Dec 14, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Tuition, Fees, and Expenses


 


Student Account Services
(http://www.ulm.edu/controller/sas/)

Tuition and Fee Information

ULM students pay tuition per the number of semester hours scheduled, including courses taken for audit. Additional charges, such as laboratory, technology, and activity fees, housing, meals, and vehicle registration, will appear on the fee statement, if applicable. Any credits, such as scholarships and other types of financial aid, as well as prior tuition and fee payments, will also appear on the fee statement, ending with a net balance due. Payments may be made through Banner Self Service on the web at https://banner.ulm.edu/ or at La Capitol Federal Credit Union [#6 on Campus Map].

NOTE: Credit Card payments for current tuition and fees will no longer be accepted over the phone or at La Cap Credit Union. Please log on to your Banner Self Service account to pay online with a credit card.


EXPENSES

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors may adjust tuition, fees and costs for dining plans and housing at any time without providing notice to students.

 

Summer 2020 Fees 

*The University adjusted the Summer tuition schedule due to COVID-19. The Undergraduate rate is $400 per credit hour up to 12 hours. The Graduate and Professional rate is $500 per credit hour up to 9 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


Discretionary Expenses

WARHAWK EXPRESS. Warhawk Express is a convenient way for students to make school related purchases without the need to carry cash. Warhawk Express is accepted at on-campus dining locations and concession outlets, the University Bookstore, athletic events, University Library copiers, University Library fines, automated beverage and snack vending machines, laundry machines, and a growing list of off-campus merchants and other vendors.

WARHAWK EXPRESS is a pre-paid, stored value transaction program tied to the ULM ID card. Warhawk Express deposits can be made prior to the fee payment deadline or after the fee payment deadline, via Banner, the web-based student information and registration system or after the fee payment deadline at Student Account Services or La Capitol Federal Credit Union. Each time a purchase is made using the Warhawk Express card, the amount will be debited from the student’s Warhawk Express account and the remaining balance will be displayed at the register or on the receipt so the card-bearer will always know what their balance is.

Unlike Flex-Dollars for use only at any of Aramark’s retail dining facilities, Warhawk Express may be used anywhere Warhawk Express is accepted and balances carry over from semester to semester, as long as the student is enrolled. Cash withdrawals cannot be made from Warhawk Express accounts. All Warhawk Express refunds will be made at the end of the semester. Exceptions may be made for students who officially resign from the University. A $10 processing fee will be withheld from balances before a refund is processed. For reasons of security, Warhawk Express account cancellations must be made in person at the Warhawk ID Services Office in University Commons II, next to La Capitol Bank, on Northeast Drive. After the fee payment deadline, if a student wishes to add funds to their Warhawk Express account they may do so only if they do not owe a debt to the University. If a student awaiting financial aid wants to add funds to their Warhawk Express account and for any reason, a portion or all of the aid is not awarded, then the student’s Warhawk Express account will be frozen with funds no longer available until all debts are paid. Financial Aid proceeds will be applied to any outstanding balances and students will be charged for Warhawk Express monies used to this point.
 


Drop for Non-Payment Policy

All current and prior account balances must be paid in full by the fee deadline each semester or the student’s classes will be dropped (also housing assignments will be cancelled if applicable). Paid in full means the student’s account balance is zero or their memo and/or authorized aid is equal to or greater than their charges or the student has signed up for the University’s payment plan.
 


Other Expenses

BINDING FEE. Graduate students will pay the necessary fees to cover the costs of binding the thesis or dissertation through ProQuest.

DENTAL HYGIENE FEE. In addition to regular University fees, students in the Dental Hygiene program should expect to pay approximately $5,000 for textbooks, equipment, instruments, supplies and uniforms. Students will also be responsible for licensing examinations and fees at the national, regional and state level. The expenses are approximately $1,700.

FIELD TRIP FEES. Certain courses require trips away from the campus. Specific fees for these courses will be announced at the beginning of the semester or summer term.

LIBRARY FINES. Fines for failure to return ULM Library materials including books, study room keys, and Interlibrary Loan (ILL) materials are to be paid at the La Capital Federal Credit Union on Northeast Drive, University Commons II. A form which indicates the amount of the fine must be obtained from the ULM Library Circulation Department; this form will be taken to the credit union where the fine will be paid. A receipt will be issued to the payee which must be returned to the ULM Library Circulation Department at which time the fine will be removed.

