Residency Requirement Exemptions

All full-time Baker University students on the Baldwin City campus are required to live in University-sponsored housing, as stated under Residence Life in the Student Handbook:

. . . the University is committed to providing student housing for each student and to establishing a residential environment where information and guidance is combined with opportunities to learn through engagement with other residents, Student Affairs staff, and faculty. All full-time students (12 or more hours per semester) are required to live in University-sponsored housing unless they qualify for an exemption.

Living on campus provides important opportunities to students, such as closer interaction with classmates and added security. Nationally, students living on campus have higher grade point averages, are more active in campus organizations, and are more satisfied with the overall college experience.

Exemptions to the Residency Requirement

Students who meet certain criteria may request an exemption to the residency requirement. The request to live off-campus must be based on one of the reasons outlined below. It is the student’s responsibility to provide documentation sufficient to justify the exemption.

Although it is not required, it may be to the student's benefit to meet with the associate dean of students about the exemption. Appointments should be scheduled in advance by calling 785.594.8473.

Exemption requests will be granted on a case-by-case basis. Requesting an exemption does not guarantee off-campus permission; therefore, students should not enter into a lease or other housing agreement until they receive an emailed response confirming the granted exemption.

Important Note: Cost of attendance is calculated differently when living in University housing versus off-campus housing. Because cost of attendance is different, Baker-funded aid may be reduced by $1,000 if you are approved for an exemption.

Deadlines for Submitting an Exemption Form

If you feel that you have a compelling reason to live off campus, you must submit theresidency requirement exemption form by the following deadlines.

Continuing & Returning Students

• For the 2012-13 academic year: March 19, 2012 (decision will be emailed after March 26, 2012)
• For the spring 2013 semester only: Oct. 29, 2012 (decision will be emailed by Nov. 12, 2012)
• Students requesting a financial exemption may receive notification after these dates.

New Students

If you will be a new student for the 2012-2013 school year, the Office of Admission must have your enrollment deposit before you can apply for an RRE. Contact your admission counselor if you need to know how to pay your enrollment deposit.

• For the 2012-13 academic year: July 2, 2012 (decision will be emailed by July 16, 2012)
• For the spring 2013 semester only: Nov. 2, 2012 (decision will be emailed by Nov. 21, 2012)
• Students requesting a financial exemption may receive notification after these dates.

Residency requirement exemption form

 Exemption Considerations

The following are reasons a student might be allowed to live off-campus. The required documentation that must be submitted before approval can be granted is also listed.

I have a documented medical disability that requires off-campus accommodations.

A letter from a professional must be submitted prior to approval. A type-written statement from you explaining why you should receive an exemption because of a medical disability must also be submitted.

You must submit a type-written statement explaining why you should receive an exemption because of a medical disability. A typed letter from a medical doctor or licensed counselor, who is not a family member, citing the specific reason(s) that living off-campus is medically necessary for the student. The documentation must be on letterhead, provide specific diagnoses, list necessary accommodations, and provide a clear relationship between accommodations and diagnoses. Documentation from the Baker Health and Counseling Center will not be considered because of conflict of interest. Further documentation and/or records may be requested by the associate dean or dean of students. This exemption, if granted, must be requested annually.

I have a financial need.

A completed FAFSA form must be submitted prior to approval. You must also submit a type-written statement explaining why you should receive an exemption because of financial need.

A type-written statement must be provided with the exemption for financial need. Problems of a financial nature are best provided in a statement from you, indicating why there is a financial need or how your financial situation has changed from the previous academic year. The financial challenges you are facing should be clearly explained. Because the issues you are experiencing may affect your eligibility for financial aid, thereby potentially alleviating concerns about housing or meal plans, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov annually. Please be aware that all sources of Baker-funded aid are tied to compliance with Baker's housing policy. You may talk with Financial Aid staff about other available aid options. This exemption, if granted, must be requested annually. 

Please do not attach your FAFSA application. If you have requested that Baker University receive your information, Baker's Office of Financial Aid will have access to your FAFSA information.

I am living with my parent or guardian.

A letter from your parent or guardian must be submitted prior to approval.

The original, signed letter from your parent or guardian must include your name, his or her name, address and phone number, and a statement certifying that you will reside exclusively at the permanent, primary residence. If you move from home to undisclosed off-campus housing during the academic year, you will be assessed full room and board fees by Baker University. This exemption, if granted, must be requested annually. 

I am a fifth-year student.

A copy of your unofficial transcript must be submitted prior to approval.

Please enclose your Baker University transcript printed from your MyBaker account, stating Baker University credits earned. Students must have completed eight semesters (or the equivalent) of full-time enrollment following high school graduation. This exemption, if granted, remains in effect for the remainder of your time at Baker.

I am married or will be married by Dec. 31.

A copy of your marriage certificate must be submitted prior to approval.

This exemption, if granted, remains in effect for the remainder of your time at Baker.

I will be 23 years of age or older by Dec. 31.

A copy of your birth certificate, driver’s license or passport must be submitted prior to approval.

This exemption, if granted, remains in effect for the remainder of your time at Baker.

I am a transfer student and have lived off campus previously.

Copies of lease(s) or rental agreement(s) must be submitted prior to approval.

Please enclose copies of previous lease(s) or rental agreement(s) as proof of living arrangements. The previous lease(s) or rental agreement(s) should be with a nonfamily member and not be university/college-owned housing. This exemption, if granted, remains in effect for the remainder of your time at Baker.

I have a reason not listed.

A letter of explanation from you, plus supporting documentation must be submitted prior to approval.

If you are requesting permission to live off-campus because of a special situation not listed, please attach a typed, detailed letter explaining your situation and attach relevant documentation that provides a clear relationship between how living off campus addresses the stated need. If the reasoning includes financial considerations, your application will automatically be placed in the financial need category, thereby requiring that you submit the FAFSA form online. This exemption, if granted, must be requested annually.