The University of Saint Mary requires students to live within University housing until they are 19 years of age and a junior (60 credit hours). Incoming first-year students and transfer students who are 21 years of age and older are exempt from the on-campus housing policy. Other exemptions (see below) may apply.
The group living experience provides a valuable part of the total higher education program, and, therefore, assists the individual with adaptation to university life. The on-campus experience affords each student a structured living environment, proximity to academic resources, convenient access to organized student activities, social interactions, supervision and counseling as needed. In short, the on-campus experience provides a unique climate for personal growth opportunities, which are an integral and intentional component of the university education.
USM recognizes that some off-campus settings, especially those provided by family members, approximate the advantages of on-campus residency. In addition, some entering first-year students may have living requirements which the University cannot accommodate on campus. Five categories for policy waiver have been established to respond to students with unique circumstances as well as circumstances for those who are of age and academic status to live off campus.
The student is living in the KC Metro area (no further than 30 miles from the University) with a member of their immediate family (Father or Mother) or legal guardian. Note: Failure to maintain the residency will result in loss of waiver and potential disciplinary actions.
DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED:
1. Completed Residential On-Campus Housing Waiver Request form
2. A notarized letter of support from parents or legal guardians indicating this will be the student’s residence for the entire academic year
3. Two proof of parental address documents (driver's license, utility bill, voter registration, etc.)
The student is married on or before the first class day of fall semester.
1. Completed On-Campus Housing Waiver Request form
2. Copies of marriage license and marriage certificate (or equivalent civil records if a non-church ceremony was performed).
The student is the legal, custodial parent of a dependent child.
2. Copy of child’s birth certificate bearing mark of certifying authority (i.e. hospital or county records office)
1. Completed On-Campus Housing Waiver Request form.
RECEIVING NOTIFICATION
Please note that you are not approved for a waiver until you receive written notification from the Office of Residence Life. This notification will be in the form of a letter mailed to the permanent address you provide below. Until the student has received written notification of an approved waiver, the expectation is that the student will live on campus.
Enrollment, final registration, official records, and other University services may be suspended until either a housing contract or an approved waiver is on file with the Office of Residence Life. Periodic checks will be made of approved waivers, and any student found to have filed inaccurate information, or living under circumstances which have changed since filing for a waiver, may be required to move to on-campus facilities and/or be subject to University sanctions as well as the possibility of further disciplinary action.
The information provided in association with this waiver request is accurate, and I understand that this petition will not be processed until this form and all related materials are received. I also understand that the University of Saint Mary reserves the right to rescind any approved waiver of the on-campus housing policy if:
a)Circumstances described in the waiver request or accompanying materials are changed without approval, or
b)False information is provided and later discovered.
By typing my name below and clicking the submit button, I agree and understand that the electronic submission of this form constitutes my official signature as stipulated by the University of Saint Mary and the state of Kansas. Students 18 or above should sign below. If the student is not at least 18 years old, a parent should sign the below line.
ROOM AND BOARD
Maria
Berkel
Room
Double
Single
Double as Single
4 Person Suite
Fall Semester
$2,395
$4,790
$2,805
$5,610
$2,985
Spring Semester
Total
$9,580
$11,220
$5,970
Meal Plan
5
7
14
20
$895
$1,180
$2,410
$2,745
$1,790
$2,360
$4,820
$5,490
ROOM TYPE PREFERENCE
Please rank your room preference from 1 to 3. Use “1” to indicate your first choice, “2” for your second choice, etc.
Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and are allocated according to the date of receipt of a signed housing contract.
First-Year/Freshmen Housing Options Freshmen students are not permitted to have a private room during their first semester at USM.
Maria Single rooms are not being offered. Maria Singles may become available pending space once classes begin, and are only offered at the discretion of the university.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Students requiring adapted living space and/or private accommodations for physiological, psychological, and/or other needs should contact accommodations@stmary.edu or (913) 758-6243.
MEAL PLAN SELECTION
Please select one of the options below. If no meal plan is selected, you will be assigned the 20-Block meal plan.
All First-Year students are required to maintain the 20-Block Meal Plan for their first year at USM.*
MEAL PLAN SELECTION Please select one of the options below. If no meal plan is selected, you will be assigned the 20-Block meal plan. All First-Year students are required to maintain the 20-Block Meal Plan for their first year at USM.