NURSING FEE. In addition to the regular University fees, students entering the School of Nursing Professional Program should expect to pay approximately $4,050 for instruments, name badges, textbooks, uniforms, certification & testing fees. Students are also required to pay approximately $100 each year for malpractice insurance.

TEXTBOOKS. The ULM Bookstore, conveniently located in Sandel Hall, is your best resource for textbooks and other course materials, as well as, everything else you need to excel in the classroom - notebooks, computer software and accessories, binders, paper, pens, pencils, highlighters, markers, scantrons, blue books, and calculators.  We also carry test preparation and study guides, reference books, and course-related supplies. Online ordering is available at www.ulm.edu/bookstore.

TRAFFIC TICKETS. Fines for violations of the ULM Traffic and Parking Regulations are to be paid online through T2 ticketing system or at the La Capitol Federal Credit Union on Northeast Drive, University Commons II. For each citation not paid within ten calendar days after receiving the ticket (including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays), a one-time $5 administrative fee will be charged. Fines for violations are listed in the current ULM Traffic and Parking Regulations. Copies of these regulations are available at the University Police Department.

ULM CREDIT EXAMINATION. Students who take a credit examination pay a fee of $10 per semester hour. 
 


Other Registration Fees

APPLICATION FEE - A non-refundable application fee shall be assessed each person making application for admission or readmission to ULM. A subsequent application fee will be required when a student’s enrollment is interrupted for any reason requiring a new application to the University.

ADDITIONAL COURSE FEES - In certain courses, special services, supplies or equipment may be used. Costs for these are not normally covered by fees, tuition or departmental operating budgets and, therefore, the cost is incurred by the student. These additional charges are listed in each semester’s class schedule.

ELECTRONIC FEE - A student pays a $30 per credit hour fee for each distance learning course (internet, telecourse, etc.) in which he enrolls.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES FEE - All international students will be charged a fee of $200 per semester.

LATE REGISTRATION FEE - Any student registering after the close of the regular registration period will be charged an additional late registration fee of $100.

MILITARY SCIENCE ACTIVITY FEE - Textbooks, equipment, and military uniforms are furnished without deposit; however, each cadet is assessed a $10 non-refundable activity fee to support cadet activities.

VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEE - Each student who uses a motor vehicle on the campus must register the vehicle with the University Police Department at the time of enrollment. Students will pay a $100 yearly vehicle use fee during the Fall Semester.

GRADUATION APPLICATION FEE-  Fee applied to each student when student applies for graduation.  This fee is $40 and will be charged to Banner account.  This fee is charged each time student applies to graduate.

EXCESS WITHDRAWAL FEE – After 3 classes dropped with a “W”, a student will be charged $50 for each class dropped.


Payment Plan Option

All students qualify for our online payment plan. For fall and spring terms, your total tuition and fees can be split into four equal payments that will automatically be drafted from a checking/savings account or debit/credit card. Summer fee bills (Maymester, Summer 1, and Summer 2 terms) will be split into six equal payments that will automatically be deducted bi-weekly beginning May 18th. There is a $75.00 processing fee for this service. Returned payments will result in a $15 Returned Payment Fee. A charge of $30 will also be assessed for late payments. For more information please visit www.ulm.edu/controller/sas/.

NOTE: All fees stated in this section are subject to change without notice. All fees must be paid in full to finalize registration.

Students may pay fees at La Capitol Credit Union, located on Northeast Drive in University Commons II. For convenience, student fee payments may also be made on-line with a credit card, debit card or check.

TUITION - All students pay a general tuition based on total student credit hours of enrollment. Undergraduate students enrolled in more than six credit hours and graduate students enrolled in more than three credit hours and are classified as non-Louisiana residents under the regulations of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors will pay out-of-state tuition in addition to general tuition. Courses enrolled for audit will be charged tuition the same as courses for academic credit.

BOARD ASSESSED FEES - In addition to a general tuition based on total student credit hours of enrollment, a student will pay a Building use fee, Academic enhancement fee, Academic Excellence fee, University Facilities fee, and an Operational fee.

UNIVERSITY ASSESSED FEES - Based on the number of hours enrolled, this charge includes the Registration service fee, Activity Center fee, Institutional effectiveness fee, ID Validation fee, Medical service fee, Student Health Services, Student Union Operations fee, Recreational fee, Auxiliary maintenance fee, Technology fee, Facilities Enhancement fee, energy surcharge fee and Faculty Retention and Recruitment fee.

