University Housing Policy - Morningside Heights

Effective Date: April 1, 2008

Policy Statement

This statement sets forth the University's housing policies for the residential properties managed by the Residential and Commercial Operations Department of Columbia University Facilities in the general vicinity of the Morningside Heights campus (herein after referred to as Residential Operations Properties). Undergraduate spaces assigned through the University's Housing and Dining Office and properties managed directly by the Medical Center are not covered by this statement.

Reasons for the Policy

The demand for University housing greatly exceeds supply. The policies governing eligibility requirements, leasing, pricing, and allocation priorities are designed to maximize the use of the limited resource for the benefit of the University and to protect the University's rights under New York law.

Primary Guidance to Which This Policy Responds

The policy protects the University's rights under New York law and is designed for the benefit of the University.

Responsible University Office & Officer

The Executive Vice President for Columbia University Facilities is responsible for enforcing this policy with the Assistant Vice President for Residential and Commercial Operations responsible for day-to-day management of the policy. The Housing Priorities Committee (defined in section 8 of this statement) determines priorities for the assignment of apartments. The Senate Committee on Housing Policy is empowered to review and recommend housing policies.

Revision History

This policy was established in April 1984 and amended on May 23, 1988 and February 10, 1992

Who is Governed by This Policy

All tenants in University housing housed because of their affiliation with the University and all applicants for University housing.

Who Should Know This Policy

Senior Executive Officers, Deans, Vice Presidents, Chairs of Departments, Directors of Institutes and Centers, Senior Administrative Officers, Departmental Administrators, affiliated tenants in University housing.

Exclusions & Special Situations

The policy addresses exclusions and special situations.

Policy Summary

The University Housing Policy sets forth the University's current policies and practices regarding housing eligibility, affiliation requirements, leasing, pricing, and allocation priorities for the units within Residential Operations Properties that house eligible affiliates of the University.

This policy governs all affiliated tenants in Residential Operations Properties. The policies it details are designed to maximize the University's housing resource and protect the University's rights under New York law.  The University Housing Policy is intended to give all interested parties an informed understanding of the University's current policies and practices for housing in the Morningside Heights campus vicinity. Undergraduate residential facilities, which are assigned by University's Department of Housing and Dining, are not covered by this statement. Housing policies and procedures for residential properties at the Medical Center campus, which are managed by the Medical Center's Office of Housing Services, are described in a separate policy statement.

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