Document:

EX-10.5

Exhibit 10.5

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is made and entered into as of the ___
day of ___________, 2010 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Campus Crest Communities,
Inc. (the “Company”), and Michael S. Hartnett, an individual (“Employee”) (the
Company and Employee are hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the “Parties”).

RECITALS

     A. The Company desires to employ Employee as Chief Investment Officer of the Company on the
terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

     B. Employee desires to accept such employment on the terms and conditions hereinafter set
forth.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements of
the Parties hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto, intending to be legally bound,
hereby agree as follows:

     1. Employment. The Company hereby employs Employee as Chief Investment Officer of the
Company, and Employee hereby accepts such employment, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set
forth. Employee shall manage and oversee the investment activities of the Company and shall have
such other duties and authority as are customary for such position and as shall from time to time
be assigned to Employee by the Board of Directors (“Board”) of the Company in their discretion.
Employee shall faithfully and to the best of his ability fulfill such duties and shall devote his
full business time, attention, skill and efforts with undivided loyalty to the performance of such
duties. Employee shall abide by all of the rules, regulations and policies established or
promulgated (whether communicated in writing, electronically or orally) by the Company from time to
time. Employee agrees that so long as he is an employee of the Company he shall not, without
obtaining the express prior approval in writing of the Board of the Company, engage in any
employment, consulting activity or business other than for the Company.

     2. Compensation and Benefits. During his employment under this Agreement, Employee
shall receive the compensation and benefits more particularly described on Exhibit A
attached hereto and made a part hereof. In the event the Company terminates the Incentive
Compensation Plan provided for in Exhibit A hereto, the Company shall establish a new plan
or such other arrangement as shall be mutually agreeable to the Company and Employee which shall
provide Employee with substantially similar economic benefits to those provided under the Incentive
Compensation Plan. Furthermore, no amendment or modification to the Incentive Compensation Plan
shall reduce the benefits to be provided thereunder without the consent of Employee. Any payments
referenced hereunder shall be subject to applicable taxes and other withholdings.

     3. Termination. This Agreement shall be for an initial term of three years, expiring
on the third anniversary of the date hereof; provided, however, it shall automatically renew for
additional one year terms on each anniversary date hereof unless notice of termination is given in

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writing at least 90 days prior to expiration of the initial term or the renewal term, as the
case may be. The Company may terminate this Agreement at any time for Cause or without Cause (as
defined below). Employee may terminate this Agreement at any time with or without Good Reason (as
defined below) upon delivery to the Company of thirty (30) days written notice. Termination of
this Agreement shall terminate completely Employee’s employment with the Company, including, but
not limited to, his role as an officer. If Employee is serving as a member of the Company’s Board,
Employee agrees to resign from the Board effective immediately upon termination of this Agreement.

     (A) Termination Date. The date which the Board of the Company designates as the
termination date or, if Employee terminates this Agreement, the date designated by Employee as
stated in the written notice delivered to the Company, shall be referred to herein as the
“Termination Date.”

     (B) Payment Upon Termination.

               (i) Termination By Employee. In the event Employee terminates this Agreement, the
Company shall be obligated to pay Employee that pro-rata portion of his current semi-monthly Base
Salary payment, as adjusted for any increase thereto, which is earned but unpaid as of the
Termination Date, any earned but unpaid incentive compensation, any accrued but unpaid paid time
off (“PTO”) due to him through the Termination Date and any unreimbursed expenses.
Employee will not be entitled to, nor will he receive, any type of severance payment, unless he has
Good Reason, as defined below, to terminate this Agreement. If Employee has Good Reason then he
shall receive the severance outlined in subsection (B)(ii)(b) below addressing Termination by the
Company without Cause, subject to its requirements for receipt of such payment. If Employee
terminates Employee’s employment pursuant to this subsection (B)(i), then the Company, at its
option, may require Employee to cease providing services during the thirty (30) day notice period
required therein; provided, however, for purposes of calculating payment upon termination under
this Agreement, Employee shall be treated as if he was employed during such thirty (30) day period.
“Good Reason” shall mean (1) a material involuntary reduction in Employee’s duties,
authority, reporting responsibility or function by the Company, (2) a material reduction in
Employee’s compensation package other than as mutually agreed, (3) Employee’s involuntary
relocation to a principal place of work more than thirty (30) miles from Charlotte, North Carolina
or (4) a material breach by the Company of its obligations hereunder, provided that, upon the
occurrence of any of these acts or omissions, Employee gives the Company notice of his belief that
he has Good Reason to terminate this Agreement and the Company fails to cure within thirty (30)
business days of receipt of Employee’s notice.

               (ii) Termination By Company.

               (a) Cause. The Company may terminate this Agreement for Cause effective
immediately upon written notice to Employee stating the facts constituting such Cause. If Employee
is terminated for Cause, the Company shall be obligated to pay Employee that pro-rata portion of
his current semi-monthly Base Salary payment, as adjusted for any increase thereto, which is earned
but unpaid as of the Termination Date, any earned but unpaid incentive compensation, any accrued
but unpaid PTO due to him through the Termination Date and any unreimbursed expenses. Employee
will not be entitled to, nor will he receive, any type of

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severance payment. The term “Cause” shall mean: (1) Employee’s act of gross
negligence or misconduct that has the effect of injuring the business of the Company or its parent,
subsidiaries or affiliates, taken as a whole, in any material respect, (2) Employee’s conviction or
plea of guilty or nolo contendere to the commission of a felony by Employee, (3) the commission by
Employee of an act of fraud or embezzlement against the Company, its parent, subsidiary or
affiliates, or (4) Employee’s willful breach of any material provision of this Agreement or that
certain Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement between Employee and the Company which shall
be entered into contemporaneously with this Agreement (the “Confidentiality and Noncompetition
Agreement”).

               (b) Without Cause. The Company may terminate this Agreement without Cause effective
immediately upon notice to Employee. In the event the Company terminates this Agreement without
Cause, the Company shall pay to Employee in addition to the amounts under the first sentence of
Subsection B(i) above, a cash payment equal to two times the sum of: (i) Employee’s then current
annual Base Salary, as adjusted for any increase thereto and (ii) an amount equal to the bonus paid
to Employee for the prior year (provided that, if no incentive bonus was paid in the prior year the
amount shall be 50% of the “target amount” as defined in the Company’s Incentive Compensation Plan
for the year in which notice is given). Any amounts payable under this subparagraph shall be paid
in equal monthly installments over a period of 24 months commencing no later than thirty (30) days
following Employee’s Termination Date, shall be subject to applicable withholdings. The
severance and bonus payments outlined in this Section are contingent on Employee fully complying
with the terms of the Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement signed contemporaneously
herewith. If Employee fails to so comply, Employee agrees that the Company has the right to cease
making the payments described in this Section and that the Company is entitled to recover from
Employee any payments it has already made to Employee.

