INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXEMPTION PROCESS
1. The Residency Requirement reads: “All single first- and second-year students, regardless of academic classification,
are required to live in residence halls. Exceptions are made for students residing with a parent or legal guardian
within a 30-mile radius of campus, students who are at least 21 years of age or those who have been out of high
school for two full years or longer.”
The exemption process exists ONLY for those students who have extenuating circumstances which occur that prohibit them
from residing in the halls. Therefore, your rationale detail specifically what occurred after accepting your admission to
Marquette University and signing the housing agreement that now prohibits you from living in a residence hall.
Requests to reside in other off-campus accommodations due to personal preferences related to housing assignments will not be
considered as a reason for exemption from the requirement to live in the residence halls. Requests must show extenuating
situations rather than personal preference.
2. To request a release or exemption please complete all applicable sections of the application. You must also provide appropriate
documentation to substantiate your request for exemption. For example:
A. Commuter students – must provide a letter from a parent or legal guardian acknowledging that you will be
residing with them for the duration of the academic year at their local, permanent address (please note: a legal
guardian is defined as someone who can legally claim you as a dependent in the absence of a parent).
B. Transfer or Withdrawal from the University – must provide documentation from Academic Dean.
C. Internship/CO-OP/Study Abroad/Les Aspin students – must provide proof of acceptance into the program.
D. Married – must provide a copy of a state or county-issued marriage certificate and a copy of financial
documentation dated within the last 6 months establishing current relationship status.
E. Dependent Children – must provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate, naming you as the child’s parent, or
appropriate court order/adoption decree naming you as the child’s legal guardian.
3. If you are applying for exemption due to financial hardships: prior to submitting your exemption, you must meet with
one of Marquette’s financial aid representatives and complete the Financial Aid Information section of the application
(regardless of whether financial aid is received) substantiating your financial hardship. In addition, you must submit
documentation that demonstrates a significant change in your financial situation. Please note that changes involving financial
arrangements between family members will not be considered reason for exemption.
4. If you are applying for exemption due to medical reasons: documentation detailing your condition and why that
condition necessitates an exemption must be provided by a medical professional.
5. Once your exemption request is received it will be reviewed by administrative staff in the office of Residence Life, who will
determine whether you do not qualify for a release/exemption based on the conditions of the university residency requirement.
You will receive notification within five business days as to whether your request has been approved or referred to an appeals
committee for review.
6. The appeals committee consists of university representatives from various departments (e.g. University Apartments and Off-
Campus Student Services, Marquette Central, Financial Aid and Dining Services) and other may be consulted depending on the
nature of the request. The appeals committee meets regularly once a month as well as ad-hoc meetings as needed. The
appeal is reviewed based on the written documentation submitted with the application, however a personal interview may be
requested in certain situations. You will receive notification from the appeals committee chair within five business days as to
whether your request has been approved or denied. This decision is final.
7. If you are released from the residency requirement after the start of the academic year: you must officially check out
of the residence halls by the date specified in your release letter. Your residence hall and meal plan fees will be altered as of
the date you check out the residence hall based on the university’s refund schedule. We will also notify the Financial Aid office
of your off-campus status. Please note that your financial assistance package may change as a result of your off-campus
status.
8. Please note that if you are planning on returning to Marquette University for on campus housing, it is not guaranteed that you
will be placed in the same housing space for which you are requesting exemption.
General Information Regarding Financial Obligations of Agreements
1. Students remain responsible for the financial obligation of the housing agreement until they have been officially exempted from
the assignment and have vacated their assigned room
2. Applicants who move out of the residence halls without obtaining a written exemption may not receive any refund of room and
board fees and may be liable for all charges.
3. Refunds are based on the date a resident officially vacates the residence hall. Turning in keys and/or not utilizing the available
services (i.e. room, meal plan) prior to the date of written exemption will not affect the amount of the refund.
4. The attached form should be thoroughly completed before submission. Delays in reaching a decision on the request due to
incomplete forms or information will affect the amount of refund (if exemption is granted) or result in a denial of the request.
5. It is recommended that students not make alternative housing arrangements until a decision regarding the request has been
conveyed in writing. This will avoid legal/financial problems caused by securing two housing commitments.
6. If you have any questions regarding the process please contact Residence Life at 414-288-7208 or ORL@marquette.edu.
