Housing Requirement Policy - Northern Michigan University

Purpose:

College is a time of change for most students.  Experiences both in and out of the classroom contribute to gains in student knowledge and skills, psychological and social development, and changes in both values and attitudes. The more actively involved they are in those experiences, the more they are likely to learn and develop.

Residence halls, primarily through the unique interpersonal environment and opportunities for involvement and participation they provide, are positively linked to many of the gains experienced by the students who live in them. Residence hall communities maximize opportunities for social involvement for students and it is that involvement, for the most part, that accounts for the contributions made toward the gains they experience. 

Northern Michigan University's requirement for on campus residence is intended to provide students with a living environment rich with opportunities for personal growth and social development, especially those which result from interaction with others, participation in community development activities, and involvement in other aspects of campus life.

Residence hall staff encourage and support out-of-classroom learning and development through a range of services including building management and supervision, communication and guidance, community building, leadership development, connection with and referral to other University activities, programs, and services, etc.

Only currently enrolled Northern Michigan University students and/or other persons who have received official housing assignments may live in University residence halls.

Applicability:

The policy applies to all Northern Michigan University students taking classes on the University's campus.

Policy:

All single undergraduate students shall live in University residence halls while enrolled for classes at Northern Michigan University; provided, however, that this requirement shall not apply to those undergraduates who:

1. have reached junior status (56 or more hours of college credit) prior to registration for classes for the fall semester or
2. have resided four or more semesters in residence halls, or
3. are (21) years of age or older on or before the last official day of registration for the fall semester, or
4. are residing at home with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s)*,
5. are veterans who qualify for veterans’ benefits by virtue of active service in the armed forces, or
6. are taking 8 or fewer credits during the semester in question.

*With a typical class schedule of nine (9) credits or more, it is expected that the commuting distance from their home will be no greater than 60 miles.

The Housing Requirement is a Condition of Enrollment (NMU Student Handbook - Student Code which is available online at http://www.nmu.edu/handbook/?part=3) which must be met throughout the academic year, including spring and summer sessions.

1.  Enforcement:  All single undergraduates who do not qualify to live off campus according to the provisions stated above must reside in a University residence hall or present evidence that an exception to the policy has been granted.  Those students for whom the Housing Requirement is a Condition of Enrollment will be asked to verify their adherence to it. Enforcement of the Housing Requirement is the responsibility of the Dean of Students.  Failure to maintain the required residency will result in termination of enrollment by the Dean of Students.

2.  Housing Contract:  The residence hall contract obligates the student to pay for room and board for the period stated in the terms of the contract.  All students, regardless of age or class standing, are obligated by these contract terms and conditions for the duration of the contract unless a release from the contract is authorized. (Note:  An application for release from the residence hall contract may be obtained from the student's resident director or from the Housing and Residence Life Office.)

3.  Exceptions:  Any student may apply for an exception to the Housing Requirement due to serious medical reasons, one or more disabilities, critical financial circumstances, or other extenuating circumstances which may prevent him or her from complying with the Requirement. Requests for an exception to the Housing Requirement will be accepted at any time prior to the last official day of registration of the semester for which the exception is being requested.  Information on the application procedure may be obtained by contacting the Housing and Residence Life Office located at 2101 C.B. Hedgcock, Marquette, MI  49855 (phone 906/227-2622, e-mail Housing@nmu.edu).

Applications from students who wish to be considered for an exception to the Housing Requirement due to financial or extenuating circumstances will be acted upon by the Director of Housing and Residence Life or his or her designee. 

Appeals for denials to requests for exceptions to the Housing Requirement, in cases where the procedure has been followed correctly, may be submitted in written form to the Director of Housing and Residence Life within 10 class days of the date that the decision was mailed or handed to the student for referral to the housing Appeals Committee will consist of the Assistant Director of Housing and Residence Life who will serve as the non-voting chairperson, two staff or faculty members appointed by the Associate Provost for Student Services and Enrollment, and one student recommended by the Residence Hall Presidents' Roundtable.  The decision of the Housing Appeals Committee is final. 

Information and recommendations from other appropriate University personnel may be taken into account when an application for an exception to the Housing Requirement is considered.