               (iii) Change in Control. In the event, within 24 months following a Change in Control
of the Company: (A) Employee is terminated without Cause by the Company, or (B) Employee
terminates his employment for Good Reason, in lieu of the severance payment outlined in (b) above,
Employee will receive, in addition to the amounts under the first sentence of Subsection B(i)
above, a cash payment equal to three times the sum of: (i) Employee’s then current Base Salary, as
adjusted for any increase thereto and (ii) an amount equal to Employee’s previous year’s Incentive
Compensation Plan payment. In the event Employee did not receive an Incentive Compensation Plan
payment the previous year, the incentive amount shall be 50% of the “target amount” as defined in
the Company’s Incentive Compensation Plan for the year in which termination occurs. Such amount
shall be paid in a lump sum within 60 days of the Termination Date subject to subsection 3(C)
hereof. “Change in Control” means “a change in the ownership of the corporation,” “a
change in effective control of the corporation,” or “a change in the ownership of a substantial
portion of the assets of the corporation” within the meaning of Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the
Treasury Regulations. The payments to Employee outlined in this Section are contingent on Employee
fully complying with the terms of the Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement signed
contemporaneously herewith. If Employee fails to so comply, Employee agrees that the Company has
the right to cease making the payments described in this Section and that the Company is entitled
to recover from Employee any payments it has already made to Employee.

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               In the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution to or for the benefit of
Employee under this subsection (iii) or the acceleration thereof (the “Triggering Payment”)
would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the “Code”), or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax
(collectively, such excise tax, together with any such interest or penalties, the “Excise
Tax”) (all such payments and benefits, including any cash severance payments payable pursuant
to any other plan, arrangement or agreement, hereinafter referred to as the “Total
Payments”), then, after taking into account any reduction in the Total Payments provided by
reason of Section 280G of the Code in such other plan, arrangement or agreement, the cash severance
payments shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Payments is
subject to the Excise Tax but only if (A) the net amount of such Total Payments, as so reduced (and
after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income taxes on such reduced Total
Payments and after taking into account the phase out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions
attributable to such reduced Total Payments) is greater than or equal to (B) the net amount of such
Total Payments without such reduction (but after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and
local income taxes on such Total Payments and the amount of Excise Tax to which Employee would be
subject in respect of such unreduced Total Payments and after taking into account the phase out of
itemized deductions and personal exemptions attributable to such unreduced Total Payments). All
determinations required to be made under this subsection (iii) shall be made in writing within ten
(10) business days of the receipt of notice from Employee that there has been a Triggering Payment
by the independent accounting firm then retained by the Company in the ordinary course of business
(which firm shall provide detailed supporting calculations to the Company and Employee) and such
determinations shall be final and binding on the Company and Employee. Any fees incurred as a
result of work performed by any independent accounting firm hereunder shall be paid by the Company.

               (iv) Vesting. In the event of: (i) a termination by the Company without Cause, (ii) a
termination by Employee for Good Reason, (iii) a Change in Control, or (iv) the voluntary
retirement of the Employee subsequent to reaching the age of 63, occurring prior to Employee fully
vesting in any options or restricted equity, then the vesting schedule shall be accelerated so that
Employee will be deemed fully vested with respect to such options or restricted equity.

               (v) Disability. The Company may terminate Employee’s employment upon Employee’s total
disability. Employee shall be deemed to be totally disabled for purposes of this Agreement if he
is unable to perform his essential job duties under this Agreement by reason of a mental or
physical illness or condition lasting for a period of 120 consecutive days or more, taking into
consideration any reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, if
applicable. The determination as to whether Employee is totally disabled shall be made by a
licensed physician selected by the Company. Whether Employee is entitled to receive his Base
Salary during the period he is unable to work prior to termination hereunder is contingent on other
Company policies and the amount of leave Employee has available to him under those policies. Upon
termination by reason of Employee’s disability, the Company’s sole and exclusive obligation will be
to pay Employee that pro-rata portion of his current semi-monthly Base Salary payment, as adjusted
for any increase thereto, which is earned but unpaid as of the Termination Date, any earned but
unpaid bonus and any accrued but unpaid PTO due to him through the Termination Date.

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               (vi) Death. This Agreement shall terminate immediately and without any action on the
part of the Company if Employee dies. In such an event, Employee’s estate shall receive from the
Company, in a single lump sum, an amount equal to (i) that pro-rata portion of his current
semi-monthly Base Salary payment, as adjusted for any increase thereto, which is earned but unpaid
as of the date of Employee’s death unless earlier terminated due to disability as set forth in
subsection 3(B)(v) above and (ii) any bonus compensation earned by Employee but unpaid prior to
Employee’s death, plus other death benefits, if any, generally applicable to the Company’s
employees.

          (C) The following rules shall apply with respect to the distribution of payments and benefits,
if any, to be provided to Employee under Section 3(B) of this Agreement, as applicable:

               (i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no payments shall be made to
Employee upon Employee’s termination of employment from the Company under this Agreement unless
such termination of employment is a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of
the Code. For purposes of determining the timing of payments under this Section 3 only,
“Termination Date” shall be deemed to mean the date on which Employee experiences a “separation
from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.

               (ii) It is intended that each installment of the payments and benefits provided under this
Section 3(B)(ii)(b), if any, shall be treated as a separate “payment” for purposes of Section 409A
of the Code.

               (iii) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that Employee is deemed to
be a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, any payments to
Employee hereunder that are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code shall not be made
prior to the six-month anniversary of Employee’s Termination Date. Thereafter, any payment that
would otherwise have been made during the six-month period beginning on Employee’s Termination Date
will be paid, together with interest at an annual rate (compounded monthly) equal to the federal
short-term rate (as in effect under Section 1274(d) of the Code on the termination date), to
Employee immediately following such six-month anniversary and no later than thirty (30) days
following such anniversary.

