Residence Exemption & Housing Agreement
Saint Joseph’s University requires that all students live in University housing their first and second year. Research shows that students who live on campus have a higher graduation rate than those who live off-campus. The University believes that the residential living-learning experience is an integral element of student engagement and academic success. Some limited exemptions to this requirement are possible.
Students who fail or refuse to comply with the Residency Requirement and/or who furnish false information to a University official or office in connection with a request for exemption will be referred to the Community Standards Office and subject to the University disciplinary process.
Residence Exemption & Housing Agreement Release
The SJU Housing Agreement is binding for the full academic year. The Residency Requirement refers to the number of years in residence and not a student's academic credits completed. Students who are participating in study abroad programs or co-op/internships outside of a reasonable commuting radius may be released from the Housing Agreement for the semester of the program.
In cases of extraordinary financial or medical need, requests for exemptions to this requirement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. First- and second-year students who are granted an exemption must live with a parent or legal guardian.
Requests for an exemption must be submitted in writing to the Housing Review Committee, c/o the Office of Residence Life, with supporting documentation included. Written requests for a Residence Exemption or Agreement Release must be received by the following deadlines for consideration:
- April 1st: For release from fall semester housing
- December 1st: For release from spring semester housing
To submit a request, students must submit a Residency Exemption/Agreement Release Request Form. Within this form, students must provide a statement (1-5 paragraphs) detailing the reason(s) for requesting a release. Students may also upload additional documentation supporting their request.
Requests are forwarded to the Housing Review Committee which consists of members of the University community outside of the Office of Residence Life. The Housing Review Committee reviews each request and determines if the student is eligible to be released. Students granted a release may be charged a $650 Release Fee.
Students who are approved for a release after the start of a semester will be refunded based on the date of their approval and move-out timeline according to the University's Refund Schedule. Requests received after the 20% refund date will not be considered for the current semester, but may be reviewed for the future semester.