In reference to “Homeless in Houghton”, an article ran in the Sept. 25 issue of the Lode, sources have disclosed that the Michigan Tech Housing organization appreciated the feedback and is evaluating the housing contract in order to establish a better process incorporating straightforward instructions and improved communications between student and faculty.
According to the official Michigan Tech “Contract Release” policy, housing contracts are automatically terminated upon proper check-out of the Residence Hall. Students wishing to terminate their contract early may be released from their housing contract if they are requesting to live locally with a blood relative, can prove a significant change in finances since entering the contract or have a serious extenuating situation such as medical issues, upcoming marriage or counseling-related issues. A written request for release is required to be submitted to the Housing director and then undergoes an appeal process if denied. If approved, students must pay a $200 fine. This policy has been changed four times in the past 20 years.
Practices from several other state universities demonstrate an uncomplicated procedure, as revealed below. Michigan Tech Housing is looking to potentially modify guidelines/procedures to better support the student population and institutional needs going forward. Also, notification of the approved appeal in writing was communicated through email a day after the “Homeless in Houghton” article was published. For more information about housing procedures at Michigan Tech, visit www.mtu.edu