1. Eligibility and Residency Requirement
Subject to the availability of space, the University requires all full-time (i.e., registered for 12 or more credit hours) students enrolled at Northwood to reside on campus for a total of four (4) semesters unless they meet one of the criteria for exemption noted under “Residence Facility Preferences.”
Students residing in University residence halls or apartments are required to carry a Standard meal plan, except for students residing in campus apartments with full kitchen facilities within the resident unit (i.e., North Village).
Only individuals regularly enrolled and attending classes at the Midland campus for six (6) or more credits and making academic progress may reside in the residence halls or apartments unless permission is given by the Dean of Student Affairs. Students who are younger than 16 years of age, older than 24 years of age, or married and wishing to reside with their spouse should contact the Office of Housing & Residence Life prior to submitting an application.
Northwood University reserves the right to refuse student campus housing at its discretion if there is an indication that past behavior and/or criminal activity on the part of an applicant for University housing is such that the interests of the University, students, and/or the applicant would be best served if the applicant was not permitted to live on campus.
2. Agreement Term
The terms of this Agreement apply to the entire 2025-2026 academic year (August 23, 2025 to May 10, 2026), or if entered into after the start of the academic year, to the balance of the academic year. This Agreement may not be terminated before or during the academic year except under the terms set forth in the “Termination of Contract” section of this Agreement.
Early move-in is not allowed. Requests are subject to approval and a daily rate fee of $500.00. Additionally, the Resident must be checked into their assigned housing no later than the first official start of fall classes as specified by the University. For both fall and spring semesters, occupancy ends no later than 24 hours after the Resident’s last regularly scheduled final examination, or no later than 5:00 PM ET on the day after the last regularly scheduled final examination, whichever occurs first. Graduating seniors may request an approval to stay in their residence hall until 12:00 PM ET on the day after Commencement. In December, the halls close for occupancy as outline above, and will reopen for spring semester the Saturday before classes begin. Students are required to follow move in calendar set by the University.
Note: An assignment correspondence is sent to each prospective resident indicating move-in dates and times. Occupancy dates are subject to changes in the academic calendar.
Occupancy for periods not included in this Agreement term (i.e., when the facilities would otherwise be closed, including when compressed courses are offered) are subject to separate daily or weekly rates.
3. Break Periods
The Resident must vacate the residence halls during all published vacation/break closure periods unless the Resident is eligible and has specifically contracted in advance for break housing. Residence halls are not accessible to residents during posted break closings, and the Resident is responsible for housing and meals during break periods. During breaks, residence hall rooms are exclusively the property of the University. Please refer to Residence Life Handbook for important dates of residence hall occupancy and break periods.
4. Payment
The Resident shall pay to the University the amounts set by the University for housing and food. By signing this Agreement, the Resident agrees to be billed for and pay the University housing and food fee in accordance with the payment schedule of the University then in effect.
5. Housing and Food Rates
The Northwood University room and board rates are subject to change without notice at the discretion of the University; however, the University will use reasonable efforts to provide the Resident of notice of any rate change before the change is implemented.
Housing available to the Resident varies depending on the Resident’s status with respect to class (e.g., first-year vs. returning, transfer or graduate level). Meal plans available to the Resident depend on whether the Resident resides in University housing or commutes to campus, and whether or not the residential housing unit occupied by the Resident has a kitchen. Further information regarding the housing and meal plan options available to a student is available in the Residence Life Handbook.
2025-2026 Residential Housing Rates
The rates set forth below are subject to change by action of the University.
| Housing Type |
Housing Configuration |
Cost per Semester |
| Housing Type: Traditional Residence Halls (Miner and Dubois Hall) |
Housing Configuration: Standard Double Room (per person) |
Cost per Semester: $3,400 |
| Housing Type: Traditional Residence Halls (Miner and Dubois Hall) |
Housing Configuration: Single Dorm Room |
Cost per Semester: $4,535 |
| Housing Type: Suite Apartments without Kitchen (Naegele Village) |
Housing Configuration: Standard Room (per person) |
Cost per Semester: $3,400 |
| Housing Type: Deluxe Suite Apartments with Kitchen (North Village) |
Housing Configuration: 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath (per person) |
Cost per Semester: $4,100 |
| Housing Type: Deluxe Suite Apartments with Kitchen (North Village) |
Housing Configuration: 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath (per person) |
Cost per Semester: $4,600 |
| Housing Type: Deluxe Suite Apartments with Kitchen (North Village) |
Housing Configuration: 1 Bedroom/Studio, 1 Bath |
Cost per Semester: $5,290 |
2025-2026 Meal Plan Rates
The rates set forth below are subject to change by action of the University.
