POL - 40.08.1 On-Campus Residency Requirement Policy

1. Purpose

As a residential campus committed to the education of the whole student, the residential experience is considered an integral part of a student’s education at North Carolina Central University. Research on student engagement shows that living on campus has a clear and profound impact on student persistence and engagement. Regardless of important factors like race, parental education, and finances, students who live on campus are more likely to engage in academic activities relative to their off-campus peers, and these activities in turn affect retention rates, academic engagement, and feelings of belonging to the university community.

2. Scope

2.1 This policy applies to all students admitted as a New First-Time Freshman, regardless of transfer credit standing. Spring and Summer term(s) are not applicable toward this requirement.

3.  Definitions

3.1 New First Time Freshman- A first-time in college student who has not attended a college or university since high school graduation. Any early college high school graduate who has not completed college courses after graduation from high school shall be considered a New First Time Freshman. 

4.  On-Campus Residency Requirement

4.1 Each undergraduate student who enters the University as a New First Time Freshman is  required to live in a university-operated residence hall for their first academic year (two semesters- Fall and Spring).

4.2 Applicability to Other Students.

4.2.1 Students who have fulfilled the first year on-campus residency requirement are not required to live in a University-operated residence hall.  New First Time Freshmen shall have priority in housing placement to Students who have completed their on-campus residency as outlined in Section 3 and Section 4.1.  

5.  Sophomore Priority Based on Availability

5.1 The University will review sophomore applications for housing placement and will do its best to prioritize sophomores after completing Section 4 requirements for Freshmen and based on available inventory. 

6.  Exemption to Policy

A student who is required to live in a University-operated residence hall may receive an exemption to the on-campus residency requirement in certain limited circumstances. If a student desires to receive an exemption to the on-campus residency requirement, he/she must submit a completed Exemption Application along with any supporting documentation via their myHousing portal.

6.1 An exemption from the on-campus residency requirement may be granted for the following reasons:

6.1.1  A student is twenty-one (21) years of age or older no later than the first day of classes. (A certified copy of the student's certificate of birth must be submitted as documentation.)

6.1.2  A student in a marriage legally recognized by the State of North Carolina. (A certified copy of the student's certificate of marriage must be submitted as documentation.)

6.1.3  A student has custody of his/her dependent children. (A certified copy of the dependent's certificate of birth or appropriate court order must be submitted as documentation.)

6.1.4  A student has completed at least two (2) years of active military service.. (Documentation must be provided to verify service.)

6.1.5  A student who resides and is commuting from the permanent residence of a parent or guardian within a 15-mile radius from campus. (Documentation must be provided for review and approval.)