Residential Housing Policy

Briar Cliff University believes that living on campus is a vital part of the college experience. The best college experience is one where the curriculum and the co-curriculum are seamlessly integrated. Given that the educational benefits of a residential education are many and well-documented, Briar Cliff University enforces the following residency policy in accordance with the Briar Cliff University Student Handbook:

“It is the policy of Briar Cliff University that all full-time undergraduate students are required to live in on-campus housing, and to be enrolled in an on-campus meal plan until a student has completed at least 91 credit hours (as determined by Registrar) prior to August 1 of the applicable academic year in which the exemption is requested. Note that on-campus residency and on-campus meal plans are for an entire academic year.”

Exceptions to this housing policy include:

1. Students living with their parents or legal guardians within commuting distance (40 miles) of campus. Proof of residence (and proof of guardianship, if applicable) must be submitted to the Assistant Dean of Student Development prior to August 1 of the applicable academic year. The address listed on the most recent tax return for the parents of the student (if claimed as a dependent for tax purposes) or the independent student will be the determining address for purpose of this policy.

2. Individuals establishing independent student status. In order to establish independent student status, a student must meet one (or more) of the following guidelines and provide proof of same:

is at least 23 years of age
is married
has children
is a veteran
achieves independent status in accordance with federal financial aid guidelines as verified by the Director of Financial Aid.

All Housing Exemption Request forms must be requested, submitted, and approved in writing by Residence Life prior to August 1 of the applicable academic year.

All exemptions must be approved PRIOR to moving off campus, students without signed approval past August 1st will be assigned housing and a meal plan for the upcoming academic year and be responsible for applicable charges.

We recommend that you DO NOT sign a lease for off-campus housing until your Housing Exemption Request has been approved in writing as set forth above. As with all requests, exemptions are carefully reviewed and can often be denied.

If you have further questions, don't hesitate to reach out.

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