     4. Release. Employee agrees that payment by the Company of the amounts set out above
(in the event of a termination by the Company Without Cause, termination by Employee for Good
Reason or due to a Change in Control) is contingent upon Employee executing a mutual release,
acceptable to the Company and Employee which shall recite that such payment is in full and final
settlement of any and all actions, causes of actions, suits, claims, demands and entitlements
whatsoever which Employee has or may have against the Company or which the Company may have against
Employee, their respective affiliates and any of their respective directors, officers, employees,
shareholders, representatives, successors and assigns arising out of Employee’s hiring, his
employment and the termination of his employment or this Agreement.

     5. Expenses. The Company shall reimburse Employee for all necessary and reasonable
out-of-pocket travel and other business expenses incurred by Employee, which relate

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to Employee’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s relevant policies in effect
from time to time.

     6. Survival Of Certain Provisions. Any provisions hereof that, by their nature, would
survive the termination hereof shall not be discharged or dissolved upon, but shall survive the
termination of the employment of Employee with the Company.

     7. Representations And Warranties Of Employee. As of the date hereof and at all times
during the term hereof, Employee represents and warrants to the Company that (a) Employee has not
entered into and is not bound by any agreement, understanding or restriction (including, without
limitation, any covenant restricting competition or solicitation or agreement relating to trade
secrets or confidential information) with any third party that in any way limits, restricts or
would prevent the employment of him by the Company under this Agreement or the full and complete
performance by him of all his duties and obligations hereunder; and (b) the execution of this
Agreement by him and the employment of him by the Company under this Agreement will not result in,
or constitute a breach of, any term or condition of any other agreement, instrument, arrangement or
understanding between him and any third party, or constitute (or, with notice or lapse of time, or
both, would constitute) a default, breach or violation of any such agreement, instrument,
arrangement or understanding, or which would accelerate the maturity of any duty or obligation of
him thereunder.

     8. Indemnity. Employee acknowledges that the Company has relied upon the
representations contained in Section 7 hereof. Employee agrees to indemnify and hold the
Company, its directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, affiliates, parent,
subsidiary and related companies, representatives and consultants and their insurers and attorneys
harmless against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, fees or expenses
including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and costs incurred by the Company, its
directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, affiliates, parent, subsidiary and related
companies, representatives and consultants and their insurers by reason of an alleged violation by
Employee of any of the representations contained in Section 7 hereof.

     9. Notices. All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given upon receipt if delivered personally, or when sent if mailed by
registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the Parties at the following addresses
(or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

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	 	If to the Company

	 	Campus Crest Communities, Inc.
	 	 

	 	2100 Rexford Road, Suite 414
	 	 

	 	Charlotte, NC 28211
	 	 

	 	Attention: Donald L. Bobbitt, Jr.
	 	 
	 	 
	 	With copy to

	 	Dawn H. Sharff, Esq.
	 	 

	 	Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
	 	 

	 	One Federal Place
	 	 

	 	1819 Fifth Avenue North
	 	 

	 	Birmingham, AL 35203
	 	 
	 	 
	 	If to Employee

	 	Michael S. Hartnett
	 	 

	 	6193 Windsor Farme Rd
	 	 

	 	Summerfield, NC 27358

     10. Enforceability and Reformation; Severability. The Parties intend for all
provisions of this Agreement to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. Accordingly,
in the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or
unenforceable, in whole or in part, for any reason, under present or future law, such provision
shall be severable and the remainder thereof shall not be invalidated or rendered unenforceable or
otherwise adversely affected. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if a court or
arbitrator should deem any provision of this Agreement to create a restriction that is unreasonable
as to scope, duration or geographical area, the Parties agree that the provisions of this Agreement
shall be enforceable in such scope, for such duration and in such geographic area as such court or
arbitrator may determine to be reasonable.

     11. Benefit. The rights, obligations and interests of Employee hereunder may not be
sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or hypothecated. Employee shall have no right to commute,
encumber or dispose of the right to receive payments hereunder, which payments and the right
thereto are non-assignable and non-transferable, and any attempted assignment or transfer shall be
null and void and without effect. This Agreement and its obligations shall inure to the benefit of
and be binding and enforceable by the successors and assigns of the Company, including, without
limitation, any purchaser of the Company, regardless of whether such purchase takes the form of a
merger, a purchase of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or a purchase of a majority
of the outstanding capital stock of the Company.

     12. Dispute Resolution. All controversies, claims, issues and other disputes
(collectively, “Disputes”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement or Employee’s
employment hereunder shall be subject to the applicable provisions of this Section.

     (A) Arbitration. Except for actions seeking relief for violations of the
Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement, all Disputes shall be settled exclusively by final
and binding arbitration in Charlotte, North Carolina, before a neutral arbitrator in an arbitration
proceeding administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) according to the
National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of AAA or, alternatively, upon mutual
agreement, to an arbitrator selected by Employee and the Company. Any dispute regarding whether a
Dispute is subject to arbitration shall be resolved by arbitration.

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     (B) Interstate Commerce. The Parties hereto acknowledge that (i) they have read and
understood the provisions of this Section regarding arbitration and (ii) performance of this
Agreement will be in interstate commerce as that term is used in the Federal Arbitration Act,
9 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., and the parties contemplate substantial interstate activity in the
performance of this Agreement including, without limitation, interstate travel, the use of
interstate phone lines, the use of the U.S. mail services and other interstate courier services.

     (C) Waiver of Jury Trial. If any Dispute is not arbitrated for any reason, the
Parties desire to avoid the time and expense relating to a jury trial of such Dispute.
Accordingly, the Parties, for themselves and their successors and assigns, hereby waive trial by
jury of any Dispute. The Parties acknowledge that this waiver is knowingly, freely, and
voluntarily given, is desired by all Parties and is in the best interests of all Parties.

     13. Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed, in whole or in
part, except by a written instrument signed by a duly authorized officer of the Company and by
Employee.

     14. Waiver. No failure or delay by either of the Parties in exercising any right,
power, or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or
partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right, power, or privilege.

     15. Access To Counsel. Employee acknowledges that he has had full opportunity to
review this Agreement and has had access to independent legal counsel of his choice to the extent
deemed necessary to interpret the legal effect hereof.

     16. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and governed
according to the laws of the State of North Carolina. For any claims for relief which are excepted
from the arbitration provision as set out above, the Parties submit to the service and exclusive
personal jurisdiction of the federal or state courts of Charlotte, North Carolina and irrevocably
waive all defenses inconsistent with the terms of this Section.