STUDENT ASSESSED FEES - Based on the number of hours enrolled, this charge includes support of the Student Government Association, Athletic Facilities fee, Student activity enhancement fee, Student support fee, Student success fee, Student Publications, Student Union Renovations and Campus Activities Board.

TECHNOLOGY FEE - The Student Technology Fee shall be five dollars ($5) per credit hour for up to 20 credit hours per semester. This fee is dedicated to the acquisition, installation, maintenance, and intelligent use of state-of-the-art technology solely for the purpose of supporting and enhancing student life and learning.

ID FEE -All students, faculty and staff are required to obtain a permanent ULM identification card. A non-refundable validation fee of $15.00 each semester will be charged. Students who resign from the University are expected to keep their ID cards for use upon returning. A $15 fee will be assessed for a replacement card.
 


Refund Policies

Tuition and Fees Resignation Refund Policy - Fall and Spring

A student who resigns from the University under the conditions listed below may receive a partial reduction of regular tuition, out-of-state tuition and student activity fees. 

  1. A 100% refund will be made when a student completes resignation on or before the last day of late registration (per University calendar dates).
  2. A 90% refund will be made when a student completes resignation after the last day of late registration (per University calendar dates) through the eighth (8th) day of classes in a regular semester.
  3. A 50% refund will be made when a student completes resignation during the period of the ninth (9th) day through the fourteenth (14th) day of classes in a regular semester.

Students registered in Part of Term courses, such as 1st and 2nd eight weeks, maymester and wintersession have until the “Last day to Add/Drop w/no W”  to drop with 100% refund. No other refund is applicable for these courses. Please refer to the Important Dates calendar for this date. 

Students resigning with disciplinary action pending or those suspended for disciplinary reasons are not eligible for refunds.

Students who drop a class but are not resigning from the University has until the “last day to add/drop w/no W” to receive 100% refund.  This is the only refund available.

Refunds will be applied to any existing indebtedness to the University prior to disbursement to a student.

Tuition and Fees Refund Policy – Summer

A student who drops from classes from any part of the Summer term will be given a 100% refund through the last day to drop/add with no “W” deadline. No further refunds for resignations are applicable. Students resigning with disciplinary action pending or those suspended for disciplinary reasons are not eligible for refunds.

Refunds will be applied to any existing indebtedness to the University prior to disbursement to a student.

Tuition and Fee Appeal Procedure

If a student would like to appeal tuition and fees for any given semester, they must write a letter to the attention of the Tuition and Fee Appeals Committee. This letter should include the reason for consideration (illness, medical emergency, etc.) and include any and all documentation that will help to better understand the student’s situation (medical documentation, etc.). Each appeal also must include a valid e-mail address and contact phone number.

The letter and supporting documents must be presented to Student Account Services in Coenen Hall. The letter can be faxed to (318) 342-3438. It can also be mailed to:

The University of Louisiana at Monroe
ATTN: Holly Whittington
700 University Ave.
Monroe, LA 71209

E-mail: whittington@ulm.edu

The committee is comprised of one representative from each of the following areas: Faculty, Financial Aid, Registrar, Student Account Services, and Student Affairs.

Students will be informed of the decision on the appeal by an e-mail sent to the address indicated on the appeal.


Return of Title IV Funds Policy

Students that receive Title IV Financial Aid will be subject to the Return of Title IV Funds Policy if the student withdraws before completing 60% of the semester in which the student was disbursed Title-IV Aid.

The Return of Title IV Funds calculates the student’s percentage of earned aid by using the following formula:

The pro-rata percentage of earned aid =number of calendar days attended /number of calendar days in the enrollment period.

The number of calendar days attended is calculated by counting from the first day of the semester to the students official withdrawal date. The number of calendar days in the semester is calculated by counting from the first calendar day of the semester/summer session to the last calendar day of the semester/summer session. Weekends and holidays (excluding Mardi Gras and Spring Break) are included in the number of calendar days.

Note: Those students who stop attending classes and do not officially resign from the University will also be subject to this policy. All professors involved will be contacted to verify the last date of class attendance.


Student Debt Information

Students indebted to the University will not be allowed to re-enter or receive an official transcript of scholastic work. A student may be dropped from University enrollment for non-payment of fees and/or other debts when due or when a check offered by the student in satisfaction of an obligation to the University is not honored by the bank on which it was drawn. The Controller’s Office will notify the student of the delinquency by mail or email. The student is responsible for informing the Registrar of any change of address from that given at registration.

