The University may grant exceptions to the on-campus housing policy for certain categories of students based upon guidelines related to marital status, proximity of home to campus, and other pertinent factors. Requests for exemptions based on other reasons are almost never granted. Any exemption to the University On Campus Housing Policy must be approved in writing by University Housing Services prior to the beginning of the contract period for which the exemption is requested. Sophomore students who are members of fraternities or sororities who wish to reside in their organization's house must apply for an exemption prior to July 15. Exemptions to reside in a fraternity or sorority house are only considered on a full academic year basis; they are not considered for spring semester only. The sorority or fraternity chapter must be in good standing with the University. Any exemptions to live in a sorority or fraternity on probation will not be granted.

Exemption requests must be received by July 1 for fall semester and November 1 for spring semester.

To apply for an exemption to the University On Campus Housing Policy come to University Housing Services located in the Office of Residential Life building on University Street, or print off and complete the Housing Exemption Form, located at the top right of the page, and send it to:

University Housing Services
Campus Box 2600
Normal, IL 61790-2600

Who is the exemption process for?

The spirit of the On Campus Housing Policy is that students in their first two years out of high school are required to live in University residence halls. Most students who are classified as freshmen or sophomores are “traditional” in that they are within their first two years out of high school. However, there are a number of students classified as freshmen and sophomores who have been out of high school more than two years. Some have been serving in the military, some have been going to college part-time, some have been working, etc. and have not earned enough hours to be classified as juniors or above. The exemption request process is intended to provide an avenue for those students who are classified as freshmen and sophomore students but who fall under one or more of the categories listed below to identify themselves to University Housing Services if they want to live off-campus:

Have been out of high school two years prior to the semester they are applying for exemption.
Are married or in a documented domestic partnership.
Have dependent children.
Plan to live with their parent/s or legal guardian within 40 miles of campus as measured by Mapquest . (A legal guardian is a person appointed by the appropriate legal jurisdiction to act on behalf of the student in place of parents. Legal documentation may be requested for verification.)

The exemption process is also for students who have already been out of high school for one year who want to live in their fraternity or sorority house beginning in August of their second year at ISU.

Who is the exemption process not for?

The exemption process is generally not intended for students who:

Dislike their room, roommate, residence hall, or on-campus living in general.
Have disabilities such as mobility, visual, hearing or mental/emotional disabilities, or medical conditions such as asthma or allergies.
Have dietary concerns or are on special diets.
Want to live with a sibling, other relative or family friend.
Parents bought a house or condo and want student to live in it.
Already signed a lease for an off-campus house, apartment, condo, etc.
Have problems or concerns that need to be addressed but have not sought staff assistance.

There are many avenues besides moving off-campus for students to address the above concerns including talking with the residence hall professional staff, making a room change, moving to a different type of room, changing roommates, working with the Disability Concerns Office, etc. Students are expected to explore all possible avenues before requesting an exemption to the University housing requirement. Questions? Contact University Housing Services at (309) 438-8611.

Exemption Appeals Process

If a student wishes to appeal a decision concerning their petition for an exemption to the University On Campus Housing Policy, information on the appeals procedure may be obtained from University Housing Services. Exemptions are generally not granted on the basis of health or medical reasons. Students who think they need special housing accommodations due to health or medical concerns should contact the Disability Concerns Office to discuss possible accommodations.

If you have submitted and been denied an exemption request and are interested in appealing, please be aware of the following:

Exemption appeals are rarely granted.
University Housing Services’ first obligation is to make appropriate accommodations for students with serious health problems and/or disabilities. Therefore, our goal is always to try to find a solution within the residence halls to whatever problem is prompting your request for an exemption.
The appeal process is not to be taken lightly since many people are coming together to review each and every appeal. Carefully consider whether or not your situation is so extreme that it cannot be resolved in the residence halls or that the consequences of remaining in the residence halls would be severely negative for you.
If you decide to appeal, you will have only one opportunity to do so. All appeals MUST be submitted in writing. Students may choose to be present when the Board Reviews their appeal. Students will be contacted if they indicate on the opposite side of this form that they wish to be present. (Students will have the opportunity to address the Board.) This is not a legal or judicial process; therefore, please do not invite “witnesses” to come on your behalf. To review an appeal the Board needs your completed appeal form, your written statement (which should not exceed one or two pages at the most) and any supporting documentation you want the Board to consider.
Members of the Appeals Board include representatives from the student body as well as experts from various departments within the University to ensure a thorough and knowledgeable review of each appeal. Therefore the decision of the Appeals Review Board is final. No additional appeals will be considered.

If you have decided to appeal, you may print and follow the directions on the following two documents:

Exemption Appeal Letter (pdf)

Exemption Appeal Form (pdf)