Type:
University Policy
Division:
Student Affairs
Classification:
ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS
Contact Phone Number:
503-838-8311
Contact Email Address:
housing@wou.edu
| TITLE | |
| On-campus Live-in Requirement for First-year Students | |
| POLICY NUMBER | |
| ASA-04-001 | |
| RESPONSIBLE OFFICER | UNIVERSITY CONTACT |
| Vice President for Student Affairs | Office of University Housing |
| SUMMARY | |
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. | |
| APPLICABLE TO | |
| New students who have graduated from high school in the last 12 months | |
| DEFINITIONS | |
| AUTHORITY | |
Vice President for Student Affairs https://www.wou.edu/student/ | |
| FULL STATEMENT OF AUTHORITY | |
|
POLICY STATEMENT 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 Dean of Students/Director of University Housing. Requests for exception to this policy will be submitted to the Dean of Students/Director of University Housing 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 who has final authority on the issue. A waiver of the first year live-in requirement is not a waiver for any prior housing contractual commitments or obligations. However, the student may petition the Dean of Students/Director of University Housing to waive the obligation (a cancellation fee as outlined in the Housing contract, may be assessed if the student is currently under contract with University Housing). If the Dean of Students/Director of University Housing denies the petition, the student may appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs who is the final authority on the matter. The Dean of Students/Director of University Housing shall not release a student who is required to live in the Residence Halls from a contractual obligation prior to a student receiving a waiver of the live-in requirement. If the Dean of Students/Director of University Housing is considering evicting a student from the halls either for non-payment of fees or for disciplinary reasons, the issue should be handled as a conduct issue, not as an exception under this policy.
PROCEDURES First year 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 Housing. Students seeking exceptions should submit their requests on the Residential Contract Petition form. The form and appropriate documentation should be submitted to: Office of University Housing 345 N. Monmouth Ave. Western Oregon University Monmouth, OR 97361 Upon receipt of the Residential Contract Petition form and other supporting documents, the Dean of Students/Director of University Housing may meet with the student to discuss the petition or choose not to meet with the student if the detail provided with the petition is adequate. 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. Living at Home with Parent or Guardian. A student who intends to live with a parent(s) or legal guardian(s) while attending WOU may receive an exemption. A written statement from the student's parents or guardians that the student intends to live with them is required. The address must be the permanent address that the student has lived at and has on file with the university. The permanent address must be within a 30 mile radius of Western Oregon University. First year students who live locally have the option to request a term contract if applying to live on campus. Requests for a one term only contract must be submitted by petition to University Housing. Any student approved for the one term contract must pay the $40 housing application fee and the $150 term contract fee to receive a one term contract.
2. Students with Dependents. Students with legal dependents will not be required to live on campus. Verification of legal dependence is required.
3. Students who are Married or in a Registered Domestic Partnership. Students who are married or in a Registered Domestic Partnership will not be required to live on campus. Documentation providing legal verification of relationship is required. Limited housing is available for students who are married or in a registered domestic partnership.
4. Medical/Mental Health. There may be medical or mental health reasons why a student should not live in the Residence Halls. If so, documentation from a care provider (Physician, Psychologist, etc) will be required. An approval of this request does not release you from your contractual obligations. You should wait for a decision on your request before making a commitment for housing or attempting to leave the Residence Halls. | |
| REFERENCED OR RELATED POLICIES | |
| RELEVANT DOCUMENTS AND LINKS | |
| HISTORY | |
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APPROVAL DATE:
EFFECTIVE DATE: LAST UPDATED: 08/11/2017 HISTORICAL DETAIL NOTES: N/A SOURCE: N/A |
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| FOR POLICY WEBSITE INPUT (public audience keyword search) | |
| University Housing, Residence halls, on-campus requirement | |
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