Service and delinquent payment charges will be levied as follows:

Returned check service charge per check returned $15.00


Delinquent student debts and federal student loans are assigned to the ULM Collections Department. However, if it becomes necessary to refer debts to an outside collection agency, the debt will be turned over to the attorney general’s office and will incur additional fees payable by the student.


Veterans Administration Tuition and Fees Policy

The following individuals shall be charged a rate of tuition not to exceed the in-state rate for tuition and fees purposes:

  • A Veteran using educational assistance under either chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill – Active Duty Program) or chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill), of title 38, United States Code, who lives in Louisiana while attending a school located in Louisiana (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
  • Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Louisiana while attending a school located in Louisiana (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the transferor’s discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
  • Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so described must have enrolled in the school prior to the expiration of the three year period following discharge or release as described above and must be using educational benefits under either chapter 30 or chapter 33, of title 38, United States Code.
  • Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311(b)(9)) who lives in Louisiana while attending a school located in Louisiana (regardless of his/her formal State of residence).
  • Anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Louisiana while attending a school located in Louisiana (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty.
  • Anyone who qualifies for Military Tuition Assistance Program (TA). To comply with the Department of Defense policy of return of unearned funds, the University of Louisiana at Monroe will return a portion of the tuition the student did not earn when a student does not complete 60% of the semester. A prorated schedule will be used to determine the amount of unearned funds to be returned to the military service branch based on when the student stopped attending. If a student stops attending due to a military obligation, ULM will work with the student to identify a solution to avoid a debt for the returned portion.
  • The University of Louisiana at Monroe will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds because of the inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31 or 33.
  • Anyone who qualifies for Military Tuition Assistance Program (TA). To comply with the Department of Defense policy of return of Unearned funds, University of Louisiana at Monroe will return unearned funds for up to 60% at a prorated basis.  This prorated amount will be determined when the student stops attending and the resulting funds will be returned to the military service branch.  If a student stops attending due to a military obligation, ULM will work with student to identify a solution to avoid a debt for the returned portion.
  • The University of Louisiana at Monroe will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds because of the inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31 or 33.
  • The policy shall be read to be amended as necessary to be compliant with the requirements of 38 U.S.C. 3679(c) as amended.

 


Auxiliary Enterprises
(www.ulm.edu/auxiliary/)

ON-CAMPUS MEAL PLAN CONTRACT

All students living in on-campus housing and taking classes (WEB classes included) are required to contract for a meal plan. ON-CAMPUS MEAL PLAN CONTRACT 

Important: Students with apartment contracts for the academic year plus summer, and participating in internships, or clinical rotations are required to contract for a meal plan unless prior approval for an exemption is granted. Prior approval requests are due by May 20th and must be approved by the Executive Director of Auxiliary Enterprises.

 


 

Housing and Living Accommodations

Campus housing is under Auxiliary Enterprises www.ulm.edu/auxiliary/ and the Department of Residential Life www.ulm.edu/reslife/. First-time freshmen and new transfer students will receive necessary information to access the online Housing Application after they have been accepted to the University. Continuing students will have access to the online application during the room sign up period spring semester.

A $200 room reservation fee and a $100 prepayment of the Fall housing must accompany every housing application for first-time freshmen and new transfer students. Current residents, who re-apply for their housing, will pay a $100 room reservation fee and a $200 prepayment of their Fall housing.  The room reservation fee and the prepayment for the Fall housing must be paid each subsequent year prior to a student receiving an assignment.

Please Note: A second prepayment in the amount of $200.00 will be due on May 1st. This will be applied as a credit to your Fall 2015 fee bill. You will lose your priority assignment if this is not paid by May 1st. This second prepayment will be required of all first time freshmen, transfers, graduates and all current students living on campus.

Students residing in university housing must abide by all university policies and procedures, the Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the Student Handbook and the Guide to Residence Hall Living. Both documents are located on the Residential Life website at www.ulm.edu/reslife.

ULM has an established 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA requirements for all students living in on-campus housing.  All students residing in the following buildings, Madison Hall, Masur Hall, Ouachita Hall, University Commons I and University Commons II must maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA at all times.  Bayou Suites, the scholar’s hall, has a 3.3 cumulative GPA for continuing students and a 3.5 cumulative GPA requirement for first time freshmen.  The requirements for the Bayou Village Apartments are 2.3 cumulative GPA and 24 earned credit hours.

