Housing Release Appeal Process

The Housing & Dining Agreement is a binding, full‑academic‑year contract. Students are financially responsible for all housing and dining charges unless they:

• Cancel before occupancy according to the Cancellation/Release Fee Schedule, or

• Submit a Release Request and the Release Committee approves the request.

A Release Request is an exception‑based process. Approval is not guaranteed, and approval does not eliminate or reduce charges. All financial outcomes follow the Cancellation/Release Fee Schedule, regardless of the reason for the request.

Cancellation vs. Release Request

• Cancellation: A cancellation applies only when a student has not yet moved in.

  • No documentation required

  • Fee schedule applies based on submission date

  • A Student may still be required to maintain a commuter meal plan

  • No Release Request Committee review

• Release Request: A release applies when a student has already moved in and is requesting to exit the agreement early due to documented extenuating circumstances. Examples include:

  • Academic program placement

  • Military activation

  • Birth/adoption

  • Change in enrollment status (withdrawal/transfer)

  • Documented financial hardship

  • Graduation

  • Medical/health concerns

  • Marriage

Experiencing one of these circumstances does NOT guarantee reduced charges or a refund. These circumstances only make a student eligible to request a release from the full year portion of the housing agreement.

Financial Responsibility

Financial outcomes are determined ONLY by:

• The Cancellation/Release Fee Schedule

• The submission date of the request

• The student’s occupancy status

• The student’s move‑out date, which determines when charges stop accruing

If a Release Request is approved:

• The student is permitted to exit the contract early

• The Cancellation/Release Fee Schedule still applies

• The cancellation fee is charged

• Housing charges are assessed according to the schedule

• Daily charges continue until the student fully vacates

If a release is denied:

• The student remains responsible for all charges according to the fee schedule

Request for Release Criteria

Experiencing one of the circumstances listed below does not guarantee a refund or release from financial obligations. These circumstances simply make a student eligible to submit a Release Request. The Release Committee will review documentation to determine whether the situation meets the threshold of a significant and unforeseen change that occurred after the agreement was signed.

• Academic program requirements (internship, clinical placement, student teaching, study abroad, etc.)
• Active military deployment
• Birth or adoption of a child occurring after the agreement was signed
• Change in enrollment status (withdrawal, transfer, part‑time status) as verified by the Registrar
• Documented financial hardship resulting from a new and unanticipated change after the agreement was signed, verified by Financial Aid
• Graduation
• Health or medical concerns arising after the agreement was signed. Will require completion of Reasonable Accommodations Form to determine if health or medical concern can be accommodated within the residence hall system.
• Marriage, with a legal marriage certificate dated after the agreement was signed

Thinking about Canceling Housing or a Request for Release?

We hope you’ll stay part of our on‑campus community, but if your plans change, here’s what you need to know about how cancellation fees and charges work.

Important Considerations

• Do not sign an off‑campus lease unless you have received formal written approval releasing you from your UMassD housing agreement. Signing another lease does not qualify as grounds for release after occupancy begins. Pre‑occupancy cancellations must still follow the July 1 deadline and fee schedule.
• Dissatisfaction with a room assignment, roommate, services, or policies is not a basis for appeal.
• Allergies and COVID‑19 (including variants) are not qualifying reasons for release, as these conditions cannot be fully mitigated in any residential environment.
• The Appeals Committee meets bi-weekly (excluding university closures). Students receive a written decision via their UMassD email. Students and families do not participate in committee meetings.
• A pending appeal does not pause billing. Students must continue to make payments by published deadlines. If an appeal is approved, adjustments will be made to the student account.
• Housing payment – A pending appeal does not defer your housing payment. Please pay your housing by the due date to avoid late charges. If your appeal is approved, adjustments to your account will be made.
• Be sure to review all of the Housing Agreement for expectations your housing commitment. 

How to submit a Release Request

1. Log onto the Student Housing Portal (StarRez)
2. Navigate to Forms & Processes 
3. Locate the Request for Release Form
4. Complete the Request for Release Form by:
   1. Make the proper form selections
   2. Provide a detailed narrative explaining the extenuating circumstances that have changed since the agreement was submitted.
   3. Submit official documentation that support yours narrative. These documents could include but are not limited to, Financial Aid documents, medical documentation showing recent diagnosis, treatment, or surgery, statements of job terminations, death certificates, etc.
5. Submit your Release Request

Please note that Release Requests can take up to 30 days, but are usually resolved within 10 - 15 business days.