ROOMMATE REQUEST
To request a particular person as your roommate, list his/her name in the appropriate space below.
For room placement, rank the following factors in order of importance:
If you are planning to bring a vehicle to campus, you will need to register your vehicle. You can click here to complete your Vehicle Registration form online.
Do you plan to bring a vehicle to campus?
ROOM CONSOLIDATION
The University of Saint Mary reserves the right to move any residential student not paying for a private room to another room within the residence halls in order to consolidate rooms.
MENINGITIS COMPLIANCE
The University of Saint Mary requires that all students residing within the residence halls provide proof of meningococcal vaccination prior to occupying the assigned room space.
HOUSING DEPOSIT
All new residential students must submit a non-refundable $200.00 security deposit. Housing assignments will not be processed until a $200.00 security deposit, housing contract, and immunizations records are received.
A link to pay your housing deposit will be sent along when you complete this form. You can click here to pay your housing deposit online.Are you ready to review the Statement of Terms and Conditions of Occupancy?
STATEMENT OF TERMS & CONDITIONS OF OCCUPANCY
The University of Saint Mary agrees to provide housing accommodations according to the provisions of this contract. The student agrees to abide by all terms of this contract and to remit payments according to payment schedule set forth by the University of Saint Mary. Housing accommodations are rented to the student while in attendance for the specific purposes of personal residence and may not be sublet or used by resident or outside entities for any commercial purposes. This contract is not assignable or transferable.
If all charges are not paid on or before published university due dates, administrative fee(s) may be assessed to the student’s account per Business Office policy and procedure. An account not paid in full according the University of Saint Mary payment policy, may result in the eviction of the resident during or at the conclusion of an academic semester.
The University of Saint Mary is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. Accordingly, the University does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race or color, sex or gender, national origin or ancestry, disability or handicap, religion or creed, age, sexual orientation, marital status, past, present or future membership in the uniformed services including the Reserve and National Guard, citizenship or intended citizenship status.The student is responsible for reading and familiarizing themselves with the information located within the student handbook, and all expectations stated therein. The Student Handbook can be found at https://www.stmary.edu/handbook.
ABANDONED PROPERTY
The Office of Residence Life will not be liable for property left in the building after a student vacates his/her housing assignment. Residents must remove all personal property and possessions from the residence halls within 24-hours of withdrawing from the University, upon termination of his/her contract, or after their last final exam of the semester. The student grants the Office of Residence Life the right to dispose of any property left by the student after the date when the student vacates or is expected to vacate the premises as allowed by law. Storage and/or disposal charges may apply. Student items will be held for up to 15 days before being donated and disposed of if the student leaves or is dismissed during the academic year.
CHECK-IN & CHECK-OUT
All residents must check-in with a member of Residence Life staff prior to occupancy & check-out with a member of Residence Life staff prior to moving out. Check-in consists of reviewing and signing required paperwork and receiving keys from a staff member. Check-out consists of returning the room to its original condition, returning all keys, and signing the required paperwork. Failure to complete a proper check-in or check-out may result in additional fees.
CONTRACT RELEASE
After the move-in date, a student may be released from this contract under the following conditions:
1. Graduation or transferred to another institution
2. Marriage, if the marriage occurs after signing this contract (marriage license required)
3. Participation in a university sponsored study abroad, co-op, student teaching, or internship program that is 30 or more miles from the University of Saint Mary.
4. Called for active military service duty
5. Significant and unforeseen health reason occurring during the contract period with medical documentation
SEMESTER COMPLETION REFUND RATE
The below refund policy applies if a student cancels his/her contract after the semester start and the date used to determine the refund will be the date the notice of cancellation is postmarked. In the event of a withdraw/dismissal, the amount of room refund will be based on the official drop or withdrawal date, not attendance. The official drop or withdrawal date is the date that the formal drop or withdrawal notice is initiated by the student, as determined by records maintained in the Registrar’s Office. The refund time periods commence with the first day of classes according to the academic calendar and not the beginning date of individual courses.