Available Housing

Bayou Village Apartments: The apartments are one-bedroom/one bath, two bedroom/two bath and four bedroom/two bath apartments. Each apartment is fully furnished including all kitchen appliances and a washer/dryer combination. Each apartment has its own HV/AC unit. The apartments do not close during the winter break.

There are two contract options for the four bedroom apartments:

  • The academic year which goes from August move-in to the end of the spring semester in May
  • The academic year plus summer which is August move in to summer II move out
  • The only option for the one and two-bedroom apartments is the academic year plus summer. (August to August).
     

Bayou Suites and University Commons II:  These are inside corridor buildings with two private bedrooms and a shared bath. Bayou Suites is a Scholars Hall with a required 3.3 cumulative GPA for returning students and a 3.5 cumulative GPA for first time freshmen. Each bedroom has a ceiling fan and each suite has an HV/AC unit that is controlled by the residents in the suite.

University Commons I: This building has double occupancy rooms with a shared bathroom. Each room has a ceiling fan, and individual HV/AC units. Each resident has their own closet with mirrored doors. There are laundry facilities throughout the building, a computer lab, and vending machines as well as community room for programming.

Madison (male only): These residence halls have double occupancy suite style rooms with a shared bathroom. Each room has individual HV/AC units. Madison is an exterior corridor building. There is a laundry facility, computer lab, vending machines, and a community room with a large screen TV centrally located for residents’ use.

Masur Hall: This residence hall is an all-female, exterior corridor building with double occupancy and private room suites and a shared bathroom. The HVAC system is a building-wide system that is either heat or A/C. Also on site is a community building that features a large screen TV, study areas, a computer lab, laundry facility, and vending machines.

Ouachita Hall (female only). This residence hall is an interior corridor building with card access. There are laundry facilities on all floors, computer lab on the first floor and vending machines are also located on the first floor. There is a community room with a large screen TV and a kitchen for the use of the residents.

ULM has minimum cumulative GPA requirements for all students living in on-campus housing. The following are the Residential Life academic requirements:

  • Continuing students must possess at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA to live on campus.
  • Commons I and Commons II require at least a 2.3 cumulative GPA.
  • Apartment Buildings 6 and 7 require a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
  • Bayou Village Suites and Apartment Building 5 are scholar halls requiring:
    1.  continuing students to possess at least a 3.3
    2.  first time freshmen scholars to possess at least a 3.5 high school GPA and ACT score of at least a 24.
     

CONTRACT TERMS:  The contract term for residence halls and suites is the academic year (August to May). There are two contract options for the four bedroom apartments:

  • The academic year which goes from August move-in to the end of the end of the spring semester in May
  • The academic year plus summer which is August move in to summer II move out

The only option for the one and two-bedroom apartments is the academic year plus summer. (August to August). Students living in the apartments cannot cancel their housing contract mid-year unless they withdraw from the university.

Building Access: Bayou Suites, University Commons, University Suites, Ouachita Hall, and Bayou Village Apartments are interior corridor, controlled access buildings. Students assigned to these buildings will use their ID cards to access the buildings and are issued keys to their individual rooms. Madison Hall and Masur Hall are exterior corridor buildings with key access to their rooms.

HALLS: DOUBLE OCCUPANCY PRIVATE ROOM CONTRACT PERIOD
Masur $1,341 $2,154 Per semester (Fall and Spring)
Madison $1,453 $2,403 Per semester (Fall and Spring)
Ouachita $1,453 $2,403 Per semester (Fall and Spring)
SUITES:      
University Commons (Double Occupancy) $2,141 N/A Per semester (Fall and Spring)
University Suites (Private Rooms) N/A $2,737 Per semester (Fall and Spring)
Bayou Suites (Private Rooms) N/A $2,737 Per semester (Fall and Spring)
APARTMENTS:      
4 Bedroom, 2 Bath   $2,995 Per semester (Fall and Spring)- Academic Year
4 Bedroom, 2 Bath   $3,195 Per semester (Fall and Spring)- Academic Plus Summer
2 Bedroom, 2 Bath   $3,648 Per semester (Fall and Spring)- Academic Plus Summer
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath   $4,318 Per semester (Fall and Spring)- Academic Plus Summer


Amenities

All of our rooms have HD digital television programming. All rooms have high-speed Internet connections as well as access to the wireless system. There may be times when the wireless signal drops or cannot be accessed; therefore, it is recommended that students use the Ethernet connection provided in each room when working on important assignments or online test. Ethernet cords and TV cable cords are not provided by Residential Life, the Internet provider or the Cable TV providers.

