

• Only the Director of Residential Life & Housing, the Director of Dining Services, the Director of the Center for Disability Access, or their designee can make exceptions to the terms and conditions of this contract.
• Resident Assistants (RA's), Graduate Assistant Hall Directors (GA's), Hall Directors, Area Coordinators and other office staff are not authorized to modify the terms and conditions of this contract.

Resident Student Waiver and Release of Liability Regarding COVID-19 or Other Health Risks

• You understand that the Office of Residential Life & Housing and Dining Services at Rhode Island College are committed to protecting our resident student population, as well as our professional and paraprofessional staff from the spread of diseases such as COVID-19, while providing students with an enriching residential and dining experience. Therefore, we will be following the guidelines from the CDC and the Rhode Island Department of Health, as well as Rhode Island law, regarding the practices to limit the spread of COVID-19 or other health risks as they may arise from time to time. The College will be enforcing the recommended practices for any students who choose to live and dine on the Rhode Island College campus.
• Recommended practices may include but is not limited to: vaccination, COVID-19 or other health testing, mask wearing, social distancing, quarantine, isolation, limiting guests, temperature monitoring, upholding cleanliness standards.
• During any applicable health risk event or condition, and as directed by the College, Residential Life & Housing and/or Dining Services, Health Services must be contacted immediately if any of the following symptoms occur (even if the symptoms are mild): cough, fever, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea or recent loss of taste or smell, or other conditions as may from time to time be related to any health risk or condition.
• If there is a pre-existing condition that may impact a student's ability to comply with any such requirement, the student should submit a request with supporting medical documentation to through the Center for Disability Access utilizing the form on their website.
• You understand that Rhode Island College may put these measures in place as recommended by the CDC, Rhode Island Department of Health and/or required by Rhode Island or other law in an effort to minimize the health risks of our residential community. By signing this document, you agree to abide by these practices. Failure to abide may be considered a breach of your housing contract and/or a violation of the student code of conduct. You understand that by putting these practices in place, the College is seeking to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus and/or other health risks/conditions but the College cannot guarantee a risk-free environment. Therefore, with the knowledge of the risks of living on campus, you agree to release and forebear from pursuing Rhode Island College from all liability and/or expenses as it relates to illness, death, or other injury/damage due to any diseases such as COVID-19 or other health risks/conditions. Further, you understand and agree to waive and forebear from any rights to sue Rhode Island College and its employees as it relates in its entirety to COVID-19 or other health risks/conditions.

Effect of Signature

• By entering into this contract, you certify that you have read all the terms and conditions of the Rhode Island College Residential Life & Housing/Dining Contract and agree to all the terms and conditions herein.