Damage Appeal for Fall 2012

Damage Appeal Process Explanation and Instructions 

Residential and Commuter Life at Longwood University believes in the value of a residential experience as part of the overall educational process. As a member of a campus community, residential students are responsible for the well being of each other and the facilities and furnishings in the residence halls and apartments. While no one likes to receive a final bill after moving out, the University is obligated to assess charges in those instances where damages are considered beyond “normal wear and tear.” Ultimately, costs can be kept lower for all students by only assessing those students who lived in rooms/apartments where damages, repairs, or excess cleaning needs were documented.

Admittedly, the RCL staff makes every attempt to accurately attribute damage or vandalism charges to the individual(s) responsible, but when those responsible cannot be found, all members of a suite, room or apartment may be charged equally for damages or cleaning. It is our hope that affected residents will cooperate with RCL to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

With the following message emphasized at the end of each academic year, “After closing, your REC/AC will make thefinal assessment of any damage, cleaning or repair charges,”our professional staff members work to complete a thorough closing inspection. When conditions are discovered that are beyond “normal wear and tear,” the pre-existing move-in portion (requiring student signature) of the Room Condition Report can be cross-referenced with the actual move-out conditions. In more costly cases, photographs of excessively damaged or dirty conditions are taken. 

Students who incur damage charges have the right to submit an appeal form. Thus, an online designated appeal form/process has been developed for students who believe, and can demonstrate, that they shouldn’t be held financially responsible in paying a particular charge. 

The damage appeal process ends at 5:00pm on January 16, 2013. If charges are not appealed prior to the deadline date, the appeal is no longer valid. Appeals will not be accepted via telephone. 

Appeal decisions will be communicated via the Longwood University email account (unless another alternate email address is provided) no later than January 25.