Semester Completion Refund Rate 0 - 10%: 100%
10.01 - 25%: 50%
25.01 - 100%: 0%
EARLY ARRIVALS AND EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES
The University of Saint Mary’s Director of Residence Life approves all early arrivals and extenuating stay circumstances. An extended stay is outside of the scheduled class periods or finals schedule. Students must obtain written permission to stay past the closing of or arrive before the opening of the residence halls from the Director of Residence Halls. Students approved for an early arrival, summer housing, or an extenuating circumstance must adhere to all Residence Hall policies, procedures, University policies, and the Student Code of Conduct during their stay. Students found to be on campus without permission for an approved event or organization will be subject to a $100 per day fine and possible judicial action. Students graduating who live in the halls do not need to request to stay unless they need to stay beyond the day of graduation. All graduates must check-out of their housing assignment on or before graduation day unless prior arrangements have been approved by the Director of Residence Life.
Students may not store items in a housing assignment while not present or in between summer dates. Students must remove all belongings from a housing assignment unless they are assigned for that period. Spaces will be inspected, abandoned belongings will be discarded, and handling charges will be applied to the student’s account, in addition to a
$100 per day fine (for each day without approval) and possible judicial action.
ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to live in the Residence Halls, the resident shall, during the term of this contract, be enrolled and attending the University of Saint Mary and be a student in good standing. Loss of student status at any time during the contract period will result in the termination of this contract and removal from the Residence Halls within 24 hours of the loss of student status.
FOOD SERVICE
All students living within the residence halls must participate in a meal plan. All first-year, first time students must maintain the 20-block meal plan for his/her first year at USM. The meal plan does not cover Thanksgiving or Spring Break. Credit is not given for unused meals.
HOUSING DEPOSIT POLICY
All new residential students must submit a non-refundable $200 security deposit. Housing assignments will not be processed until the $200 deposit, housing contract and immunization records have been received. Housing deposits are non-refundable.
LIABILITY & DAMAGES
1. The University will not be held liable for theft, loss or damage to any property of the student including, but not limited to, loss from fire, flood, wind, or acts of God. Students are encouraged to carry the appropriate insurance.
2. The student agrees to pay for any damages, lost property, or special costs for which they or their guests are responsible by neglect or intent. Damages will be charged directly to a student’s account unless other arrangements are made.
PERIOD OF OCCUPANCY
1. Assigned rooms must be occupied by the first day of classes. A student who fails to occupy his/her room by the first day of class and has not made contact with the Office of Residence Life may lose their current bed space and be subject to reassignment. Failure to occupy an assigned bed space does not constitute a release from this contract. Occupancy dates are as follows:
a. Residence Halls open for Fall athletes on August 4, 2025. New students residence hall open date is August 18, 2025. All other students August 21, 2025, and the residence halls close on December 12, 2025 @ 12:00 pm for the fall semester
b. The residence halls open on January 7, 2026 for new students and January 9, 2026 for returning students, and close on May 8, 2026 @ 12:00pm for the spring semester
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
The University of Saint Mary requires students to live within University housing until they are 19 years of age and a junior (60 credit hours) or 21 years of age at the start of his/her first semester at USM. Exceptions to this policy include students who are: married, reside within the primary residence of a parent or legal guardian, who are parents of dependent children, who are called to active duty for military service, veterans, or have already lived on campus for two years at USM. Those seeking an exemption from the residency requirement must submit an On-Campus Housing Waiver Request to the Director of Residence Life. The Director will review the On-Campus Housing Waiver Request and supporting documentation and will provide written notification of a decision. The On-Campus Housing Waiver Request is available at: (Residence Life Webpage or in the Residence Life Office).
ROOM ASSIGNMENTS
Room assignments are not made until the Office of Residence Life has received a signed housing contract. Assignments are made on a first come, first served basis. Housing assignments may not be available until late June to early July. Typically, housing assignments are mailed out over the summer.
ROOM CHANGES
Room changes may be requested by current residents and are made at the discretion of members of Residence Life staff. The right to change rooms is reserved by the Office of Residence Life and may be made by members of Residence Life staff under the following circumstances: In the interest of health, discipline, safety, and the welfare of a resident and/or other residents; to consolidate and fill empty bed space; to address room/building maintenance needs.
