A Brief Introduction About the University Contract
A student who is enrolling at a university has to enter into a university agreement. There are certain rules and regulations that the student needs to abide by during the entire tenure of study. The contract also mentions the facilities that the student will be entitled to during their stay. When signing the contract, the student accepts all the terms and conditions laid down by the university, and any violation by the student will lead to termination of the contract by the university.
The contract is valid from the point the student accepts the University’s offer of admission. There are different types of university agreements, such as apparel contracts with renowned sporting brands for their university teams. One such example is the University of Alabama Nike Contract, which was extended by five years from 2013 to 2025.
Another type of contract which universities enter into our housing contract. These are also known as a contract for room and board accommodations. The contracts mention the terms and conditions relating to eligibility and on-campus residency requirements, charges, and payments as well as student assignments and meal plans. Two examples of such housing contracts would be the University of Arkansas Housing Contract and the Ohio University Housing Contract.
Who Takes the University Contract? – People Involved
The contract requires to be signed by any student who enrolls in a university. The university is the other party to the contract. Both the student and the university need to follow all the clauses in the contract.
Purpose of the University Contract – Why Do You Need It?
When a student gets admission into a university, there are a lot of responsibilities that arise for both the student and the university. The university is bound by certain regulations concerning the wellbeing of every student, and violation of these norms would mean legal action against the university. This would also damage the reputation of the university.
A student enrolling in a university is legally entitled to certain facilities for which the university charges a fee. If the university fails to provide these facilities, then the student can seek legal recourse. The student is also bound by the rules laid down in the contract. If it is found that the student has misused any facility or there has been a serious breach of contract, then the university has the right to terminate the contract.
Contents of the University Contract – Inclusions
The contract states the facilities that the university provides to the student and the rules that the student needs to follow while at the university.
The contents of the contract are as under:
- The name of the University and the student
- The address of the University
- Immigration requirements
- Any changes to the program that the student has opted for
- The requirements the student needs to comply with regarding their program of study
- Placements that the university provides for students
- If the student creates any intellectual property during the course, they have the rights to it
[ Also Read: Intellectual Property Agreement ]
How to Draft the University Contract?
Points to Consider While Preparing the Agreement
While drafting the university contract, it is essential to ensure that the student is competent to contract. They should be over the age of 18 and be of sound mind. They should not be coerced into signing the contract. The regulations which govern such contracts should be followed, and the penalties for violation should be mentioned.
The fees which the university is charging the student should be mentioned and the facilities for which they are being charged. The penalty for delay in payment of fees should also be mentioned. The events which lead to termination of the contract should be mentioned under the terms of the agreement clause. The contract terms should be fair to both the student and the university. Disputes or complaints, if any, should be addressed to the University Complaints office.
Negotiation Strategy
If there are certain specific needs that a student has which are not mentioned in the contract, then the student needs to inform the university before the contract is signed. Only after both parties agree to all the clauses should they sign the university contract.
Benefits & Drawbacks of the University Contract
A university contract is important to protect the interests of both the university and the student. A student chooses a program of study at a particular university, considering its credentials. When they sign the contract, their expectations regarding the program of study and the other facilities provided by the universities need to be met. If the university fails to meet their expectations, then the student will seek legal help.
The university also takes a risk every time a student enrolls for a course. The student could cause significant damage to the university property or other students. The contract ensures that the university can terminate the contract with the student. If there is a contract, then there are lesser possibilities of complications.
What Happens in Case of Violation?
The student who enrolls at the university should follow the rules set in the university contract. The contract has provisions about the course of study, the discipline concerning student life on the campus(1), and of course, the right to terminate the contract. It also mentions the responsibilities of the university in terms of the facilities that the student can expect.
The University has a complaint and appeal procedure which the student can avail of if there has been a deficiency of service on the part of the university. The procedure is detailed in the student handbook.
A university contract is an official document that provides clarity to the student and the university regarding their respective rights and responsibilities. The student should read the contract carefully and make a request for modifications if required before signing the contract.