Any student is welcome to reside in the institution’s residence halls, regardless of age or class status. Effective with the fall semester 2011, all freshmen and sophomore students who are less than 21 years of age, or who do not meet any of the exemptions, are required to live on campus in an approved residence hall. All students residing in campus housing must also contract for board with the MSU Dining Services. All freshmen are required to maintain a 10- or 14-meal board contract. Sophomore, junior, and senior level students must maintain a minimal food services plan.
The following categories of students are exempt from the institution’s housing requirement, but they must complete an off-campus residence form for directory and emergency notification purposes and provide appropriate documentation (as indicated below),
if requested.
1. Students who have at least 60 earned semester or 92 earned quarter credits
Documentation: A transcript indicating the number of earned credits.
2. Students who are 21 years of age at the beginning of the appropriate term of enrollment. Documentation: Verification of date of birth by a driver’s license or other document.
3. Married students, and/or those who have dependents residing with them. Documentation: A marriage license and/or dependent birth certificates.
4. Students who have lived in a residence hall at MSU or another institution for at least 4 semesters (6 quarters). Documentation: A letter from an appropriate official at previous institutions verifying residence, or other proof of residence; i.e. paid billing receipts.
5. Students who have served on active duty in the military for at least 18 months. National Guard and Reserve members are not eligible for this exemption unless they have active duty service time of 18 months. Documentation: A copy of the military record DD 214.
6. Freshmen or sophomore students who are living at home with their parents or
legal guardian. Documentation: Parents of eligible freshmen or sophomores should contact the Director of Housing by phone or in person to verify that their son or daughter will reside at home.
Under no circumstances should students acquire off-campus housing without first securing permission from the Director of Housing.
The Housing Office will ascertain the residency status of each student and request documentation to verify a student’s eligibility to live off-campus.
Students who wish to seek an exemption from this on-campus housing policy should first contact the Director of Housing. The office of the Director of Housing is located in Old Main 11. Additional exemptions may be authorized by the Director of Housing based on guidelines established by the Residence Life Sub-committee, including students with specific medical or health conditions and students who will become 21 years of age during the term.
Students who are found to be in violation of the MSU Housing policy may be subject to fines and/or room charges. Students who do not qualify for an exemption to this policy may appeal to the Residence Life Subcommittee. Students who request an exemption to the housing policy must do so at least three weeks prior to the end of the semester. Failure to submit a request and required documentation will subject the student to room and board charges for the semester. Contact the housing office (Old Main 11) for additional details. Housing contracts are signed each year by students planning to live in residence halls. The contract is a legal document explaining the University’s policies as well as its expectations of students. Standard procedures and regulations concerning residence hall living are contained in the contract. Housing contracts are in force for an academic year. Students are held responsible for fulfilling the contract terms.