     17. Fees And Costs. If either Party initiates any action or proceeding (whether by
arbitration or court proceeding) to enforce any of its rights hereunder or to seek damages for any
violation hereof, then, the Parties shall bear their respective costs and expenses of any such
action or proceeding; provided, that, in addition to all other remedies that may be granted, the
prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and all other costs
that it may sustain in connection with such action or proceeding. If a dispute is arbitrated, all
costs and fees of the arbitrator(s) shall be paid by the Company.

     18. Offset. The Company shall have the right to offset against any sums payable to
Employee, any amounts owing to the Company as a result of expense account indebtedness, failure to
return Company property, or other advances or debts due.

     19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument. Execution and delivery by facsimile shall constitute good and valid execution and
delivery unless and until replaced or substituted by an original executed instrument.

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     20. Interpretation. The language used in this Agreement shall not be construed in
favor of or against either of the Parties, but shall be construed as if both of the Parties
prepared this Agreement. The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language
chosen by the Parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be
applied against any such Party.

     21. Execution of Further Documents. The Parties covenant and agree that they shall,
from time to time and at all times, do all such further acts and execute and deliver all such
further documents and assurances as shall be reasonably required in order to fully perform and
carry out the terms of this Agreement.

     22. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the Company, its successors and assigns, including, without limitation, any entity
which may acquire all or substantially all of the Company’s assets and business or into which the
Company may be consolidated or merged, and Employee, his heirs, executors, administrators and legal
representatives. Employee may not assign any of his obligations under this Agreement.

     23. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Exhibit attached hereto represent the
entire understanding and agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof
and shall supersede any prior agreements and understanding between the Parties with respect to that
subject matter.

     24. Compliance with Section 409A of the Code. This Agreement is intended to comply
with, or otherwise be exempt from Section 409A of the Code, and any regulations and Treasury
guidance promulgated thereunder and all ambiguities shall be interpreted in a manner consistent
with such intent.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first above
written.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 	CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	 

	 	Name:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	 

	 	Title:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	 

	 	EMPLOYEE:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	MICHAEL S. HARTNETT
	 	 

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Exhibit A – Employment Agreement with Michael S. Hartnett

Compensation and Benefits

     (A) Employee’s employment with the Company shall become effective on __________, 2010. On the
date Employee’s employment commences, unless voted otherwise by the Company’s Board of Directors,
Employee will be granted a seat on the Company’s Board of Directors.

     (B) Employee shall receive a base salary of $300,000 per year, which will increase to $360,000
per year effective on January 1, 2012 (as such base salary may hereafter from time to time be
adjusted as provided herein, the “Base Salary”). Thereafter, Employee’s Base Salary shall
be reviewed annually by the Company’s Compensation Committee and the Board of the Company and may
be adjusted upward in its sole discretion. The Base Salary shall be paid during the period of
employment, by direct deposit according to the Company’s current standard pay practice of 26 pay
periods per year (semi-monthly) or in accordance with the Company’s relevant policies and practices
in effect from time to time, including normal payroll practices, and shall be subject to all
applicable employment and withholding taxes.

     (C) In addition to the Base Salary, Employee is eligible to participate in the Company’s
Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) with a target potential bonus equal to fifty
percent (50%) of his Base Salary, with the potential to achieve one hundred percent (100%) of Base
Salary if stretch performance targets are achieved. This plan shall be approved annually by the
Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of the Company. Employee’s eligibility for or
entitlement to any payments under the Plan shall be subject to the terms of the Plan.

     (D) In accordance with its terms, Employee is eligible to participate in the Company’s Equity
Incentive Compensation Plan (the “EICP”). The Employee will receive a grant of 150,000
restricted units in the operating partnership of the Company (“OP Units”) on the Effective
Date, a grant of 73,333 shares of restricted common stock of the Company on January 1, 2012 and a
grant of 73,333 shares of restricted common stock of the Company on January 1, 2013, which grants
of OP Units and shares will vest ratably on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of
the date of grant. Employee’s rights and entitlements with respect to any such benefits shall be
subject to the provisions of the EICP, which Employee acknowledges.

     (E) Employee shall receive a car allowance of $1,000 per month.

     (F) Subject to, and in accordance with, their terms, Employee shall be entitled to participate
in any plans, insurance policies or contracts maintained by the Company relating to retirement,
health, disability, vacation, auto, and other related benefits. These currently include health,
dental and life insurance, and 401K. Employee is eligible to accrue compensated business days of
PTO each year, initially accruing at the rate of one and 83/1000ths (1.083) days per month of
service, beginning with the completion of Employee’s first month of service. After the completion
of Employee’s first year of employment, for each additional year employed thereafter, Employee
shall accrue one additional day of PTO. By way of example only,

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Employee shall accrue PTO at a rate of one and 167/1000ths (1.167) days per month beginning
the first day of his second year of employment. PTO is accrued on a calendar year basis with a
total maximum accrual of twenty-one (21) days per year. Up to five (5) days of unused PTO may be
carried over from one year to the following year, but carried-over PTO must be used within the year
following its accrual. Upon Employee’s termination from the Company, current year accrued but
unused PTO will be considered for payment to Employee, but carried-over PTO will not be paid to
Employee. PTO generally may not be used in advance of its accrual, but any unaccrued but used PTO
will be considered an advance and will be deducted from Employee’s final paycheck upon termination.
Employee is also eligible for eight (8) paid holidays per year as designated by the Company.
Employee’s rights and entitlements with respect to any such benefits shall be subject to the
provisions of the relevant plans, contracts or policies providing such benefits. Nothing contained
herein or in any employment offer shall be deemed to impose any obligation on the Company to
maintain or adopt any such plans, policies or contracts or to limit the Company’s right to modify
or eliminate such plans, policies or contracts in its sole discretion.

     (G) Employee hereby acknowledges and agrees that, except as set forth in this Exhibit, he
shall not be entitled to receive any other compensation, payments or benefits in connection with
his employment under this Agreement.

11EX-10.6

Exhibit 10.6

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is made and entered into as of the ___
day of ___________, 2010 (the “Effective Date”), by and between Campus Crest Communities,
Inc. (the “Company”), and Earl C. Howell, an individual (“Employee”) (the Company
and Employee are hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as the “Parties”).

