Residence hall living is a new experience for most students and requires a certain amount of adjustment. If a student has made a fair adjustment to the hall environment, but is still unhappy; a change of hall, room, floor, or roommate may be an effective remedy. Residence hall staff are available to work with residents individually to find a solution if a specific issue continues to be a problem or concern.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls
Residence Hall Contract & Rates
2 Year Residency Policy
Can I request an exemption to the 2-year Residency Policy?
Yes, before the first day of classes:
Before the fall or spring semester that a student starts at UWRF, they may request an exemption for one of the reasons listed further below.
No, once classes have begun:
Exemption requests are no longer accepted once classes have begun for a student's start semester. For students who have a signed housing contract at that time, their contract is considered "active" and they are bound to the terms of the contract to live on campus (refer to the Housing Termination process here for information on options to terminate an active housing contract).
Common Situations and Reasons Exemption Requests Would Be Denied
Since students who live on campus are more likely to continue at UWRF and earn better grades than those who live off, there are limited reasons for which exemptions are approved. Below are some of the common reasons exemption requests are denied. PDF version >>
Unhappiness with residence hall life
Physical or mental health conditions where a reasonable accommodation can be provided
Even with documentation from a doctor or therapist, most conditions do not automatically exempt students from policy and contract obligations. Specific health-related conditions and needs must be outlined by a medical or mental health professional.
Through the accommodations process, students will identify and discuss the specific areas of concern and issues they are experiencing in the living environment. See DRC web page for more information on the accommodations process (uwrf.edu/DRC).
Disability where an accessible living environment can be provided
Residence Life works collaboratively with the Disability Resource Center (DRC), utilizing the Housing Accommodations process in order to meet students’ disability-related needs.
Through the accommodations process, students will identify and discuss the specific areas of concern and issues they are experiencing in the living environment. See DRC web page for more information on the accommodations process.
Financial difficulty
Lack of funds alone is not a basis for exemption or contract termination. Finances for the academic year should be considered before choosing to enroll at the University or activating the residence hall contract. Financial aid is available to those who qualify based on need, and Residence Life relies on the expertise of the Financial Aid Office to determine if a student has sufficient financial aid and other funding options to attend UWRF. Financial hardship means there has been a significant change in your financial situation that cannot be rectified.
Helping at home
Needing to be at home to help with a family business, take care of siblings or other family members, or take care of pets or other animals is not a reason for an exemption or contract termination. The student, along with their family, must explore alternative solutions to accommodate these needs.
Commuting/living with a relative
The choice to commute from the home of a parent or legal guardian must be made before activation of the residence hall contract. Students who are eligible to commute from the home of their parent or guardian must submit their request and be approved before the start of the academic year.
The commuter exemption does not allow for living with siblings, grandparents, other relatives, or a partner/significant other.
A contract termination will not be granted for a student who wants to become a commuter after the start of the academic year.
Emotional support animal
Pets are not allowed in the residence halls, but if a student has a documented need for an emotional support animal, they will need to go through the housing accommodation process. Students are encouraged to review materials available on the Ability Services website before starting the request process to ensure they qualify for an emotional support animal accommodation.
Submitting an Exemption Request
Below are the reasons an exemption request would be considered, and the documentation that must be submitted at the time you submit the online form.
| Reason | Required Documentation |
|---|---|
|
You will live with a parent or legal guardian and will commute daily from their residence which is within a driving distance of 30 miles of UWRF, according to Google Maps linked here |
Use the following UWRF address to calculate driving distance: |
|
You are a veteran with at least 2 years active military duty |
DD214 discharge papers |
|
You are married |
Copy of marriage certificate |
|
You are a parent |
Copy of your child’s birth certificate |
|
You have an extreme personal or financial hardship which would limit you from living on campus. |
Provide full details when submitting the exemption form below. You may be asked to provide additional details or documentation |
|
You are registered for 100% online classes and live with a parent or legal guardian |
Copy of your class schedule |
Exemption Request Process
- Use the below link to the Residency Policy Exemption Request Form to submit your exemption request and any required documentation before the first day of classes.
- You are required to attach the required documentation at the time you submit the online form.(see list below)
- Monitor your UWRF email for a response – this may be a decision or a request for additional information.
- Processing time for requests is typically 2-4 weeks, but may be longer depending upon the specific reason for the request.
CAUTION: No Guarantee of Approval
- Submission of an exemption form does not imply nor guarantee that the request will be approved.
- Students are cautioned to not make definitive arrangements such as signing a lease unless they have received written approval of their request.
Contact Us
Department of Residence Life
reslife@uwrf.edu
715-425-4555
M-F, 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
B3 East Hathorn Hall
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