| Plan Description |
Cost per Semester |
Standard Plan 1:
250 meals, $300 Flex |
Cost per Semester: $3,450 |
Standard Plan 2:
215 meals, $600 Flex |
Cost per Semester: $3,450 |
120 Plan:
120 meals, $450 Flex |
Cost per Semester: $2,320 |
85 Plan:
85 meals, $800 Flex |
Cost per Semester: $2,320 |
Note: Meals must be used during the semester only. Flex may be used during the full academic year (i.e., unused Flex from the Fall semester may be used during the following Spring semester). Neither Meals nor Flex transfer from one Academic Year to the next. Both Meals and Flex may be used for guests of the student. The University reserves the right to modify rates and meal plan packages at any time.
6. Assignment to and Occupancy of University Housing
The University reserves the right to fill vacancies in units and to require the Resident to move to another unit in order to allow for optimum utilization of space or to resolve situations regarding other students in the unit. This includes assigning a second resident to a double room to bring it to normal capacity. Although the University will attempt to accommodate the Resident preferences, the University is solely responsible for determining the Resident’s housing unit assignment and it does not guarantee assignment to a particular building, type or accommodation, single bedroom or specific roommate(s). Resident agrees to accept any room assignment made by the University. Resident also agrees to pay the rate applicable to the assigned room according to the schedule of rates. The University also reserves the right to assign students to overflow accommodations (increased unit density), in the event that sufficient regular spaces are not available at the beginning of the semester. Final determination of room assignments is at the sole and absolute discretion of the University. The University reserves the right to move the Resident to another unit or housing facility if the University determines in its sole discretion that it is in the best interest of the University, the Resident, or other students of the University to do so. These actions shall not be deemed a breach of this Agreement by the University. Nothing in this Agreement should be understood to create a landlord-tenant relationship between the Resident and the University. This Agreement constitutes a contractual license for Resident to occupy and use the housing unit assigned to the Resident only and does not bestow or convey any interest in land.
7. Right to Cancel Agreement
If the Resident is a returning student not subject to the Residency Requirement stated in “1.” above, or a transfer or graduate student, the Resident may cancel this Agreement within ten (10) calendar days following notification by Northwood University of housing assignment (the “Cancellation Period”) by giving written notice to the Dean of Student Affairs. For such cancellation to be effective, the notice must be received by the Dean of Student Affairs by the last day of the Cancellation Period; provided, however, that if the last day of the Cancellation Period falls on a weekend or a legal holiday, then the Cancellation Period shall be extended to the next following business day. If the Resident cancels this Agreement in accordance with the terms of this paragraph, then this Agreement shall be terminated and of no further force or effect.
8. Refunds of Prepaid Room and Meals
Under certain circumstances, all or a portion of any payment for housing or food may be refundable. See the University Refund Policy for additional details. If the Resident is eligible for a refund, such refund will be applied to the Resident’s account. Amounts owed to the University will be deducted before refunds are issued. There are no housing or food refunds during the final two weeks of a semester.
9. Subletting
The accommodations granted by this Agreement may be used only by Resident, in Resident’s capacity as a registered student. This Agreement is personal and may not be assigned or otherwise transferred nor may Resident’s housing unit be assigned, sublet or otherwise placed in the occupancy, control, or care of another person or entity.
