Declining Housing At Rutgers New Brunswick

Rutgers University–New Brunswick provides students with a variety of housing options across its five campuses. However, if you need to decline housing at Rutgers New Brunswick, you must submit a request to cancel to [email protected] and attach supporting documentation. Housing Agreement cancellations are only permitted under specific circumstances, such as withdrawal from the university, enrolling in a study abroad program, active military induction, long-term hospitalization, or a death in the family.

Withdrawal from the University

Withdrawing from the university can have several implications that you should be aware of. The process of withdrawal and its consequences will vary depending on factors such as your specific circumstances, the number of degree credits earned, the time in the semester, money paid or owed, and your academic goals. It is important to carefully review the information below and consult with relevant offices and advisors before making a decision.

Financial Implications

Withdrawing from the university can impact your financial aid, both current and future. The date of withdrawal is crucial, as it can affect your eligibility for financial aid in the current and subsequent terms. It is important to note that an earlier withdrawal date does not guarantee a refund if you are receiving financial aid. Students with federal loans must complete exit counselling.

Housing and Dining

If you are withdrawing from the university and were living on campus, you are expected to move out within 48 hours of submitting the Withdrawal Form. Refunds for on-campus housing are based on the date that keys are returned. Keys should be returned to the campus office for the building you were residing in. For after-hours and weekends, keys can be left in an envelope with your information in the Key Drop at any Campus Student Services Office. No refunds are issued after November 15 for Fall and April 15 for Spring.

Before any reductions in room and board charges can be processed, you must first return your room key to the housing office and your RU Express Card to the dining office.

Academic Records and Transcripts

Withdrawing from the university will result in a "W" on your transcript for any courses you were enrolled in at the time. This does not impact your Grade Point Average (GPA). However, it is important to note that failure to attend classes does not constitute an official withdrawal, and you will not receive any adjustments in charges or grades unless a formal withdrawal is filed with the university.

Student Services

Withdrawing from the university can impact your access to various student services, including:

• Student Health Services
• Counseling Services
• Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
• RU Express and Board Plan
• Information Technology (IT) Services

Special Considerations

There are a few additional considerations to keep in mind, depending on your specific situation:

• International Students: Withdrawing from the university may have implications for your legal status in the United States if you are an international student with an F-1 or J-1 visa. It is important to review all policies and speak with an advisor from Rutgers Global.
• Student Athletes: Student athletes should consult with their Athletic Academic Advisor prior to withdrawing to discuss any athletic eligibility implications.
• ROTC Cadets: Cadets receiving scholarship, tuition remission, and/or other military benefits must contact their military cadre point of contact before withdrawal.
• Students with GI Bill Benefits: Withdrawing from the university may impact your benefits, so it is important to discuss this with the relevant office.

Procedure for Withdrawal

To initiate the withdrawal process, students must complete an online withdrawal form. The effective date of withdrawal is the date of submission of this form. However, please allow one to two weeks for processing. If you believe your official withdrawal date should be earlier than the date on the form, and you have documentation to support this, please contact your regional One Stop Student Services Center.

For Rutgers University-New Brunswick School of Graduate Studies students, you must notify your department of your intent to withdraw via written or electronic notice.

Refund Policy

Students who withdraw from their entire semester may be eligible for full or partial refunds, depending on the effective date of withdrawal. The refund policy for withdrawals varies depending on the time of year and is updated annually. Please refer to the University Finance and Administration website for the most up-to-date information.

Re-Enrollment

If you are considering withdrawing from the university, it is important to note that re-enrollment may be impacted. Be sure to review the re-enrollment policies and procedures for your specific school and program.

Enrolling in a study abroad program

Rutgers Global–Study Abroad offers students access to opportunities for global learning that are academically rigorous, culturally transformative, and empower students for impact in local and global communities. There are 180 study abroad and service-learning programs for students in every world region.

To get started, ask yourself the following questions:

• What are my academic, professional, and personal goals?
• How long and when do I want to go abroad?
• Do I prefer a more structured experience or a full immersion experience?
• What courses should I take abroad? Am I looking to receive elective or major/minor credit?
• Do I understand the program costs and financial aid available?
• Have I read about the Access the World Initiative, which offers 30+ study abroad programs at or below Rutgers cost?

Next, explore the available programs on the Rutgers Global website. You can search by term, subject, or location. Pay attention to possible GPA or language requirements (common for programs in Spain or Japan) and possible prerequisites (sometimes necessary for short-term programs).

Attend a drop-in virtual study abroad advising session for general information. You can also reach out to a former study abroad participant to hear about their experiences and insights.

Sign up for a program-specific information session. All events are listed at the bottom of the Advising & Events webpage.

Talk to your Academic Advisor about your plans and potential courses abroad. Check out the Course Equivalency Database to see what courses have been pre-approved. If you want to take courses that have not been pre-approved, seek approval through the proper department/faculty.

Attend a virtual study abroad finance session and look through the Scholarship Database for other funding sources.

Create and submit your study abroad application by the deadline. The deadline for Summer, Fall, and Academic Year programs is March 1, while the deadline for Winter and Spring programs is October 1. Embedded Spring programs have a deadline of December 1. Please check the Program Information page for the exact deadline.

