POLICY

Because of the educational function of residence hall living, Western Oregon 
University requires all students without dependents who enroll within one year 
of high school graduation to live in University-operated housing.  Any
exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Director of University 
Residences.

Requests for exception to this policy will be submitted to the Director of 
University Residences who will make a decision based on each individual 
situation.  If the request is denied, the student may appeal the decision to 
the Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management who has final 
authority on the issue.

A waiver of the freshman live-in requirement is not a waiver for any prior 
housing contractual commitments or obligations.  However, the student may 
petition the Director of University Residences to waive the obligation (loss of 
deposit plus any financial assessment as outlined in the Housing contract).  If 
the Director of University Residences denies the petition, the student may 
appeal to the Director of Auxiliary Services who is the final authority on the 
matter.

The Director of University Residences shall not release a student who is 
required to live in the Residence Hall from a contractual obligation prior to 
a student receiving a waiver of the live-in requirement.  If the Director of 
University Residences is considering evicting a student from the halls either 
for non-payment of fees or for conduct problems, the issue should be handled as 
a conduct issue, not as an exception under this policy.

    PURPOSE

This policy will delineate those situations in which students may be exempted 
from the residence hall live-in requirement, provide a logical procedure for 
requesting exception, and spell out specific responsibilities for approval or 
disapproval of a request.

    PROCEDURES

Freshman students without dependents who enroll at Western Oregon University 
within one year of high school graduation are required to live in university-
operated housing.

Exceptions may be requested through the Office of University Residences. 
Students seeking exceptions should submit their requests on the Residence Hall 
Petition form.  The form and appropriated documentation should be submitted to:

	Director of University Residences
	Office of University Residences
	Western Oregon University
	Monmouth, OR 97361

Upon receipt of the exception form and other supporting documents, and after a 
meeting between the student and the Director of University Residences, a 
decision will be made based upon the information provided, and the student will 
be notified of the decision in writing.  The criteria for exceptions are as 
follows:

1.  Relatives.  A student who intends to live with a parent(s) or legal 
    guardian(s) while attending WOU may be excepted.  A written statement from 
    the student's parents or guardians that the student intends to live with 
    them is required.

2.  Married Students.  Students who are married will not be required to live 
    on campus.  Submission of marriage certificate may be required.

3.  Medical/Psychological.  There may be medical or psychological reasons why a 
    students should not live in the Residence Halls.  If so, documentation from 
    a physician or psychiatrist may be requested.

4.  Other exceptional circumstances.  These will be considered on an individual 
    basis.

An approval of this request does not release you from your contractual 
obligations.  You should wait for a decision on your exception request before 
making a commitment for housing or attempting to leave the Residence Halls.

    AUTHORITY

    APPROVAL

Office of University Residences