10. Care of University Housing
A. General Care and Damages.
The Resident agrees to occupy the housing unit in a careful and safe manner and is responsible for their actions and any guests and their actions. The Resident is responsible for the condition of Resident’s housing unit, the residential halls, and all furnishings that are assigned to Resident, and Resident shall reimburse the University for all damage to the space or the furnishings, other than ordinary wear and tear. This includes damages to hallways, lounges, bathrooms, and public areas. When the individual responsible for the damages is unknown, these damages are prorated and divided among all the residents of the wing, floor, or building collectively. Resident agrees to provide any knowledge Resident may have regarding damage to avoid collective charges. Resident is also responsible for the cleanliness of Resident’s assigned housing and shall reimburse the University for all cleaning costs in excess of normal cleaning costs. Damages within shared living spaces are the combined responsibility of all students assigned. The Resident agrees to remove trash from the living space and deposit it in the appropriate receptacle. Additional provisions regarding use and care of University housing facilities are included in the Residence Life Handbook and are hereby incorporated into this Agreement.
B. Prohibitions.
The use of appliances not provided by the University within the housing unit without written permission from the Office of Housing and Residence Life is prohibited. There may be an additional charge if authorized. The following is a non-exhaustive list of items that are prohibited in University housing facilities: all pets except fish (see paragraph 24), lofts, bunked beds, or any decorations that violate fire/safety codes, firearms, combustibles or inflammable material, and the storage of equipment such as boats or trailers. Motorcycles and motor scooters may not be stored in dwelling areas. If the Resident has an automobile the Resident must obtain a parking permit from the Miner Security Office and must park in the lot indicated on the Resident’s permit. The Resident may not remove furnishings belonging to the University from the Resident’s living space. The removal of window screens is prohibited and will result in a fine (except in the case of fire).
C. Inventory Checklist.
The Resident agrees to notify the University in writing within 7 days of the commencement of this Agreement if the Resident discovers any defect or damage to the housing unit, its furnishings and appliances by completing an inventory checklist, which is provided by the Office of Housing & Residence Life (“Inventory Checklist”) and returning the Inventory Checklist within that same 7 day period. In the event of a housing unit change, the Resident has 7 days to request and return an Inventory Checklist for the new unit. The University may attribute any defect or damage to the housing unit not included on the Inventory Checklist (including due to failure to submit an Inventory Checklist) to the Resident. The Resident agrees to treat all furnishings and appliances with care and to promptly report any damage or malfunction to Physical Plant; failure to do so may result in a monetary charge to Resident.
D. Nails, Repairs and Painting.
The Resident agrees not to put any nails, holes, or indentations into any University housing facility, including into furnishings or the facility’s physical structure. Neither painting nor repairs may be done to any unit by anyone other than a designated University official without the University’s express written consent.
E. Inspection.
The Resident agrees to permit the University access to the housing unit for inspection after reasonable notice has been given in accordance with the Student Handbook and Residence Life Handbook. The Resident agrees that University officials shall have access to the premises for all lawful purposes, including but not limited to, maintenance or repairs, scheduled room inspections, and emergencies.
11. Keys/Access Cards
The Resident may not duplicate University Housing keys. The Resident must return all keys/access cards to the University at the end of occupancy. Lost keys/access cards must be reported to the Miner Key Office and the Resident will be responsible for the cost of changing lock cylinders and replacement keys/access cards for all residents in the Resident’s unit.
12. Items left in University Housing
The Resident will remove all personal property from the housing unit upon termination of this Agreement. Items left in University Housing at the end of Resident’s occupancy will become the property of the University and removed at Resident’s expense. The University will dispose of the items as it deems appropriate.
13. Disturbances
Resident may not interfere with the lawful and proper use and enjoyment of the University housing facilities by the University, its agents or employees, or other residents. In addition to the activities prohibited in the Student Handbook and the Resident Life Handbook Resident may not play radios, televisions, stereos, musical instruments, computers, or make any other noise at levels loud enough to become heard by residents in any adjoining living spaces or adjacent buildings or where it becomes a nuisance to any other people.
14. Right of Entry
The University reserves the right to enter living spaces after notice for the purpose of inspection, verification of occupancy, safety, health, maintenance, or in the event there is evidence of violations of University rules and regulations. The University reserves the right to enter living spaces without notice as provided in this Agreement or as allowed by law.
15. Remedies
Breach of this Agreement authorizes the University to use any and all legal remedies available, including termination of the Agreement. Additional remedies include, but are not limited to: denial of meal privileges, refusal to issue grade transcripts or degrees, denial of enrollment for subsequent course work, denial of future residence, and/or removal from University housing. The failure of the University to enforce at any time any provisions of this Agreement, or its failure to utilize any remedy which is authorized herein, shall in no way be construed to be a waiver of such provisions, nor in any way to affect the validity of this Agreement or any part thereof, or the right of the University thereafter to enforce each and every such provision.
