Housing Release Appeal Process

All students who enroll at UMass Dartmouth and submit a Housing & Dining Agreement are financially responsible for the full terms of that agreement. Once a student has taken occupancy of their assigned space, the agreement cannot be canceled for the purpose of commuting or moving to off‑campus housing.

The Request for Release process exists to support students who experience significant, documented extenuating circumstances that arise after the date the agreement was submitted. Submitting an appeal does not guarantee approval; decisions are made based on the documentation provided and the criteria outlined in the agreement.

Request for Release Criteria

To be considered for release, students must demonstrate one or more of the following qualifying circumstances, with supporting documentation:

• 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 a Release Request?

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 and may result in being financially responsible for two contracts.
• 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 7 - 10 business days.