50+ Sample University Contracts

What Is a University Contract?

A university contract is a written agreement between a university and an individual, institution, or organization. It outlines various policies and guidelines that the parties or signees are expected to follow. 

According to a 2021 report published on EducationData.org, there are 17.5 million undergraduate students currently enrolled in colleges across the United States. In addition, an estimated 4.43 million college students are expected to graduate in 2021. 

Types of University Contracts

Like a complex ecosystem, universities are alive and bustling with all kinds of activity and interaction. It is a flourishing community composed of not just students, but include faculty, staff, outside contractors, organizations, and even parents. Because of these diverse and far-reaching connections, there are different kinds of university contracts. Several of these are enumerated below: 

Student Contract: Without students, universities would not have any purpose. Colleges and universities churn out thousands of graduates every year. The most fundamental component in all of this is the relationship between the student and their university. It is the responsibility of the university to provide a conducive learning environment to enable the student to thrive and develop his or her potential. At the same time, it is also the student’s duty to maintain a healthy and stable relationship with the university; and this normally implies following certain rules and meeting specific standards. For instance, a condition that is common to most, if not all, schools is the grade point average. To remain in university and continue studying, a student must be able to maintain a certain grade to be able to advance to the next level. Once a student signs a university contract that explicitly stipulates this condition, he or she has no choice other than to comply. Employment Contract: Teachers and professors are at the forefront of change precisely because of their role in educating university students. They are the core ingredient in any academic community. Without teachers, schools would cease to exist. University administrators need to have solid agreements with their educators. It is not just for employment purposes, but a contract is needed to effectively define what is expected of them as leaders and change-makers. This covers all academic aspects as well as the educator’s behavior and conduct. In this way, the teacher’s university contract is much like an employment contract that outlines their roles and responsibilities. Housing Contract: Many universities provide housing solutions for their students. A lot of big campuses have dormitories that house hundreds of students at a time. But unlike a private home, a dormitory comes with certain rules and expectations. A contract is needed to put in place guidelines and policies that help maintain order and proper decorum. If for any reason a student fails to meet these standards, then he or she would have to face the appropriate consequences. For instance, a college roommate contract could be created between two or more parties to ensure civil and acceptable conduct. It is, however, important to note that a contract is a written document and is not always a guarantee. But in the long run, a university contract could serve as a tool to prevent unnecessary squabbles and to settle conflict. Project Contract: Students are faced with countless academic requirements throughout their university stay. There are basic assignments like exams, papers, readings, etc. Then there are big-ticket projects too. Depending on the course or major, students may be required to fulfill a final semestral project or a major requirement in order to graduate. For graduating students, sometimes a senior project is needed in order to pass a major subject. It is not always needed, but there are instances where a professor may require a student to agree to a university contract before the latter can proceed with the project. This is normally done to establish fundamental ground rules or to clarify certain prerequisites.

Examples of Policies and Guidelines Contained in a University Contract 

A university contract can contain multiple rules and regulations. Regardless of the type of university contract- whether it be intended for a student or faculty member- terms and conditions make up the bulk of a contract. And a basic part of a university contract usually involves proper decorum and defines what is considered acceptable behavior on campus. A contract is a tool used to hopefully regulate and promote certain standards among its academic populace. The following are just some examples of policies that you may find in a university contract:   