All utilities (water, electricity, HV/AC) are included in the price of the room. All residence halls and suites are furnished with a twin bed, desk, chair, and chest of drawers. The bed size in the apartments is a full size (double). Parking is available at the buildings for the residents. University Commons I, University Commons II and Ouachita have a controlled access parking area.

Mail is delivered to each building and the apartments. Packages sent by FedEx or UPS are delivered to the Residential Life Office in University Commons II and a representative will sign for the package and a notification will be sent to the resident’s ULM email address. When picking up a package, the student is required to have a University or official state picture identification before the package will be released.

Each floor has an RA who provides programs for the residents, keeps them informed about what is going on in the residence halls, apartments and other places on campus. They are “the go to” people.

Maintaining the buildings in optimum condition is important to us; therefore, a maintenance person is on call 24/7 to respond to any and all maintenance issues.
 


Graduate Student Housing

As a graduate student at ULM you are not limited in where you choose to live. You have multiple options ranging from traditional style residence halls, private bedroom suites or apartments. ULM has a total of three traditional style residence halls, one private bath/double occupancy building, two private bedroom/one bath suite style buildings and the Bayou Village apartment complex. For additional information please check our website at www.ulm.edu/reslife/
 


Housing Exemptions and Appeals

The University of Louisiana System Housing Policy, Section XX Parietal Rules states the following: “ALL UNMARRIED FULL-TIME UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO LIVE IN ON-CAMPUS RESIDENCE HALLS AS LONG AS SPACE IS AVAILABLE.”

In order to be fair and consistent in considering exemptions from the on-campus residency requirement, students who believe they meet the criteria for an allowable exemption should first contact the Office of Student Services located in the Student Center, Room 239, in person for correct information concerning appropriate procedure and documentation. Students seeking exemption from the requirement must complete and submit an Off-Campus Housing Request application packet obtained in the Office of Student Services. Applications must be submitted no later than May 1st for the Fall semester and November 15th for the Spring semester. Approval to live off campus must be granted from the Office of Student Services BEFORE the student makes any binding arrangements to live off campus. Students are cautioned about entering into binding contracts, leases or rental agreements before exemption decisions have been made. Mandatory housing, meals and associated fees may still be assessed if a student moves prior to approval. The University-endorsed allowable exemptions are:

  1. If the student will have earned 95 qualified hours prior to the beginning of the semester he/she is requesting to live off-campus.
  2. If the student’s permanent residence is in any of the exempt parishes: Bienville, Caldwell, Catahoula, East Carroll, Franklin, Jackson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Madison, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, Union, West Carroll, or Winn.
  3. If the student will be living in a primary (not apartment) with a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian, in any exempt parish. Notarized letters required from home owner and parent and copy of homestead exemption.
  4. If the student is going to be residing in the same apartment/house with a brother or sister that has previously been given an exemption to live off-campus.
  5. If the student is going to be living in property owned by you, the student, or your immediate family (parents, grandparents, brother, sister or legal guardian) in any exempt parish. A copy of the deed, bill of sale, or title must be submitted along with a current utility bill.
  6. If the student is married, divorced or has a child. (documentation required)
  7. If the student is classified as a veteran with at least 24 months active duty. (DD-214 Form must be submitted).
  8. If the student suffers from a severe medical condition. (documentation required) Note: Allergies are not generally considered to be a severe medical condition.
  9. If it appears the student will suffer significant financial hardship. Financial hardship is defined as extenuating circumstances that present a financial burden on a family; [ex. death of a primary provider, loss of employment (documentation required), natural disaster.] Living off-campus simply because it is less expensive or cheaper is not considered a “financial hardship”.
  10. If the student has been out of high school for at least four (4) years.
  11. If the student has an undergraduate degree or completed four (4) semesters at a Community/Junior College.

Students who have been denied an exemption for off-campus living by the Office of Student Services may appeal to the Housing Appeals Committee. Please note that decisions rendered by the Housing Appeals Committee will be final.