Residential Living Policies & Procedures

Residential facilities operated by the University are available at the Hawk Hill and University City locations. The policies described below are applicable in these residential facilities.

The development of a successful residential community depends on all members working to make the community a pleasant, fair and enjoyable place to live. To ensure an environment that supports a diverse community of students, the Office of Residence Life has developed policies, procedures and expectations governing residential living at Saint Joseph’s University. While some of these policies are also included in the Saint Joseph’s University Student Handbook, this document serves as a comprehensive review of residential policies, expectations and procedures. 

Residential students are responsible for familiarizing themselves with these expectations, and students in violation of these policies, procedures and regulations may be subject to residential fines and/or disciplinary action through the Community Standards process. Questions concerning these policies and expectations should be directed to any member of the Residence Life staff. These policies may be amended during the course of the academic year as needed, and students will be notified of any additional changes. 

View Residential Living Policies & Procedures in the Student Handbook

FIRST AND SECOND YEAR RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

Residential living is a valuable part of a student’s social and educational experience; therefore, first- and second-year students enrolled in academic programs at Hawk Hill and University City locations are required to live in University housing, unless commuting from their parent's/guardian's local permanent address. In cases of extraordinary financial or medical need, requests for exemptions to this requirement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Students granted an exemption must live with a parent or legal guardian. Requests for an exemption must be submitted in writing to the Housing Review Committee, c/o the Office of Residence Life, with included supporting documentation. Written requests for an exemption must be received no later than April 1, prior to the start of the fall semester. Requests for the spring semester must be received no later than December 1. Late requests will only be reviewed in extraordinary circumstances.

CANCELLATION OF A HOUSING AGREEMENT

If a student has already signed a housing agreement and later finds themselves in a situation that requires it to be considered for cancellation, the student should submit their request, in writing, to the Housing Review Committee c/o the Office of Residence Life. Written requests for an agreement release must be received no later than April 1, prior to the start of the fall semester. Requests for an agreement release for the spring semester must be received no later than December 1. Late requests will only be reviewed in extraordinary circumstances. Students granted a release may be charged a $650 Release Fee. The University reserves the right to cancel a housing agreement and remove a student from residence for failure to meet financial obligations to the University. 

Release Request Process for Residency Requirement and Housing Agreement