Finally, pay the required post-acceptance program deposit within 2 weeks after the application deadline.

Active military induction

Rutgers University–New Brunswick provides housing for students across its five campuses, each offering a distinct living experience. The university operates one of the largest collegiate housing programs in the country, with over 50 housing options.

• Contact the relevant offices: Get in touch with the Rutgers–New Brunswick Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services, as well as the Rutgers–New Brunswick Office of Military & Veterans Affairs. These offices can provide you with specialised support and guidance.
• Understand your benefits: As an active military inductee, you may be eligible for educational benefits under the GI Bill. This includes a waiver of the application and admissions acceptance fees. Familiarise yourself with these benefits and the process to access them.
• Submit required documentation: Ensure that you send your military transcripts to the relevant office, which is the Office of Graduate and Undergraduate Admissions at Rutgers University–Camden.
• Apply for Tuition Assistance (TA): If you plan on using TA, you must receive approval from your Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counsellor before enrolling at Rutgers.
• Explore ROTC programs: Rutgers University has an NROTC (Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps) unit, which prepares students mentally, morally, and physically to become naval officers. This could be an option for active military induction, allowing you to pursue a career in the Navy or Marine Corps.
• Connect with military-affiliated student organisations: Rutgers has various clubs and organisations that support those who are currently serving or have served in the military. These groups can provide a sense of community and help you navigate your academic journey.
• Consider transfer credits: If you have prior military-based training programs, you may be eligible for academic credits through the B.A. in Liberal Studies program at Rutgers–Camden. Your military transcript will be evaluated to determine the number of credits accepted and how they will be applied.
• Stay informed: Keep yourself updated with the general requirements and policies for on-campus living at Rutgers. This includes understanding the expectations, rights, and responsibilities of students residing in residence halls.

Remember, Rutgers is a top-ranked school for veterans and provides comprehensive services and support for military service members, veterans, and their dependents. Don't hesitate to reach out to the relevant offices and take advantage of the resources available to assist you in your transition to student life.

Death of an immediate family member/guardian

Declining Housing at Rutgers New Brunswick Due to the Death of an Immediate Family Member/Guardian

The death of an immediate family member or guardian is understandably a difficult time for anyone. If you are facing this situation and need to decline your housing contract at Rutgers New Brunswick, here are some important things to keep in mind and steps to take:

Understanding the Housing Cancellation Policy

According to the Housing Cancellation Policy at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, a student who has signed a housing contract is typically committed to those accommodations for the entire contract period. However, the policy outlines specific reasons for which a student may be allowed to cancel their housing agreement, including the death of an immediate family member or guardian. It is important to note that cancellations are generally not permitted after the first two weeks of the fall and spring semesters, except for the reasons stated in the policy.

Steps to Decline Housing

If you need to decline your housing due to the death of an immediate family member or guardian, follow these steps:

• Submit a Request: Send a request to cancel your housing to the designated email address, which is [email protected]. Attach relevant documentation, such as death certificates or other records, to support your request.
• Await a Response: Once your cancellation request is received, the Assistant Director of Residence Life for Administration will respond to you in writing. They will review your request and determine if it meets the criteria for cancellation.
• Understand Financial Implications: If your cancellation request is approved, be aware that you may still have financial responsibilities. The university's ability to release you from your housing contract depends on whether there is sufficient demand to fill the vacancy with another student.

Additional Support

During this challenging time, it is important to seek support from the university and your community. Reach out to the relevant departments at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, such as the Office of Student Support, to discuss your situation and explore any additional resources or assistance they may be able to provide. Remember that your well-being is a priority, and the university is committed to helping you navigate this difficult period.

Long-term hospitalization

• Depression and anxiety: Hospitalization can increase the risk of poor mental health, especially for those with chronic physical conditions and a lack of family support. The longer the stay, the higher the risk of anxiety and depression after discharge.
• Delirium: Up to a third of seniors over 70 experience delirium, a sudden change in mental function, during their hospital stay. This can lead to confusion, disorientation, and agitation, with potential long-term cognitive decline.
• Loss of independence: Hospitalization can make seniors feel like they're losing their independence as doctors and nurses make decisions about their health. This can be frustrating and embarrassing, impacting their mental health.
• Physical decline: Being bedridden can lead to physical decline, making it harder for seniors to resume their daily routines and potentially causing a loss of independence.
• Stress and trauma: The stress of hospitalization can be traumatic for seniors, especially with dementia or chronic diseases, as it disrupts their routine and can be isolating. This stress can delay recovery and reduce quality of life.

To mitigate these risks, family members or caregivers can:

• Visit regularly or stay in touch through video calls or phone calls.
• Bring familiar items from home to make the hospital room more comfortable.
• Encourage independence and physical activity, within the senior's capabilities.
• Provide emotional support and comfort to help the senior articulate their feelings.
• Seek professional help from a caregiver, if needed.

Additionally, long-term hospitalization itself is based on a detailed multidimensional analysis of the patient. The goal is to assess various medical conditions, encourage autonomy, provide psychological support, and reduce or eliminate psychotropic treatment. Specific rehabilitation procedures are tailored to stimulate and support the patient throughout their hospital stay, focusing on both physical and mental health.

Frequently asked questions