RECITALS

     A. The Company desires to employ Employee as President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

     B. Employee desires to accept such employment on the terms and conditions hereinafter set
forth.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements of
the Parties hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto, intending to be legally bound,
hereby agree as follows:

     1. Employment. The Company hereby employs Employee as President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Company, and Employee hereby accepts such employment, upon the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth. Employee shall manage the day-to-day operations of the Company and shall
have such other duties and authority as are customary for such position and as shall from time to
time be assigned to Employee by the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors (“Board”) of
the Company in their discretion. Employee shall faithfully and to the best of his ability fulfill
such duties and shall devote his full business time, attention, skill and efforts with undivided
loyalty to the performance of such duties. Employee shall abide by all of the rules, regulations
and policies established or promulgated (whether communicated in writing, electronically or orally)
by the Company from time to time. Employee agrees that so long as he is an employee of the Company
he shall not, without obtaining the express prior approval in writing of the Chief Executive
Officer and the Board of the Company, engage in any employment, consulting activity or business
other than for the Company.

     2. Compensation and Benefits. During his employment under this Agreement, Employee
shall receive the compensation and benefits more particularly described on Exhibit A
attached hereto and made a part hereof. In the event the Company terminates the Incentive
Compensation Plan provided for in Exhibit A hereto, the Company shall establish a new plan
or such other arrangement as shall be mutually agreeable to the Company and Employee which shall
provide Employee with substantially similar economic benefits to those provided under the Incentive
Compensation Plan. Furthermore, no amendment or modification to the Incentive Compensation Plan
shall reduce the benefits to be provided thereunder without the consent of Employee. Any payments
referenced hereunder shall be subject to applicable taxes and other withholdings.

     3. Termination. This Agreement shall be for an initial term of two years, expiring on
the second anniversary of the date hereof; provided, however, it shall automatically renew for
additional one year terms on each anniversary date hereof unless notice of termination is given in

1

 

writing at least 90 days prior to expiration of the initial term or the renewal term, as the
case may be. The Company may terminate this Agreement at any time for Cause or without Cause (as
defined below). Employee may terminate this Agreement at any time with or without Good Reason (as
defined below) upon delivery to the Company of thirty (30) days written notice. Termination of
this Agreement shall terminate completely Employee’s employment with the Company, including, but
not limited to, his role as an officer. If Employee is serving as a member of the Company’s Board,
Employee agrees to resign from the Board effective immediately upon termination of this Agreement.

     (A) Termination Date. The date which the Board of the Company designates as the
termination date or, if Employee terminates this Agreement, the date designated by Employee as
stated in the written notice delivered to the Company, shall be referred to herein as the
“Termination Date.”

     (B) Payment Upon Termination.

          (i) Termination By Employee. In the event Employee terminates this Agreement, the
Company shall be obligated to pay Employee that pro-rata portion of his current semi-monthly Base
Salary payment, as adjusted for any increase thereto, which is earned but unpaid as of the
Termination Date, any earned but unpaid incentive compensation, any accrued but unpaid paid time
off (“PTO”) due to him through the Termination Date and any unreimbursed expenses.
Employee will not be entitled to, nor will he receive, any type of severance payment, unless he has
Good Reason, as defined below, to terminate this Agreement. If Employee has Good Reason then he
shall receive the severance outlined in subsection (B)(ii)(b) below addressing Termination by the
Company without Cause, subject to its requirements for receipt of such payment. If Employee
terminates Employee’s employment pursuant to this subsection (B)(i), then the Company, at its
option, may require Employee to cease providing services during the thirty (30) day notice period
required therein; provided, however, for purposes of calculating payment upon termination under
this Agreement, Employee shall be treated as if he was employed during such thirty (30) day period.
“Good Reason” shall mean (1) a material involuntary reduction in Employee’s duties,
authority, reporting responsibility or function by the Company, (2) a material reduction in
Employee’s compensation package other than as mutually agreed, (3) Employee’s involuntary
relocation to a principal place of work more than thirty (30) miles from Charlotte, North Carolina
or (4) a material breach by the Company of its obligations hereunder, provided that, upon the
occurrence of any of these acts or omissions, Employee gives the Company notice of his belief that
he has Good Reason to terminate this Agreement and the Company fails to cure within thirty (30)
business days of receipt of Employee’s notice.

          (ii) Termination By Company.

          (a) Cause. The Company may terminate this Agreement for Cause effective
immediately upon written notice to Employee stating the facts constituting such Cause. If Employee
is terminated for Cause, the Company shall be obligated to pay Employee that pro-rata portion of
his current semi-monthly Base Salary payment, as adjusted for any increase thereto, which is earned
but unpaid as of the Termination Date, any earned but unpaid incentive compensation, any accrued
but unpaid PTO due to him through the Termination Date and any unreimbursed expenses. Employee
will not be entitled to, nor will he receive, any type of

2

 

severance payment. The term “Cause” shall mean: (1) Employee’s act of gross
negligence or misconduct that has the effect of injuring the business of the Company or its parent,
subsidiaries or affiliates, taken as a whole, in any material respect, (2) Employee’s conviction or
plea of guilty or nolo contendere to the commission of a felony by Employee, (3) the commission by
Employee of an act of fraud or embezzlement against the Company, its parent, subsidiary or
affiliates, or (4) Employee’s willful breach of any material provision of this Agreement or that
certain Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement between Employee and the Company which shall
be entered into contemporaneously with this Agreement (the “Confidentiality and Noncompetition
Agreement”).

          (b) Without Cause. The Company may terminate this Agreement without Cause effective
immediately upon notice to Employee. In the event the Company terminates this Agreement without
Cause, the Company shall pay to Employee in addition to the amounts under the first sentence of
Subsection B(i) above, a cash payment equal to two times the sum of: (i) Employee’s then current
annual Base Salary, as adjusted for any increase thereto and (ii) an amount equal to the bonus paid
to Employee for the prior year (provided that, if no incentive bonus was paid in the prior year the
amount shall be 50% of the “target amount” as defined in the Company’s Incentive Compensation Plan
for the year in which notice is given). Any amounts payable under this subparagraph shall be paid
in equal monthly installments over a period of 24 months commencing no later than thirty (30) days
following Employee’s Termination Date, shall be subject to applicable withholdings. The
severance and bonus payments outlined in this Section are contingent on Employee fully complying
with the terms of the Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement signed contemporaneously
herewith. If Employee fails to so comply, Employee agrees that the Company has the right to cease
making the payments described in this Section and that the Company is entitled to recover from
Employee any payments it has already made to Employee.

