Applying to SCA

Membership in the SCA shall not be denied anyone based on race, sex, age, religion, nationality, political affiliation, or sexual orientation. All applicants with completed, qualified applications (those that demonstrate proof of income and enrollment) will be considered for SCA membership as openings occur. Applicants will be evaluated according to the following criteria, as determined by their written application and personal communication: interest in cooperative life and ability to work in a cooperative manner, involvement in their community or school, and personal references. Application dates will be used to break a tie among equally qualified applicants. Gender inclusion and other house-specific needs may be taken into consideration. Room requests/needs will be addressed AFTER the application approval process.

All applicants will be given the opportunity to take a tour and eat a meal at the house(s) of their choice. If the membership committee deems an applicant a poor fit (after reviewing the application AND personally meeting/speaking with the applicant) the applicant will be rejected, NOT placed in the applicant pool.

Applicants under serious consideration are REQUIRED (except in extenuating circumstances) to come to one dinner to introduce themselves and answer questions from the community before they can be approved. Sunday dinners are preferable due to high household attendance, but other nights are acceptable. We strongly encourage attending a Sunday house meeting in addition to dinner.

The house membership coordinator will inform their house of applicant visits at meetings and via email, providing at least 48 hours' notice whenever possible. House membership will also make sure they or another house member introduces the applicant to house members and accompanies the applicant to dinner.

The recruitment coordinator will contact applicants within two weeks of receiving their application to notify them of its receipt. Applicants who have not heard from us after approximately two weeks should call or email us to ensure we have received their application.

Member Deposits

A partially refundable security deposit of one month's fees plus NASCO membership dues is required to be paid before becoming a member. The NASCO membership fee is currently $40.00. (NASCO is the North American Students of CoOperation, sort of an umbrella group for student co-ops which provides members with information on cooperatives, board training, publications, and cards which enable members to obtain free or inexpensive lodging at other NASCO affiliated co-ops.)  For example, a person moving into a single room would pay a deposit of $408 + $40 = $448. This deposit is required in ADDITION to your first months fees.

Deposit Refunds

Your security deposit will be refunded less any debts you have to SCA (which may include unpaid fees, repair or cleaning charges, or job, work party, and late fines). To receive your deposit you must leave the co-op at the end of the academic year (June) or at the end of an academic term, having given written notice of your intentions at least 30 days prior to the end of the term. You must complete a checkout form (as described below in "Moving Out"). Refunds will be made within 30 days of the Business Office receiving your checkout form.

Placement

Once an application is accepted and the initial deposit received, applicants are placed on the waiting list. At least 30 days prior to the end of the preceding term, when SCA knows how many vacancies each house has, names are taken from the waiting list in the order in which they were received and placed in an SCA house.

Room Allocation Policy

Upon acceptance the Membership Committee will do their best to give you your first choice of house and room. After you move in, if you are dissatisfied with your assignment, you can sign the "ROOM ALLOCATION LIST" on the SCA Business Office door and the Membership Committee will contact you as soon as another room becomes available.

Moving Between Houses

If you want to live in another house, you need to sign the "ROOM ALLOCATION LIST" as described above.

Termination of Membership

SCA may terminate a person's membership under sections 7, 8, 10, 11, and 14 of the membership contract. Basically, grossly inappropriate conduct or the non-payment of fees are the reasons for termination of membership and eviction.

External links

• Official NASCO Website