Residency Requirement

All unmarried, full-time undergraduate students are required to live in college housing for six consecutive full semesters (excluding summer) and participate in a college meal plan. 

• Transfer students must live on campus until they meet the requirement (previous residency may count). 
• Exchange students must live on campus for their entire enrollment. 

Failure to obtain approval to live off-campus when required will result in charges for room and board, regardless of residence location. 

By accepting a room assignment, a student is contractually obligated to occupy that room for the entire academic year unless the student withdraws from the College, is approved for a mid-semester withdrawal, is approved for a leave of absence, graduates, or participates in a study abroad program. Vacant spaces are subject to assignment by the Office of the Residence Life.

Financial hardship: If a student or their family/caretakers face financial hardship or experiences a significant life change that has impacted income and may be challenging to pay for housing, please contact Financial Aid for assistance.

Students may request an exemption if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Married
• Legal guardian of a minor living with them
• Age 24 or older
• Documented medical/disability need that cannot be accommodated on campus
• Limited junior exemptions (only when offered, based on housing availability). In some years, a limited number of junior-level students may be released from residency requirements to live off-campus based on projected space availability. The availability of this option varies from year to year, depending on enrollment numbers and housing availability. The Office of Residence Life will notify students if this option is available. Exemptions granted, if any, will be made at the sole discretion of the Office of Residence Life.  

Note: Meeting criteria does not guarantee approval. All decisions are made at the discretion of Residence Life. 

Step 1: Submit Request

• Complete the Residency Exemption Request form (via eRezLife).

Step 2: Provide Required Documentation

Based on your eligibility:

• Age 24+
  • Submit government-issued ID (e.g., license, passport, or birth certificate). 
• Married / Guardian Status
  • Submit official documentation (e.g., marriage certificate or guardianship documentation). 
• Medical/Disability
  • Complete the Office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) accommodation process
  • Provide documentation from a qualified provider within the last 6 months
  • SAS and Residence Life jointly review requests 

Step 3: Await Review

• Residence Life reviews all materials and determines approval.
• Medical exemptions are rare, as most needs can be accommodated on campus. 

Step 4: Receive Decision

• If approved, the exemption may apply for the remainder of enrollment (depending on category). 
• If denied, the student must remain in campus housing.

Students granted or seeking residency exemption must adhere to the following:

• Policy Compliance: Students must remain in good standing and uphold all college policies and community standards. Violations may result in revocation of the exemption.
• Truthful Representation: All information and documentation submitted must be accurate and truthful. Providing false or misleading information may result in denial, revocation of approval, and/or referral to the student conduct process.
• Annual Renewal Requirement:
  • Residency exemption requests must be submitted each academic year (or for the specified approval period).
  • Approval in one year does not automatically carry forward to future terms.
• Conditional Approval: Exemptions are granted at the discretion of Residence Life and may include specific terms or timeframes.