          (iii) Change in Control. In the event, within 24 months following a Change in Control
of the Company: (A) Employee is terminated without Cause by the Company, or (B) Employee
terminates his employment for Good Reason, in lieu of the severance payment outlined in (b) above,
Employee will receive, in addition to the amounts under the first sentence of Subsection B(i)
above, a cash payment equal to two times the sum of: (i) Employee’s then current Base Salary, as
adjusted for any increase thereto and (ii) an amount equal to Employee’s previous year’s Incentive
Compensation Plan payment. In the event Employee did not receive an Incentive Compensation Plan
payment the previous year, the incentive amount shall be 50% of the “target amount” as defined in
the Company’s Incentive Compensation Plan for the year in which termination occurs. Such amount
shall be paid in a lump sum within 60 days of the Termination Date subject to subsection 3(C)
hereof. “Change in Control” means “a change in the ownership of the corporation,” “a
change in effective control of the corporation,” or “a change in the ownership of a substantial
portion of the assets of the corporation” within the meaning of Section 1.409A-3(i)(5) of the
Treasury Regulations. The payments to Employee outlined in this Section are contingent on Employee
fully complying with the terms of the Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement signed
contemporaneously herewith. If Employee fails to so comply, Employee agrees that the Company has
the right to cease making the payments described in this Section and that the Company is entitled
to recover from Employee any payments it has already made to Employee.

3

 

          In the event it shall be determined that any payment or distribution to or for the benefit of
Employee under this subsection (iii) or the acceleration thereof (the “Triggering Payment”)
would be subject to the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the “Code”), or any interest or penalties with respect to such excise tax
(collectively, such excise tax, together with any such interest or penalties, the “Excise
Tax”) (all such payments and benefits, including any cash severance payments payable pursuant
to any other plan, arrangement or agreement, hereinafter referred to as the “Total
Payments”), then, after taking into account any reduction in the Total Payments provided by
reason of Section 280G of the Code in such other plan, arrangement or agreement, the cash severance
payments shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Payments is
subject to the Excise Tax but only if (A) the net amount of such Total Payments, as so reduced (and
after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and local income taxes on such reduced Total
Payments and after taking into account the phase out of itemized deductions and personal exemptions
attributable to such reduced Total Payments) is greater than or equal to (B) the net amount of such
Total Payments without such reduction (but after subtracting the net amount of federal, state and
local income taxes on such Total Payments and the amount of Excise Tax to which Employee would be
subject in respect of such unreduced Total Payments and after taking into account the phase out of
itemized deductions and personal exemptions attributable to such unreduced Total Payments). All
determinations required to be made under this subsection (iii) shall be made in writing within ten
(10) business days of the receipt of notice from Employee that there has been a Triggering Payment
by the independent accounting firm then retained by the Company in the ordinary course of business
(which firm shall provide detailed supporting calculations to the Company and Employee) and such
determinations shall be final and binding on the Company and Employee. Any fees incurred as a
result of work performed by any independent accounting firm hereunder shall be paid by the Company.

          (iv) Vesting. In the event of: (i) a termination by the Company without Cause, (ii) a
termination by Employee for Good Reason, (iii) a Change in Control, or (iv) the voluntary
retirement of the Employee subsequent to reaching the age of 63, occurring prior to Employee fully
vesting in any options or restricted equity, then the vesting schedule shall be accelerated so that
Employee will be deemed fully vested with respect to such options or restricted equity.

          (v) Disability. The Company may terminate Employee’s employment upon Employee’s total
disability. Employee shall be deemed to be totally disabled for purposes of this Agreement if he
is unable to perform his essential job duties under this Agreement by reason of a mental or
physical illness or condition lasting for a period of 120 consecutive days or more, taking into
consideration any reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, if
applicable. The determination as to whether Employee is totally disabled shall be made by a
licensed physician selected by the Company. Whether Employee is entitled to receive his Base
Salary during the period he is unable to work prior to termination hereunder is contingent on other
Company policies and the amount of leave Employee has available to him under those policies. Upon
termination by reason of Employee’s disability, the Company’s sole and exclusive obligation will be
to pay Employee that pro-rata portion of his current semi-monthly Base Salary payment, as adjusted
for any increase thereto, which is earned but unpaid as of the Termination Date, any earned but
unpaid bonus and any accrued but unpaid PTO due to him through the Termination Date.

4

 

          (vi) Death. This Agreement shall terminate immediately and without any action on the
part of the Company if Employee dies. In such an event, Employee’s estate shall receive from the
Company, in a single lump sum, an amount equal to (i) that pro-rata portion of his current
semi-monthly Base Salary payment, as adjusted for any increase thereto, which is earned but unpaid
as of the date of Employee’s death unless earlier terminated due to disability as set forth in
subsection 3(B)(v) above and (ii) any bonus compensation earned by Employee but unpaid prior to
Employee’s death, plus other death benefits, if any, generally applicable to the Company’s
employees.

     (C) The following rules shall apply with respect to the distribution of payments and benefits,
if any, to be provided to Employee under Section 3(B) of this Agreement, as applicable:

          (i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, no payments shall be made to
Employee upon Employee’s termination of employment from the Company under this Agreement unless
such termination of employment is a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of
the Code. For purposes of determining the timing of payments under this Section 3 only,
“Termination Date” shall be deemed to mean the date on which Employee experiences a “separation
from service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.

          (ii) It is intended that each installment of the payments and benefits provided under this
Section 3(B)(ii)(b), if any, shall be treated as a separate “payment” for purposes of Section 409A
of the Code.

          (iii) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event that Employee is deemed to
be a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, any payments to
Employee hereunder that are subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code shall not be made
prior to the six-month anniversary of Employee’s Termination Date. Thereafter, any payment that
would otherwise have been made during the six-month period beginning on Employee’s Termination Date
will be paid, together with interest at an annual rate (compounded monthly) equal to the federal
short-term rate (as in effect under Section 1274(d) of the Code on the termination date), to
Employee immediately following such six-month anniversary and no later than thirty (30) days
following such anniversary.

