As stated under "Housing Requirements," West Virginia State University has a two year on-campus residency requirement for all out-of-state students starting their freshman year. Out-of-state transfer students must have lived a total of six semesters on an university campus to be exempted from living on campus. Students who live within the 50 (road) commuting miles do not have to apply for housing unless they desire to live within the residence halls. However, if you live within the 50 commuting miles and decide to stay on campus, then you must be exempted from living on campus if you decide to move off campus. Students must receive an exemption prior to moving off campus. If a student moves off campus prior to receiving an exemption, he/she will still be responsible for the room and board charges through the University.
It is important that when requesting an exemption that students pay close attention to the exemption deadline. Exemptions to this requirement must be requested in writing (on a Release Request Form obtained from the Residence Life Office or on the Residence Life website) and submitted by May 30th, 2022 for 2022-23 Fall Semester release, or November 30, 2022 for 2022 Spring Semester release. Release requests will not be accepted after these dates. A Release Request Form may be submitted to: The Office of Housing and Residence Life, West Virginia State University, Judge Damon J. Keith Scholars Hall, Institute, West Virginia 25112, or to reslife@wvstateu.edu.
Exemptions to this requirement may be granted to students under certain conditions. They are:
- Student commutes to campus from the principal residence of a parent or legal guardian living within 50 (road) commuting miles. The student must provide a birth certificate signed by one or both parents or legal documentation of guardianship, and a valid driver's license or current utility bill in the parent's/guardian's name to verify the address of his/her residence.
- Student is twenty-one years of age or older, having reached that age no later than the first day of classes for the applicable semester or having graduated from high school more than two years prior to the beginning of the semester.
- Student is married. A copy of the marriage certificate must be submitted as documentation.
- Student has custody of dependent children. A copy of the birth certificate(s) must be submitted as documentation.
- Student can demonstrate other acceptable extenuating circumstances and provide documentation to support the request for exemption.
Upon receipt, requests will be reviewed by the Director of Housing and Residence Life. A written determination will be mailed to the student. If the student's request is denied he/she will have ten (10) days in which to submit a written appeal to the Housing Review Committee as outlined in the denial letter.