Rates Contracts and Policies

Please make time to review this page and the 2025-2026 University Housing Handbook before submitting your housing application. The Handbook contains important information about living in University Housing. Below is information about some of the key rules and regulations that are in effect in the Prairie Place community:

• Smoke-free Building/Campus – In accordance with the Smoke-Free Campus Act (110 ILCS 64/), as of July 1, 2015 smoking was prohibited at Governors State University indoors and outdoors on campus and in university-owned vehicles.  Littering the remains of tobacco products or any other related waste product on campus property is further prohibited. For more information about GovState's Smoke Free Policy click HERE. 
   
• The purpose of the Smoke-Free Campus Act is to provide a healthy environment that promotes and encourages the health, well-being, and safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors at Governor's State University.
• University Housing may charge violators of this policy with costs associated with cleaning and repainting apartments to eliminate smoke odor.     

• Substance-free residence - The possession or consumption of drugs by residents and their guests in University Housing facilities is prohibited. No person under the age of 21 may store, possess,  consume, or be in the presence of alcoholic beverages in University Housing.  A person 21 years of age or older, may possess, store, or consume alcohol in the following locations only:
   

  • In their contractually assigned bedroom in a non-visible enclosure (e.g. mini fridge, trunk, wardrobe) if the student shares a room/living area with a resident under 21, OR  
      
  • In the common area(s) within their contractually assigned apartment where all individuals sharing the space are over 21.

   

• Guests and Visitation - Residents may bring guests into University Housing facilities. In doing so, however, the resident assumes responsibility for and will be held accountable for the actions of their guest(s). When registering a guest you will be asked if the guest will remain in the building past midnight. Guests who are in the hall past midnight will be considered overnight guests regardless if they intend to sleep over.  Please consult the Housing Handbook for the full guest policy. 
   
  • Guests are required to show acceptable picture identification to University staff upon request. Guests who do not have or do not show the necessary picture identification will be required to leave the hall immediately. Accepted forms of guest IDs include a driver's license, military ID card, state ID card, or passport. 
      
  • Escort policy -To ensure safety, guests (including family members) must be escorted by the resident hosting them at all times.  "Visitation" is a privilege and does not take precedence over your room/apartment mate's right to study, sleep, and maintain privacy.
• Firearms, Explosives, and Flammable/Combustible Materials - The possession of any weapons, explosive devices, fireworks, or firearms is expressly prohibited in University Housing.
    
• Noise Policies - The residential community is made up of many people living together within close proximity. Policies have been established to help create an environment that is conducive to studying, sleeping, and other quiet activities. Individual residents must be aware that others living around them might be disturbed by different levels of noise and take precautions to eliminate such disruptions.
    
• Pet Policy/Stray Animals - Due to the maintenance and sanitation problems that pets create, no pets (even for a short time), except fish (the fish tank capacity per room may not exceed 30 gallons), are permitted in student rooms/apartments or public areas of the halls.
    
• Subleasing and Unauthorized Use of Room/Apartment - The student shall not: (1) sublet; (2) allow anyone to live in his/her apartment/room who is not assigned to it by University Housing, or (3) assign the housing contract to any other person.