     4. Release. Employee agrees that payment by the Company of the amounts set out above
(in the event of a termination by the Company Without Cause, termination by Employee for Good
Reason or due to a Change in Control) is contingent upon Employee executing a mutual release,
acceptable to the Company and Employee which shall recite that such payment is in full and final
settlement of any and all actions, causes of actions, suits, claims, demands and entitlements
whatsoever which Employee has or may have against the Company or which the Company may have against
Employee, their respective affiliates and any of their respective directors, officers, employees,
shareholders, representatives, successors and assigns arising out of Employee’s hiring, his
employment and the termination of his employment or this Agreement.

     5. Expenses. The Company shall reimburse Employee for all necessary and reasonable
out-of-pocket travel and other business expenses incurred by Employee, which relate

5

 

to Employee’s duties hereunder, in accordance with the Company’s relevant policies in effect
from time to time.

     6. Survival Of Certain Provisions. Any provisions hereof that, by their nature, would
survive the termination hereof shall not be discharged or dissolved upon, but shall survive the
termination of the employment of Employee with the Company.

     7. Representations And Warranties Of Employee. As of the date hereof and at all times
during the term hereof, Employee represents and warrants to the Company that (a) Employee has not
entered into and is not bound by any agreement, understanding or restriction (including, without
limitation, any covenant restricting competition or solicitation or agreement relating to trade
secrets or confidential information) with any third party that in any way limits, restricts or
would prevent the employment of him by the Company under this Agreement or the full and complete
performance by him of all his duties and obligations hereunder; and (b) the execution of this
Agreement by him and the employment of him by the Company under this Agreement will not result in,
or constitute a breach of, any term or condition of any other agreement, instrument, arrangement or
understanding between him and any third party, or constitute (or, with notice or lapse of time, or
both, would constitute) a default, breach or violation of any such agreement, instrument,
arrangement or understanding, or which would accelerate the maturity of any duty or obligation of
him thereunder.

     8. Indemnity. Employee acknowledges that the Company has relied upon the
representations contained in Section 7 hereof. Employee agrees to indemnify and hold the
Company, its directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, affiliates, parent,
subsidiary and related companies, representatives and consultants and their insurers and attorneys
harmless against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, costs, fees or expenses
including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees and costs incurred by the Company, its
directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives, affiliates, parent, subsidiary and related
companies, representatives and consultants and their insurers by reason of an alleged violation by
Employee of any of the representations contained in Section 7 hereof.

     9. Notices. All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in
writing and shall be deemed given upon receipt if delivered personally, or when sent if mailed by
registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the Parties at the following addresses
(or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like notice):

6

 

	 	 	 	 

	 	If to the Company

	 	Campus Crest Communities, Inc.
	 	 

	 	2100 Rexford Road, Suite 414
	 	 

	 	Charlotte, NC 28211
	 	 

	 	Attention: Donald L. Bobbitt, Jr.
	 	 
	 	 
	 	With copy to

	 	Dawn H. Sharff, Esq.
	 	 

	 	Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
	 	 

	 	One Federal Place
	 	 

	 	1819 Fifth Avenue North
	 	 

	 	Birmingham, AL 35203
	 	 
	 	 
	 	If to Employee

	 	Earl C. Howell
	 	 

	 	3220 Andrews Drive, NW
	 	 

	 	Atlanta, GA 30305

     10. Enforceability and Reformation; Severability. The Parties intend for all
provisions of this Agreement to be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law. Accordingly,
in the event that any provision or portion of this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid or
unenforceable, in whole or in part, for any reason, under present or future law, such provision
shall be severable and the remainder thereof shall not be invalidated or rendered unenforceable or
otherwise adversely affected. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if a court or
arbitrator should deem any provision of this Agreement to create a restriction that is unreasonable
as to scope, duration or geographical area, the Parties agree that the provisions of this Agreement
shall be enforceable in such scope, for such duration and in such geographic area as such court or
arbitrator may determine to be reasonable.

     11. Benefit. The rights, obligations and interests of Employee hereunder may not be
sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or hypothecated. Employee shall have no right to commute,
encumber or dispose of the right to receive payments hereunder, which payments and the right
thereto are non-assignable and non-transferable, and any attempted assignment or transfer shall be
null and void and without effect. This Agreement and its obligations shall inure to the benefit of
and be binding and enforceable by the successors and assigns of the Company, including, without
limitation, any purchaser of the Company, regardless of whether such purchase takes the form of a
merger, a purchase of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets or a purchase of a majority
of the outstanding capital stock of the Company.

     12. Dispute Resolution. All controversies, claims, issues and other disputes
(collectively, “Disputes”) arising out of or relating to this Agreement or Employee’s
employment hereunder shall be subject to the applicable provisions of this Section.

     (A) Arbitration. Except for actions seeking relief for violations of the
Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement, all Disputes shall be settled exclusively by final
and binding arbitration in Charlotte, North Carolina, before a neutral arbitrator in an arbitration
proceeding administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) according to the
National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of AAA or, alternatively, upon mutual
agreement, to an arbitrator selected by Employee and the Company. Any dispute regarding whether a
Dispute is subject to arbitration shall be resolved by arbitration.

7

 

     (B) Interstate Commerce. The Parties hereto acknowledge that (i) they have read and
understood the provisions of this Section regarding arbitration and (ii) performance of this
Agreement will be in interstate commerce as that term is used in the Federal Arbitration Act, 9
U.S.C. § 1 et seq., and the parties contemplate substantial interstate activity in the performance
of this Agreement including, without limitation, interstate travel, the use of interstate phone
lines, the use of the U.S. mail services and other interstate courier services.

     (C) Waiver of Jury Trial. If any Dispute is not arbitrated for any reason, the
Parties desire to avoid the time and expense relating to a jury trial of such Dispute.
Accordingly, the parties, for themselves and their successors and assigns, hereby waive trial by
jury of any Dispute. The Parties acknowledge that this waiver is knowingly, freely, and
voluntarily given, is desired by all Parties and is in the best interests of all Parties.

     13. Amendment. This Agreement may not be amended, modified or changed, in whole or in
part, except by a written instrument signed by a duly authorized officer of the Company and by
Employee.

     14. Waiver. No failure or delay by either of the Parties in exercising any right,
power, or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or
partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other right, power, or privilege.

     15. Access To Counsel. Employee acknowledges that he has had full opportunity to
review this Agreement and has had access to independent legal counsel of his choice to the extent
deemed necessary to interpret the legal effect hereof.