Discrimination: Discrimination is not only a hot issue inside schools and colleges. Discrimination can be found in a lot of places. It is true there has been progress and development in promoting inclusivity and equality; but there is still a lot more to be done. Many university contracts include a discrimination clause. The section details its condemnation of any form of discrimination. Some explicitly state that discrimination is not be tolerated and any violation can lead to disciplinary action. To further illustrate, one example of discrimination would be blocking an application to join an organization or club purely on the grounds of secondary characteristics like sex, race, income bracket, or sexual orientation. Even university admissions can sometimes be guilty of practicing discrimination. If the university favors a particular group or individual but fails to extend the same opportunity to other deserving applicants, then that could be considered discrimination. Plagiarism: Stealing intellectual property is a grave offense in many institutions. In universities, committing plagiarism can even result in expulsion or suspension. Schools, colleges, and universities must always strive to meet the highest levels of academic integrity excellence. Most student contracts contain an entire section dedicated to plagiarism and intellectual property. Academic Standing: A student contract may not always be given; but in instances where they are issued, academic requirements are one of the basic conditions that are stipulated. A freshman may be subject to certain academic standards in order to qualify for sophomore year. Graduating seniors must see to it that they pass all their classes and obtain satisfactory marks before they can get their college degree. Disciplinary Procedure: If workers have employee handbooks, students may likewise be issued a magna carta or a code of conduct that outlines the various policies with regard to behavior and disciplinary procedures. If a person signs a student contract, he or she must be willing to heed certain protocol that could entail both freedoms and restrictions. Many university contracts also outline what is entitled to a student, faculty member or staff when it comes to due process in the course of disciplinary action. Course Change or Shifting: A university contract may also issue guidelines regarding the change of majors or transferees. It is quite common for students to shift majors and add or subtract course units while in college. Some even decide to change courses mid-year, or sometimes a little too late before realizing they want to pursue another track or field. A contract should outline the processes and procedures that a student must follow in order to successfully shift majors. It can stipulate which subjects or units can be credited and what requirements must be submitted to the proper departments. Bullying and Harassment: Every organization must have a solid harassment policy. Major offenses like sexual harassment and bullying must never be taken lightly. It is for this reason that policies that are meant to prevent, curb, and address these issues must be explicitly stated in a contract. A university contract for students and employees must enumerate and specify instances where an act might be considered harassment. Lines must be clearly defined and consequences should be properly identified. Freedom of Speech: The freedom to voice out one’s opinion is a hallmark of democracy. Even in a university setting, academic freedom and freedom of assembly ought to be respected and even promoted. This is not only for the sake of speaking up about issues, but it is important for all democratic spaces to have open and unprejudiced dialogue in order to cultivate an atmosphere of progress and learning.

How to Create a University Contract

One of the most convenient ways to create a university contract is to start with the right template. It can be quite taxing and time-consuming to start from scratch. Just make sure to pick the right template that delivers your needs. Once you have decided on what specific type of university contract you will need, follow the basic steps below:  

Step 1: Introduce the Parties

Every contract needs to establish the parties in that are in agreement. In this particular case, the university can form contracts with various stakeholders such as students, independent contractors, faculty and staff, etc. It is best to stick to a single format when drafting and presenting your contract. This also makes it more readable and organized. Indicate the full name of the individual or organization; and even though it is not always needed, you do have the option to include their complete address.   

Step 2: State the Basic Information

Basic information should be included in any contract. State the date the agreement took place, the effectivity date, as well as the timetable or period that the contract is set for. Do not forget to include a title and assign the proper labels. Dividing your contract into sections and numbering the items accordingly will make it more organized and coherent.   

Step 3: Enumerate the Terms and Conditions 

The terms and conditions contained in a university contract will depend on the type of contract. There are, of course, general provisions like liability or termination of agreement. But some contracts require more specific terms that have to be thoroughly explained. If for example, the contract is between the university and an employee, terms pertaining to compensation and benefits could be included. If the agreement is between the university and a labor contractor, payment guidelines can also be stated as part of the conditions.   

Step 4: Obtain the Signatures

Make sure to review each section of the contract meticulously and correct errors if there are any. Before you print or submit the contract to the party or parties involved, make sure to leave enough space or blank lines for the necessary signatures. It is protocol for every contract to be confirmed and signed. 

FAQs

What is a student contract?

A student contract is a formal and written agreement between a student and his or her university. It outlines the different roles, responsibilities, and rules that the student needs to adhere to.

Do students have a contract with University?

Although it is not always part of standard procedure, some universities do require their students to sign a formal contract. This can sometimes be due to special cases or situations. Student contracts may also be a combination of both a decorum and housing agreement for students living on-campus.

What is a university agreement?

A university agreement is a formal agreement wherein the university enters into a partnership with any stakeholder (e.g., contractor, faculty member) and both parties agree or negotiate the terms and conditions. If they are in agreement, then the written contract is verified and documented.

Why is a university contract important?

A university contract is important because it can serve as a proper guide and regulating tool for the parties involved. It may not always be a guarantee, but it could prevent untoward conflict and help resolve petty issues. And like any official contract, it can also serve a legal purpose to some extent.

University is a time of exploration and self-discovery. It is fertile ground for growth and development. But in order to enforce this, university contracts should be put in place so the respective parties will be accountable to each other. It is the school’s responsibility to form educated and well-rounded persons. But it is also the student’s obligation to respect university policies and uphold its standards. Download a university contract template above and personalize it to suit your needs!