University of Wisconsin System On-Campus Living Requirement
In accordance with Board of Regents Resolution No. 173 passed May 5, 1972, unless living with parents or legal guardian, all non-veterans, unmarried freshman and sophomore students, under the age of 20, are required to live in the residence halls and participate in a university meal plan.
Room and board charges will be added to a student’s university bill if they are found to be required but have not contracted to live and eat on campus.
If a student does not qualify for an exemption to the policy at the beginning of the academic year, the student must fulfill the housing and meal contract even though he or she may meet the criteria during the year. Freshman should not sign a lease with a private landlord for their sophomore year. This creates a double obligation that may result in the loss of the security deposit paid for off-campus accommodations. The goal of the Residence Life Department is to help students make the most of their collegiate living experience. It is not our goal to make a profit; charges cover our operating costs. Our policies and procedures mirror those of the state and University at large. Residence Life is entirely self-supporting in providing quality service for students.
Residence Life has the obligation to enforce both the Board of Regents’ Policy and the terms of the Housing & Dining Contract. The threshold is high to be exempt from the Board of Regents’ Policy or released from the Terms of the Housing & Dining Contract.
Common Situations
Below outlines some common situations and reasons for denial.
Unhappiness with residence hall life
Residence hall living is a new experience for most students and requires a certain amount of adjustment. If the resident has made a fair adjustment to the hall environment and is still unhappy, a hall change, room/floor change, or a roommate change is generally an effective remedy. If a specific area continues to be a major problem, the residence hall staff is available to work with the resident on an individual basis to find a solution. This involves active participation by the resident
Accumulating 56 earned credits before the fall semester begins
The local interpretation of the Board of Regents’ Housing Policy states that students who have not completed 56 credits by the first day of fall semester classes, who are not married, not veterans, and do not live with their parents or legal guardian, are required to contract for on-campus housing. Thus, earning 56 credits during the contract term would not be reason for release.
Turning age 20 during the academic year
Students entering into a contract beginning with the fall semester must qualify by the first day of fall semester classes. Likewise, those students entering into a contract beginning with the spring semester must qualify by the first day of spring semester classes.
Commuting/living with a relative
The choice to commute from the home of a parent or legal guardian can be made, but a release form does need to be signed and notarized. Policy does not allow for living with siblings, grandparents, other relatives, or any other person besides the parent/legal guardian at their PRIMARY home address. Permission to live with a relative must be based on extraordinary and/or compelling circumstances with documentation of such and not for the financial gain or convenience of the student and/or relative.
Medical and health conditions where on-campus housing can provide an accessible living environment
Even with medical documentation, most medical conditions DO NOT automatically release one from the contract. The medical professional needs to document the medical condition and outline specific needs. We will work with individual students to make residence hall rooms environmentally and health friendly. Reviewing what steps you have taken to manage or remove the barrier will be considered. The alternative living option you are proposing will be considered during the decision-making process. Students are expected to engage in an interactive process to discuss barriers that they are experiencing in the living environment. Once those barriers are identified, together the student and staff member will discuss access solutions. The campus community can usually create an accessible living environment. Students will only be released when the campus cannot create an accessible living environment.
Disability where on-campus can provide an accessible living environment
When reviewing requests for exemption that are based on disability, students are expected to engage in an interactive process to discuss the barriers that they are experiencing in the living environment. Once those barriers are identified, together the student and staff member will discuss access solutions. The campus community can usually create an accessible living environment. Students will only be released when the campus cannot create an accessible living environment. UW-Superior strives for an inclusive living environment. If you anticipate or experience any disability-related barriers related to living on campus, please speak with the Residence Life so we can discuss ways to ensure full access. If you determine that additional disability-related accommodations are necessary, please contact the Disability Support Services at Swenson Hall 1024A, 715-394-8188.
Financial difficulty
Lack of funds alone is not a basis for an exemption. Financial aid is available to those who qualify based on need. There should be a significant change in your financial situation that is not rectifiable. Finances for the academic year should be considered prior to activating the contract and/or enrollment to the University. Late notice or inadequate notice from the Financial Aid Office is not grounds for a release. University Housing relies on the expertise of the Financial Aid Office to determine if a student has a sufficient financial aid package to attend UW-Superior.