About Our Services
The Residence Hall Contract
The Residence Hall Contract binds you to certain legal requirements. Very specific guidelines must be followed both in entering into and in ending a contract. The guidelines are listed here and are a part of the Residence Hall Contract. The terms and conditions of your contract should be understood, and you should realize that the contract is a legal, binding document.
Note: The University reserves the right to make changes to the residence halls, programs, and meal plans at any time.
Contract Limitations
Contracts are not transferable from student to student nor from year to year.
Contract Duration
All Residence Hall Contracts are in effect for one academic year or that portion of the academic year remaining at the time occupancy begins. Once signed, a contract can be ended only under the specific guidelines listed in the contract termination and contract release sections of the contract. Any contract changes (release, room changes, etc.) that affect billing will become effective the Saturday following the transaction.
Contract Cancellation
Cancellation of a room contract is allowed only in accordance with the following procedures:
Cancellations are accepted in writing or by e-mail only. No cancellations will be taken over the telephone.
Cancellations must be received by the Department of Residential Life. Cancellations sent to other University offices are not valid. Failure to register or withdrawal from the University does not constitute cancellation of the residence hall contract.
Payment of Bills
Bills for Fall Semester University charges will first be available on the University's web site in August. Room and Board payments are due as indicated by University policy. Students receiving financial aid will have that aid applied toward their comprehensive semester charges. More information about the payment schedule is available in the semester class schedule. The Department of Residential Life reserves the right to adjust your bill if an error was made.
Note: Crossing out the room and board portion of your sbill or paying only tuition and fees does not constitute cancellation of your financial obligation.
Housing During Breaks
The Department of Residential Life recognizes that some students must remain in Mankato for the entire academic year. Consequently, all of the residence halls remain open during Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks. Housing is also available for students attending summer session classes. A fee is charged for the winter break period, summer session, and summer interim housing. The dining halls are closed during academic breaks.
Break housing in students' current rooms is available only during the regular academic year. Students may be required to move to another location for the summer months.
Roommate Matching
The Department of Residential Life will make every possible effort to honor your roommate and lifestyle preferences utilizing the information given on the Room Preferences Survey. If two persons wish to room together, both parties must write each other's name and social security number on the form provided. It is helpful if both requests for residence community and common interest floor match. If they do not, it is possible that neither request can be granted. Roommate requests should be submitted by the date designated on the Room Preferences Survey. The Department attempts to assign smokers only with other residents who smoke; however, when space is limited exceptions must sometimes be made.
Facilities and Services
Front Desk
The front desk is the "hub" of each residence community. The desk is staffed throughout the day and evening. Among the many services and facilities available at the desk are reading material, sporting equipment, administrative forms, and on-campus mailboxes. If you need a new battery for your smoke detector or a light bulb for your room, they may be exchanged here. In addition, the desk staff provides information to visitors and offers residents assistance in emergency situations. Students who have questions or need assistance and cannot determine to whom they should direct their inquiry should seek assistance at the front desk.
Ice Machines
Ice machines are located in each residence community. There is no additional charge for ice.
Laundry
There are clothes washers and dryers available in the basement areas of Crawford and McElroy. In Gage, a washer and dryer are available on each residential floor, and each floor area of Julia Sears has a laundry room. Washer and dryer use is included in your room and board rate. There is no additional charge to use the washers and dryers in the residence halls. Sinks are also located in the laundry areas.
Mail Service
Each room has an assigned mailbox which is located in the front lobby of the residence community. Students living in Crawford and McElroy will receive a combination which opens their mailbox. Students living in Gage and Julia Sears can open their mailbox with their room key.
Bicycle Storage
Bicycles may be kept in racks located near the main entrance of each residence community or in student rooms. Bicycles may not be stored in hallways, lounges, kitchens, or maintenance closets.
Motorcycle Storage
Motorized bicycles, mopeds, or other motorized vehicles are not allowed in the residence halls at any time. Outdoor parking is available on a limited basis in designated areas.
Parking
Vehicles may be parked in designated University parking areas after being officially registered with the University. Permits may be obtained at The Hub in Wigley Administration Building or online. A Parking and Traffic Regulations booklet is available and contains important information about parking at MSU. Students are not permitted to plug their automobile into any residence hall room or outside building outlets. Most residence hall students are allowed to park their cars in parking lots immediately adjacent to or near the residence halls.
One-day visitor parking permits for guests are available from the front desk of each residence community.
Practice Rooms
Crawford, Gage, and McElroy are equipped with music practice rooms. There is acoustical tile on the wall, and a piano is available. Keys for these rooms may be obtained with an ID at the front desk. Hours of access may be limited by each community.
Security Measures
A number of security measures are taken to assist residents in maintaining a safe residence hall environment. All student room doors have peepholes so residents may see who is at their door before opening it. The bathrooms on the women's floors are locked so that only female residents of that floor can gain entry. Access to residential floors is limited to residents and their escorted guests only from 7:30 P.M. to 9:00 A.M. Monday - Friday and from 7:30 P.M. to 11:00 A.M. Saturday and Sunday. In addition, each residence community is staffed by Overnight Safety Monitors from 11:00 P.M. to 8:00 A.M. The Overnight Safety Monitors lock all outside access doors to each of the residence communities and monitor doors during the nighttime hours. MavCards provide entry to Crawford and McElroy for residents of Crawford and McElroy, and Julia Sears residents gain access to Julia Sears. Student Room keys provide entry to Gage for residents of Gage. Security programs and access hours are subject to change.
Storage
Storage space outside your room for personal belongings is not available. Off-campus storage of University property is prohibited.