     16. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and governed
according to the laws of the State of North Carolina. For any claims for relief which are excepted
from the arbitration provision as set out above, the Parties submit to the service and exclusive
personal jurisdiction of the federal or state courts of Charlotte, North Carolina and irrevocably
waive all defenses inconsistent with the terms of this Section.

     17. Fees And Costs. If either Party initiates any action or proceeding (whether by
arbitration or court proceeding) to enforce any of its rights hereunder or to seek damages for any
violation hereof, then, the Parties shall bear their respective costs and expenses of any such
action or proceeding; provided, that, in addition to all other remedies that may be granted, the
prevailing Party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable attorneys’ fees and all other costs
that it may sustain in connection with such action or proceeding. If a dispute is arbitrated, all
costs and fees of the arbitrator(s) shall be paid by the Company.

     18. Offset. The Company shall have the right to offset against any sums payable to
Employee, any amounts owing to the Company as a result of expense account indebtedness, failure to
return Company property, or other advances or debts due.

     19. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same
instrument. Execution and delivery by facsimile shall constitute good and valid execution and
delivery unless and until replaced or substituted by an original executed instrument.

8

 

     20. Interpretation. The language used in this Agreement shall not be construed in
favor of or against either of the Parties, but shall be construed as if both of the Parties
prepared this Agreement. The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language
chosen by the Parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be
applied against any such Party.

     21. Execution of Further Documents. The Parties covenant and agree that they shall,
from time to time and at all times, do all such further acts and execute and deliver all such
further documents and assurances as shall be reasonably required in order to fully perform and
carry out the terms of this Agreement.

     22. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the Company, its successors and assigns, including, without limitation, any entity
which may acquire all or substantially all of the Company’s assets and business or into which the
Company may be consolidated or merged, and Employee, his heirs, executors, administrators and legal
representatives. Employee may not assign any of his obligations under this Agreement.

     23. Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Exhibit attached hereto represent the
entire understanding and agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof
and shall supersede any prior agreements and understanding between the Parties with respect to that
subject matter.

     24. Compliance with Section 409A of the Code. This Agreement is intended to comply
with, or otherwise be exempt from Section 409A of the Code, and any regulations and Treasury
guidance promulgated thereunder and all ambiguities shall be interpreted in a manner consistent
with such intent.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has executed this Agreement as of the date first above
written.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 

	 	 	CAMPUS CREST COMMUNITIES, INC.	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	 

	 	Name:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	 

	 	Title:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	EMPLOYEE:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	EARL C. HOWELL	 	 

9

 

Exhibit A — Employment Agreement with Earl C. Howell

Compensation and Benefits

     (A) Employee’s employment with the Company shall become effective on __________, 2010. On the
date Employee’s employment commences, unless voted otherwise by the Company’s Board of Directors,
Employee will be granted a seat on the Company’s Board of Directors.

     (B) Employee shall receive a base salary of $260,000 per year, which will increase to $360,000
per year effective on January 1, 2012 (as such base salary may hereafter from time to time be
adjusted as provided herein, the “Base Salary”). Thereafter, Employee’s Base Salary shall
be reviewed annually by the Company’s Compensation Committee and the Board of the Company and may
be adjusted upward in its sole discretion. The Base Salary shall be paid during the period of
employment, by direct deposit according to the Company’s current standard pay practice of 26 pay
periods per year (semi-monthly) or in accordance with the Company’s relevant policies and practices
in effect from time to time, including normal payroll practices, and shall be subject to all
applicable employment and withholding taxes.

     (C) In addition to the Base Salary, Employee is eligible to participate in the Company’s
Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) with a target potential bonus equal to fifty
percent (50%) of his Base Salary, with the potential to achieve one hundred percent (100%) of Base
Salary if stretch performance targets are achieved. This plan shall be approved annually by the
Compensation Committee and approved by the Board of the Company. Employee’s eligibility for or
entitlement to any payments under the Plan shall be subject to the terms of the Plan.

     (D) In addition to the Base Salary and Employee’s participation in the Plan, Employee shall
receive a one-time bonus of $200,000 upon completion of the public stock offering of the Company.

     (E) In accordance with its terms, Employee is eligible to participate in the Company’s Equity
Incentive Compensation Plan (the “EICP”). The Employee will receive a grant of 33,333
shares of restricted common stock of the Company on the Effective Date, a grant of 62,500 shares of
restricted common stock of the Company on January 1, 2012 and a grant of 33,333 shares of
restricted common stock of the Company on January 1, 2013 which grants of shares will vest ratably
on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. Employee’s rights and
entitlements with respect to any such benefits shall be subject to the provisions of the EICP,
which Employee acknowledges.

     (F) Employee shall receive a car allowance of $1,000 per month.

     (G) Subject to, and in accordance with, their terms, Employee shall be entitled to participate
in any plans, insurance policies or contracts maintained by the Company relating to retirement,
health, disability, vacation, auto, and other related benefits. These currently include health,
dental and life insurance, and 401K. Employee is eligible to accrue compensated business days of
PTO each year, initially accruing at the rate of one and 83/1000ths (1.083) days

10

 

per month of service, beginning with the completion of Employee’s first month of service.
After the completion of Employee’s first year of employment, for each additional year employed
thereafter, Employee shall accrue one additional day of PTO. By way of example only, Employee
shall accrue PTO at a rate of one and 167/1000ths (1.167) days per month beginning the first day of
his second year of employment. PTO is accrued on a calendar year basis with a total maximum
accrual of twenty-one (21) days per year. Up to five (5) days of unused PTO may be carried over
from one year to the following year, but carried-over PTO must be used within the year following
its accrual. Upon Employee’s termination from the Company, current year accrued but unused PTO
will be considered for payment to Employee, but carried-over PTO will not be paid to Employee. PTO
generally may not be used in advance of its accrual, but any unaccrued but used PTO will be
considered an advance and will be deducted from Employee’s final paycheck upon termination.
Employee is also eligible for eight (8) paid holidays per year as designated by the Company.
Employee’s rights and entitlements with respect to any such benefits shall be subject to the
provisions of the relevant plans, contracts or policies providing such benefits. Nothing contained
herein or in any employment offer shall be deemed to impose any obligation on the Company to
maintain or adopt any such plans, policies or contracts or to limit the Company’s right to modify
or eliminate such plans, policies or contracts in its sole discretion.

     (H) Employee hereby acknowledges and agrees that, except as set forth in this Exhibit, he
shall not be entitled to receive any other compensation, payments or benefits in connection with
his employment under this Agreement.

11

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