University Housing Policy

A commuter student is defined as a full-time, undergraduate student who lives exclusively in the permanent or primary residence of a parent or legal guardian within 25 miles of the Valparaiso University campus. A student who otherwise would be required to live on-campus may not reside at another off-campus address after registering as a commuter student. Questions related to the Commuter Student Policy should be directed to the Office of Residential Life.

The Housing Agreement is binding on the student for the Fall and Spring semesters of the designated academic year or the remaining portion thereof, exclusive of vacation periods. Students who breach the residency requirement of this Agreement without prior written approval will be responsible for the entire amount of the Agreement. A breach of this Agreement includes but is not limited to failure to reside within University Housing per the terms of the Agreement and/or the University Residency Requirement. This obligation is binding whether or not the student affirmatively chooses a particular room assignment after the time of execution. Students will be assessed all fees for the agreement term if the Student enrolls but does not occupy the assigned space and does not have approval of this Agreement canceled in writing pursuant to the Termination of Agreement sections. (See Housing Agreement for more details). 

Students may cancel this Agreement after the start of a semester only for the following reasons: graduation, authorized off-campus academic programs, withdrawal, marriage, or circumstances that are determined by the University, in the University’s sole discretion, to be an “Authorized Reason.” This Agreement cannot be terminated solely for the purpose of living off-campus or to commute from home. Documentary evidence is required to demonstrate cause for cancellation. Contact Residential Life for information regarding this appeals process.

Students may cancel this Agreement at the end of the Fall semester if the cancellation is for an Authorized Reason. Depending on the reason for cancellation, the student may be subject to a cancellation fee of up to $400. Students shall remain liable for room charges until written notice is received, and cancellation approval is given by the Director of Residential Life or their designee. At any other time after the start of the academic year, students may terminate the Agreement for an Authorized Reason, any refund will be based upon the University’s Student Accounts Office refund schedule.

Students that cancel their housing are subject to the following cancellation fee and deposit refund schedule:

1. February 28: If student provides written notice of cancellation to Residential Life on or before this date, the Agreement shall terminate with no penalty and will receive a 100% refund of their housing deposit (if applicable).
2. March 1 – April 30: If student provides written notice of cancellation to Residential Life between these dates, a $200 late cancellation fee shall be charged against student’s account if student continues to be enrolled. Student will receive a 50% refund of their housing deposit (if applicable).
3. May 1 – The Day Prior to the Official Opening Date of the Residence Halls: If student provides written notice of cancellation to Residential Life between these dates, a $400 late cancellation fee shall be charged against student’s account if student continues to be enrolled. Student will receive a no refund of their housing deposit (if applicable).
4. Official Opening Date of the Residence Halls – On and after this date: Student shall pay full room charges if enrolled. If student is enrolled, this Agreement may only be cancelled by going through the appeals process.

Students Requesting Housing for Spring Semester Only

1. If students cancel housing AFTER the Official Opening Date of the Residence Halls for the Spring Semester, the student shall pay the full room charges for the spring semester, if the student remains enrolled at the University.

Students may cancel this Agreement after the start of a semester only for the following reasons: graduation, authorized off-campus academic programs, withdrawal, marriage, or circumstances that are determined by the University, in the University’s sole discretion, to be an “Authorized Reason.” The Housing Agreement cannot be terminated solely for the purpose of living off-campus, because they match one of the exemption criteria mid-year, or to commute from home. Documentary evidence is required to demonstrate cause for cancellation. Depending on the reason of cancellation, the student may be subject to a cancellation fee of up to $400. Student shall remain liable for room charges until written notice is received and cancellation approval is given by the Associate Dean or their designee.

Valpo is by design a residential University. Living on campus provides educational and living and learning experiences that lead to a student’s growth and development and an enhancement of one’s total education at Valpo. Because residency is such an important component of the Valpo experience, only in very special circumstances will a student be exempt from the University housing requirement. Requests for policy exceptions will be considered only if they fit into one of three categories:

1. Special needs related to a specific medical condition that cannot be accommodated in University residence halls.
2. Special needs related to a specific psychological or psychiatric condition that cannot be accommodated in University residence halls.
3. An extreme, unanticipated, and unpredictable change in family financial status since the student’s initial enrollment at the University and/or signing of the Housing Agreement.

In each case, a student must complete a Housing Policy Exemption Application at the Residential Life office. In medical and psychological/psychiatric cases, the student must provide documentation from a physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist, including diagnosis, specific needs related to condition, and recommended treatment, including an explanation of why alternative housing is necessary. The student must also submit a written statement authorizing the attending physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist to discuss the student’s case with University medical and/or psychological staff. In cases of financial hardship, the student must submit appropriate documentation, including such items as tax returns, financial aid statements, and payroll receipts. The student may also be required to meet with a Financial Aid officer to review the family’s financial status and explore the possible availability of additional aid in response to changes in said status. In all cases, the student must show how living off-campus will result in savings so significant that not doing so would require him or her to withdraw from the University.

All requests for exemption are reviewed by the Director and/or the Housing Exemption Committee. The student requesting an exemption is responsible for assembling and presenting any and all information to assist the committee in the decision-making process. Students are informed in writing of the decision. All decisions are final. In the event of an approved Housing Agreement cancellation, the student may be subject to a cancellation fee (up to $400) and loss of housing deposit (if applicable).

By signing the Housing Agreement, the student agrees to comply with all residence hall policies, rules, and regulations listed in the Valparaiso University Bulletin and General Catalog, the Valparaiso University Student Handbook, and all other policies, etc. the University may issue.

Online versions of the catalog and guide may be viewed at the Registrar’s Office website: valpo.edu/registrar