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.

Each year, until a student reaches senior status, commuter students must submit a Commuter Student Verification Form to ensure they are still residing at their primary residence (with parent or legal guardian).

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). 

The University Housing Agreement is binding on the student for the Fall and Spring semesters of the designated academic year. Students who breach the residency requirement of the Housing 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.

A student may only cancel their Housing Agreement prior to the Fall semester’s official opening date of residence halls of the Agreement’s academic term if they have met one or more of the following criteria:

1. A student who has completed six (6) semesters of residency in campus housing.
2. A student who lives exclusively in the permanent or primary residence of a parent or legal guardian within 25 miles of the Valparaiso University campus.
3. A student who is or will be 22-years of age by September 1 of the applicable academic year.
4. A student that is married.
5. A student that is a parent of a minor child with whom they will live.
6. A student that is a veteran of active duty with the United States Armed Forces.
7. A student that is an active member of a Valparaiso University fraternity and living in recognized Fraternity housing.
8. A student that has received, in writing, an exemption to the University’s Housing Policy.

The student may cancel this Agreement after the start of a semester only for the following reasons:

1. Graduation
2. Authorized off-campus academic programs,
3. Withdrawal/transferring
4. Marriage occurring in the applicable academic semester
5. 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.

Housing Cancellation Fee Schedule

Depending on the reason for cancellation, the student may be subject to a cancellation fee of up to $400. The student shall remain liable for room charges until written notice is received and cancellation approval is given by the Director for Residential Life or their designee.

1. Cancellation on or after the Official Opening Date of the Residence Halls – On and after this date student shall pay and/or be liable for full room charges for the full Academic Year if enrolled in the fall, or for the full room charges for the spring semester if the Contract began in the spring, and the student remains enrolled.
2. Returning Student Cancellation of the Upcoming Fall Semester or Academic Year by Stated Deadlines:

• Before February 28 – If a returning student is exempt from on-campus housing under section 8 of this contract this Contract, the Contract shall terminate with no penalty.
• March 1 to April 30 – If a returning student is exempt from on-campus housing under section 8 of this contract, a $200 late cancellation fee shall be charged against the student’s account if the student continues to be enrolled.
• May 1 to The Day Prior to the Official Opening Date of the Residence Halls – If a returning student is exempt from on-campus housing under section 8 of this contract, a $400 late cancellation fee shall be charged against the student’s account if the student continues to be enrolled.

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.

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).

Please visit this website for more information: https://www.valpo.edu/student-life/reslife/housing-forms/application-for-housing-policy-exemption/ 

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