Because living on campus increases the chance that students will achieve academic and personal success, all first-year students are required to live in a residence hall on campus. This includes fall and spring applicants.  

For the 2025-2026 academic year, a first-year student is defined as an individual who receives a high school diploma in January 2025 or later. PSEO or Advanced Placement credits are not considered when determining first-year status.

Students may qualify for an exemption to this policy if they:

• are living with a parent or guardian at their primary residence within a 35-mile radius of campus.
• are enrolled in 11 or fewer credit hours.
• have custody of a child.
• are married.
• are pursuing a degree entirely online, taking no in-person classes for the fall and spring semesters for the academic year.
• have extenuating circumstances such as a severe medical condition, or financial hardship for which there is no other solution or family consideration.

Exemption Request Form

Please note: The residence hall license agreement is in effect for the full academic year. Once a student moves into a residence hall, he or she is expected to remain on campus for the duration of the contract period. This includes students who are from the local area. Students should not make alternate living arrangements prior to submitting a request and receiving approval for doing so.