RIGHT OF ENTRY
All residence hall rooms are the property of the university and under its custody and control. Accordingly, all rooms are subject to entry by authorized staff with reasonable cause.
HEALTH AND SAFETY INSPECTION
The University reserves the right to enter and to inspect any student room at any time without permission or consent of the room occupant(s) to provide emergency service or general maintenance work. Whenever possible the University staff will complete this work at reasonable times. In some circumstances, residents may be required to move possessions to allow complete access to the work area. You will be notified in advance, when possible. Access may be made to unlock a bathroom door for a suite mate, to switch a breaker, to inspect for a believed policy violation, to determine a resident’s safety, maintenance concerns, or any other reasonable need.
Rooms may be entered during break periods by university staff to provide general maintenance, ensure the building is secure and to inspect for health and safety conditions. All visible policy violations will be documented, and any prohibited items may be confiscated. Students may be found in violation of the student code of conduct during these checks.
ROOM SEARCHES
Under certain circumstances including but not limited to cause for community safety concern, such as presence/possession of drugs, weapons, etc., and reasonable suspicion that a violation of University policy is occurring or has occurred, on-campus residence hall rooms and the personal possessions of students in such rooms will be searched when appropriate written authorization as specified below has been obtained. Room searches will be conducted by two staff members, one of whom is a USM public safety officer.
For on-campus residence hall rooms, room searches may be conducted with approval from the direction of the Vice President of the Keleher Learning Commons & Student Development, the Director of Public Safety, the Director of Residence Life, the University President or his/her designee(s). Staff conducting the room search will use reasonable efforts to ensure that the student(s) who occupies the room is present at the time of the search and is presented with the room search approval issued. In the event that a student(s) cannot be present (i.e., imminent threat or risk to self or the community), the student(s) will be notified of the search as soon as possible and presented with the room search approval.
During a room search:
1. Staff will open drawers, closets, luggage, safes, etc.
2. If, during the room search, a student’s belongings are damaged by the University administrator, the University will review the damage and correct or compensate the damaged item(s) as appropriate.
3. The University reserves the right to take action, including notification to law enforcement and/or action under the Student Code of Conduct, against a student(s) based on results of the room search.
ROOM CONSOLIDATION & RE-ASSIGNMENT
Double rooms are to be occupied by two persons. In case one of the occupants does not claim his/her assigned double room space or moves, the student who remains agrees to accept a new assigned roommate, consolidate by moving to fill a vacancy elsewhere in the hall, or pay the single room rate.
SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS
The University will not be liable for any interruptions in service (electricity, A/C, etc.) resulting from causes beyond its control, and such interruptions will not relieve the student, in whole or in part, from obligations of the contract.
SUSPENDED RESIDENCY
The Office of Residence Life reserves the right to terminate or modify this contract when the Director of Residence Life, or authorized designee of the Director learns or determines that: a resident has been charged or convicted of a crime(s) against a person; has engaged in conduct which threatens the safety and/or security of other residents, or is likely to pose a risk to the safety or security of other residents in the future. All other decisions regarding the termination or modification of the terms of this contract will be made at the discretion of the Director or authorized designee of the Director.
By signing this document, I acknowledge that I have read the Statement of Terms & Conditions for Occupancy and agree to adhere to its policies.
By typing my name below and clicking the submit button, I agree and understand that the electronic submission of this form constitutes my official signature as stipulated by the University of Saint Mary and the state of Kansas.
YOUR SIGNATURE
I hereby acknowledge the information I have provided is truthful. I have read, understand and agree to be legally bound by the Statement of Terms & Conditions of Occupancy associated with this contract; the Student Code of Conduct; the Residence Life policies, USM policies; and other rules, regulations and policies established by the University and Residence Life. I also understand that I am responsible for any damage that may occur in my room during my occupancy at the University. I further understand that I am bound by all information in the University of Saint Mary Student Handbook. I accept financial responsibility for the entire contract period stated herein and understand that I am obligated to pay any late fees or other costs associated with the collection on any amount not paid when due.
By typing my name below and clicking the submit button, I agree and understand that the electronic submission of this form constitutes my official signature as stipulated by the University of Saint Mary and the state of Kansas. Student Signature (or parent/guardian signature if student is under 18):