Approved by: The President
History: Issued             -- August 2004
Revised           -- November 12, 2021
Last Reviewed -- November 12, 2021
Related Policies: Non-Discrimination Policy; Refund of Student Charges Policy; University Supplied Housing Policy
Additional References: Office of Housing Services
Responsible Official: Director of Housing Services, tel. (202) 319-5615

 

I. Housing Eligibility

 

Generally, in order to live in on-campus housing, individuals must be University degree-seeking undergraduate students who have full-time status with the University. University standards for full-time status are outlined in the Academic Announcements publications. A student whose course load falls below full-time status should petition the Office of Housing Services for permission to remain a residential student. Other exceptions may be granted on a space-available basis.

II. Residency Requirement

 

The Catholic University of America requires that all full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students live in on-campus housing – to the extent that housing is available – for the first six semesters of enrollment (to include fall and spring semesters only). Considerations will be made for students who reside with a parent or legal guardian within 20 miles of campus, are 23 years of age or older, are completing a University-sponsored study abroad program during a fall or spring semester, and transfer students who have complete residency at a previous institution.

Students subject to the on-campus residency requirement who do not qualify for one of the considerations above may seek an exemption to the residency requirement by submitting a request to the Office of Housing Services documenting the reason(s) for the exemption by the deadline publicized by Housing Services. Students already contracted for housing who are approved for an exemption will be subject to the terms and conditions of the Cancellation of Housing policy. Students who reside off-campus without meeting one or more of the aforementioned exemptions and receiving the appropriate approval may be held responsible for all room and board costs for the semesters in which they are enrolled without such an approval.

III. On-Campus Housing for Seniors

 

During the spring semester, a lottery is conducted whereby interested students who will be seniors in the next academic year may select housing from available rooms for the next academic year. The Office of Housing Services also offers guidance and support to senior undergraduate students seeking off-campus residences.

IV. On-Campus Housing for Graduate and Non-Traditional Students

 

On-campus housing generally is not available for graduate or non-traditional students (defined below), but may be provided on a case-by-case basis upon request of the student and subject to the availability of suitable housing as determined by the University. The Office of Housing Services also offers guidance and support to graduate and non-traditional students seeking off-campus residence.

Non-Traditional Students mean individuals whose particular circumstances do not fall within the usual demographic of the typical or traditional undergraduate student. The determination of whether a student is non-traditional is made on a case-by-case basis by the Office of Housing Services considering a number of factors and characteristics together, such as but not limited to:

  • Delayed enrollment (i.e., the student does not enter postsecondary education in the same calendar year that he/she finished high school);
  • Part-time status for at least part of the academic year;
  • Financial independence for purposes of determining eligibility for financial aid;
  • Having dependents other than a spouse;
  • Being a single parent (either not married or married but separated and has dependents);
  • Not having a high school diploma (completed high school with a GED or other high school completion certificate or did not finish high school); and
  • Military veteran status.