16. Incorporation of University Rules, Regulations and Student Conduct
Resident agrees to abide by all federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, and regulations. Resident further agrees to abide by all rules and regulations of the University including but not limited to, the Student Handbook and the Residence Life Handbook. The University may alter the terms of this Agreement by providing no less than 30 days written notice to Resident, in the following situations:
- Changes required by federal, state or local law or rule or regulation; or
- Changes in rules relating to the physical health, safety, or peaceful enjoyment of residents and guests.
17. Addresses for Correspondence
- All correspondence to the University required by this Agreement or otherwise relating to matters in this Agreement (including cancellations and all fee payments) shall be mailed or delivered to the Office of Housing and Residence Life, 4000 Whiting Drive, Midland, MI 48640.
- All correspondence required by this Agreement or otherwise relating to housing matters from the University to the Resident or the Resident’s parent, guardian, or other guarantor shall be mailed to or delivered at the address designated by the Resident on this Agreement.
- At the end of occupancy, the Resident must notify the mail room of the Resident’s forwarding address in writing otherwise the University will not forward the Resident’s mail.
18. Emergency Contact Information
Resident must identify to the University in Section 3 of this Housing & Dining Services Agreement a person or persons to be contacted in case of an emergency. By signing this Agreement, Resident acknowledges that, notwithstanding the confidential relationship existing between Resident and the University, Resident understands and agrees that the University may contact the person(s) Resident has identified, and/or Resident’s parents or legal guardian(s), in the event that the University determines that Resident’s health, safety and/or welfare may be at risk. Please note that the University does not monitor individual student behavior.
19. Collection of Legal Fees
Resident is responsible for any expenses incurred by the University in collecting any amount due under this Agreement, including collection fees up to a maximum of one-third of the amount due, and attorney’s fees and other costs, including court costs.
20. Force Majeure
In the event that the University shall be prevented from completing performance of any obligations hereunder by act of nature or other occurrences whatsoever which is beyond the control of the parties hereto, then the University shall be excused from any further performance of obligations and undertakings hereunder, to the full extent allowed by law.
21. Termination of Contract
- Term. This Agreement is effective as of the date executed by the Resident until the end of the academic year for which the Agreement was executed (“Term”). Dates of this Agreement are subject to change based on University calendar changes or University commitments.
- Automatic Termination. This Agreement shall automatically terminate at the end of the Term.
- By University. The University may terminate this Agreement prior to the end of the Term and take immediate possession of any housing unit:
- Upon any failure of Resident to timely pay any charges required under this Agreement.
- Upon any failure of Resident to comply with any of the terms of this Agreement or the terms and conditions of the Student Handbook or the Residence Life Handbook.
- When the Resident is enrolled in less than 12 credit hours at the University or the Resident’s status as a student at the University ceases, regardless of reason.
- When the Resident’s behavior requires inordinate attention from staff members, roommates or community members.
- When the Resident’s activities endanger their health, safety or welfare, or the health, safety, and welfare of other residents.
Should the University terminate this Agreement for any reason set forth above, the Resident shall be responsible for all charges prorated to the date of termination. The University shall not be liable for any expenses or damages or loss that the Resident incurs for relocation or inconvenience due to the University’s termination of this Agreement.
- By Resident. The Resident may request termination of this Agreement prior to the end of the Term by providing a written request setting forth their reasons for such termination request to the Dean of Student Affairs. The decision whether to permit termination of this Agreement shall be in the sole discretion of the University’s President or Vice President of Finance, whose decision shall be final and binding. The University may condition its granting the Resident’s request for early termination of this Agreement upon payment of a termination fee of $3,000 ($1,500 per semester) by Resident, it being understood that any such termination fee constitutes liquidated damages and not a penalty.
22. Insurance
The University is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged personal possessions of the Resident. The Resident may, at their sole option and expense, purchase Renters and/or liability insurance if the Resident so chooses.
