Housing Application or Exemption Policy

All first-time freshmen students attending the university for under two (2) consecutive semesters [not including summer], registered for 12 hours or more, who are under the age of 21 by the first day of the entering semester, are required to live on campus, as long as space is available unless they have been exempted from on-campus residency.

All students who meet the definition above must complete a Housing Application to Live On-Campus or receive an approved Application for Housing Exemption. Either application must be received by July 15 for Fall semesters or January 4 for Spring semesters.

Students residing in Rapides, Grant, and Avoyelles Parishes are automatically exempt from housing. These students do not need to fill out a Housing Exemption Form.

Denials:

Students who apply for the exemption and are not approved are also charged the penalty for Housing and Dining. The housing penalty is equal to the cost of the lowest priced room. The dining penalty is equal to the price of the meal plan for that semester.

Students can appeal a Housing Application for Exemption denial, however, if it is appealed after the deadline a $75.00 late penalty will assessed.

After the Deadline:

Students who do not submit either before the deadline are charged a penalty for Housing and Dining. The housing penalty is equal to the cost of the lowest price room. The dining penalty is equal to the price of the meal plan for that semester.

Students can submit a Housing Application for Exemption after the deadline for the semester.

• If denied, the charges will remain, unless the student moves on campus and the charges adjusted to the room price for the semester.

• If approved, the charges will be removed and replaced with a $75.00 penalty for late submission.

Students admitted after the deadline for the semester will receive a five-day period after their admission date to complete either the Housing Application to Live On-Campus or submit Application for Housing Exemption. If a student submits the Application for Housing Exemption after the deadline, an approval will be required to avoid the penalties.

If a student is charged the penalty and does not submit an exemption before the first day of class for the semester, the charges will not eligible to removed.

Student Athletes are required to live on campus for two (2) years.

Housing Contract contains all of the information that guides how we address various issues such as who is eligible to stay on-campus, what happens with someone breaks the contract, the fees associated with staying on-campus, etc.

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Community Guide contains information that will help you from the first day and for which you will be responsible as a hall community member. Responsible is a word you will encounter over and over.

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Failure to read each of these does not mean you cannot held accountable to the standards outlined in each.

One of the most important people in your University experience is your roommate(s).Your roommate(s) can be the source of either deep friendship or chronic aggravation, depending on the relationship you form. Having a good relationship with your roommate(s) takes effort. Just as you are partially responsible for the community on your floor, you can help determine how positive your relationship with your roommate(s)will be.

Moving in is a time of excitement and planning. This is the perfect time to discuss with your roommate what your expectations are of each other and of the room environment. Take time to discuss with each other your expectations and room environment. Before talking about any kind of guidelines or expectations, it is important to recognize the rights that both of you have as members of your community.

It is important to note that the common area is a private space that should be shared equally by all roommates. As a responsible roommate, it is not appropriate to engage in any activity that would deny your roommate access to any of the common area including the kitchen, or make them feel uncomfortable while in the room. The secret to being successful roommates is having open and honest communication.

When one roommate has a friend or friends visiting, it should always be with the consent of the other roommate(s). When this isn't happening and roommates cannot figure out how to confront the problem, we suggest involving your RA or Hall Director. Please be aware that if roommates are not able to come to a solution, or should one roommate continue to exhibit behavior that is in considerate or inappropriate, the residence hall staff may take further action to resolve the conflict.

Resident Bill of Rights:

• Read and study free from undue interference in one's residence.

• Sleep without undue disturbance from noise, guests or roommates, etc.

• Respect of personal belongings.

• Personal privacy.

• Host guests who respect the rights of your roommate and other community residents.

• Be free from intimidation, physical, and/or emotional harm.

• Free access to one's apartment without pressure from a roommate.

• Expect any and all grievances will be discussed in an atmosphere of openness and mutual respect, and to involve a housing staff member in the discussion, if desired.

When talking about expectations, it is best to be specific. This will be helpful if questions or new issues arise later.

Some areas it is helpful to have common agreement about include:

• Study time in the apartment.

• Music: what kinds you like, when it can be played, what is too loud.

• Borrowing or using each other's possessions (TV, stereo, computer, personal items).

• Cleanliness: who does what chores and how often.

• Habits: early or late riser, how social you are, etc.

Remember to contact your RA if you need assistance and to consult the Resident Handbook for policies that apply to all living areas.