Entering freshmen who have not previously attended this University must reside in University-operated residence halls for their first four (4) semesters in residence. Students transferring to the University as sophomores (as classified by the Office of Admissions) must reside in University-operated residence halls for their first two (2) semesters in residence.
Students who fall under the University On Campus Housing Policy will not be able to register for classes until University Housing Services receives their residence hall contract and initial payment. These regulations are applicable to all students insofar as space is available in University residence halls. Residence hall living for two summer sessions is equivalent to one semester.
The University may make exceptions for certain categories of students based upon guidelines related to marital status, proximity of home to campus, age, 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.
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.
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 appropriate form below and send to:
University Housing Services
Campus Box 2600
Normal, IL 61790-2600
Exemption requests must be received by July 15 for fall semester and November 15 for spring semester.
Please Click Here to access to the UHS Exemption Form.
Exemption Appeals Process:
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 or not. 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 Exemption Appeal Form (pdf).