23. Pets and Assistance Animals
No pets of any kind are permitted in University housing facilities, with the exception of fish (see the Student Handbook or Residence Life Handbook for details). This policy does not apply to service or support animals necessary to accommodate a disability of the Resident; provided, however, that the Resident must receive approval from both the University’s Office of Disability and Accessibility Services, and the Dean of Student Affairs prior to bringing such service or support animal into University housing facilities.
24. Soliciting
The Resident shall not give solicitors or salespeople access to the housing unit or participate in organized business or private enterprise for remuneration purposes from the housing unit.
25. Guests
Residents may not host a guest for longer than two consecutive nights in any University housing facility. Hosting a guest for any length of time on a repetitive basis is also considered in violation of this Agreement.
26. Discipline
If the Resident violates the Student Handbook or the Resident Life Handbook, or abuses the University’s housing facilities, in addition to termination of this Agreement, the Resident may also be subject to disciplinary action, prosecution, judicial review, legal and/or replacement fees as deemed appropriate by University officials as set forth in the Student Handbook. The Resident may also be subject to disciplinary action due to the misconduct of their guests. The University reserves the right to suspend or terminate all rights of the Resident under this Agreement as part of its normal disciplinary procedures.
27. Security Deposit
The Resident shall deposit with the University the sum of $100, which shall be held by the University as a security deposit for the faithful performance by the Resident of all obligations hereunder. This security deposit shall be returned to the Resident upon termination of this Agreement and surrender by the Resident of the unit, subject, but not limited to the following conditions:
- There shall be no damage to the unit upon surrender by the Resident beyond ordinary wear and tear;
- All charges due and payable under the terms of this Agreement shall be paid;
- Resident shall have left a forwarding address with the University; and
- The security deposit, less any deduction for damages or unpaid charges, with an itemized list of damages and charges, shall be returned to Resident in the form of a credit to the Resident’s account within 30 days of termination of this Agreement.
Notice: Michigan law establishes rights and obligations for parties to rental agreements. This agreement is required to comply with the Truth In Renting Act. If you have a question about the interpretation or legality of a provision of this agreement, you may want to seek assistance from a lawyer or other qualified person.
28. Limitation of Liability
If the University is unable for any reason to deliver possession of a unit to the Resident at the time agreed, the University shall not be liable for damages caused by such failure to deliver possession nor shall such failure be deemed a breach of this Agreement; provided, however that the Resident shall not be liable for any unit fees until possession is delivered. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the University, its employees and agents shall not be liable to the Resident or the Resident’s guests or invitees for any living expenses or damages, personal injury, death, inconvenience, loss or theft as to personal property, caused by the housing facility or any part thereof becoming out of repair. The University shall not be liable for failure to furnish heat, gas, electricity; from the bursting, leaking, overflowing, or backing up of water, gas sewer, or steam pipes; or for damage caused by defective wiring. Furthermore, the University, its employees, and agents shall not be liable for theft, damages or injury resulting from the Resident’s, or the Resident’s guests, acts, errors, omissions, negligence or accidents.
29. Severability
If any provisions of this Agreement are ruled illegal or invalid by judgment or court order, such ruling shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of the previsions of the Agreement.
30. Nondiscrimination
Northwood University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons regardless of Race, Color, Religion, Age, Sex, Sexual orientation, Gender Identity or Expression, national Origin, Marital Status, Height, Weight, Disability, Veteran Status, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state or local laws. The University is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws regarding nondiscrimination.
31. Michigan Laws
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Michigan.
32. Complete Agreement
This Agreement is the complete agreement of the parties with respect to the Resident’s occupancy and use of University housing and dining facilities, and replaces all prior discussions or communications. This Agreement can be amended or supplemented only by a written document signed by an authorized representative of the University and by the Resident. This Agreement supersedes any other University document that may pertain or refer to University housing and food, including any previous housing or meal plan agreements executed between the parties.
Acceptance
By checking “I accept” below, I acknowledge and agree that:
- I have read and understand this University Housing and Food Contract as well as the Student Handbook and Resident Life Handbook;
- I will abide by the terms and conditions contained herein as well as all of the policies and guidelines set forth by Northwood University; and
- I will make timely payment for housing services and dining services provided to me under this Agreement.
