U.D. RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS AND EXEMPTION PETITION F.A.Q.'s

3. If I am automatically exempt, do I have to notify anyone?

Yes, students must notify the Office of Student Life that they are taking the automatic exemption by completing a "Commuter Form. If no official notice is given via this form, the student will automatically be charged for a double room and 19-meal plan until the Office of Student Life is officially notified otherwise. Please note that the basis for an automatic exemption must exist PRIOR to the first day of classes for the semester that the student wishes to live off campus. In order to receive a refund on your housing deposit, this form must be completed by December 1st for the following spring semester and by June 1st for the following fall semester.

Residents taking an automatic exemption mid-year or mid-semester are subject to the same refund rules and Contract Breakage Fees as listed above in question 2.

4. What if I don't qualify for an automatic exemption but wish to live off campus?

In unusual circumstances, a student may submit a petition to the Office of Student Life to be exempted from the residency requirement for compelling reasons that are detailed and fully documented in a written statement along with the "Exemption Petition Form. Click here for the on-line form. Supporting documentation for the on line form may be emailed here.

It should be recognized that it is uncommon to grant exemptions. Although financial grounds may be considered, the claim that it is less expensive to live off campus is not sufficient unless demonstrated financial need is evidenced after FASFA processing in the Office of Financial Aid.

5. Where do I obtain the Exemption Petition Form?

The "Exemption Petition Form is available in .pdf format here or on line here and can also be picked up from the forms rack outside the Office of Student Life. Upon completion of a paper version of the form, you may fax the form to the Office of Student Life at 972.721.5291. The form will then be forwarded to the Exemption Petition Committee.

6. Is there a deadline for submission for exemption petitions?

The Office of Student Life will establish deadlines for each semester. Typically the deadline is sometime during the week prior to Housing Registration Week. The exact date for currently enrolled students for the 2008-2009 academic year is Friday, March 28, 2008.

7. What information is taken into consideration for an exemption?

Again, this varies on a case-by-case basis. Each case is reviewed individually. If financial reasons are being claimed, a student's financial aid record will be examined. Financial petitions will NOT be reviewed without a current FASFA on file for the student in the Financial Aid Office. If a student cites health reasons, a documented letter from an approved medical professional is required and reviewed. If special circumstances are cited, the special circumstances will be investigated. The more information provided on the Exemption Petition form, the better. Additional letters of explanation and support from parents are also encouraged but do not guarantee an exemption. Letters of additional explantion and support may be emailed to the Exemption Petition Committee or faxed to 972.721.5291 to the attention of the Exemption Petition Committee.

8. Who grants exemptions?

The Exemption Petition Committee grants exemptions. It should be noted that it is a committee decision, NOT an individual one. Also, telephone calls from parents will NOT influence committee decisions. Students or parents who plead their cases to individual staff members will not be given any preferential treatment.

9. What if I am not granted an exemption?

Students whose petitions are denied are allowed to submit an appeal, but only one appeal. The appeal must appear in letter form to the Exemption Petition Committee. The letter must be very detailed and explain why the Committee should grant the appeal. The letter must include the following:

• Compelling reason(s) not originally stated as to why you should live off campus
  
• Any unforeseen reasons or circumstances of which the committee may not have been aware.
  
• Provide adequate documentation to substantiate your case.

Of course, students should submit the most accurate and detailed information with the original exemption petition, but we understand that circumstances sometimes change. The decisions of the Exemption Petition Committee are final.

Students will continue to be billed standard housing charges until such time as the exemption may be granted.

10. What if my appeal is denied?

If you appeal an exemption and are still denied, you still fall under the residency requirement. That means you must register for on campus housing. Students will be billed with or without a specific room assignment.

The appeal decisions of the Exemption Petition Committee are final.

11. What do I do if I am granted an exemption?

After you are cleared by the Office of Student Life and the Exemption Petition Committee, you are free to sign an off campus lease and arrange your off campus housing. Assuming you have a housing deposit on file, it will be refunded by the Business Office if your original petition was submitted by the announced deadline date of March 28, 2008 for the 2008-2009 academic year.

12. How long does the exemption last?

Any exemptions that are granted are only good for that academic period. Should a student still fall under the residency requirement the following year, they must petition again. Otherwise, standard room and board charges will appear upon the student's account in the Business Office.