EIU Office of Internal Auditing

#94 - Student Housing

Approved: March 7, 2011

Nomenclature changes: July 24, 2024

Monitor: Vice President for Student Affairs

The University student housing program is based on the concept that there is a relationship between the student's living environment and the achievement of educational goals as well as the development of personal and social maturity.

Student housing consists of traditional residence halls, University Court, Greek Court/Affinity Housing, and University Apartments. Residence halls provide living accommodations for single students in a group living environment. University Court provides traditional single student living accommodations in an apartment environment. Greek Court/Affinity Housing is available to provide single student living accommodations for groups of students or members of recognized Greek Letter organizations after their first year on campus. University Apartments provides living accommodations for married couples, graduate students, non-traditional students, individuals with dependent children, parties to civil unions as defined by Public Act 096-1513 and faculty, civil service, and academic/professional staff who are full time employees of the University.

Occupancy in Student Housing requires concurrent enrollment in the University. An application for University housing shall be submitted to the Student Housing Office. Application for admission to the University does not constitute an application for housing. All terms concerning application fees and down payments are outlined in the Housing Contract. 

RESIDENCE HALLS

Residence halls provide living accommodations for single students in a group living environment.

Residency Requirement

Until available residence hall space is exhausted, all University students are required to live in University residence halls for the first two years after high school graduation. This includes transfer students (under the age of 20 as of the first day of enrollment) with less than 48 credit hours earned after high school graduation. Dual credit courses do not count towards this number.

An exception to this policy will be granted to students upon proof of any one of the following circumstances.

1.    Students who are married or a party to a civil union. A certified copy of the marriage license or civil union certificate is required.

2. Students who are twenty-one years of age or older prior to the beginning of the academic year for which enrollment is sought. Proof of age to be provided through University records or certified copy of birth certificate. Students will not be released from a contract if they turn 21 during the term of the academic year contract.
3. Students who live at home with their parents/legal guardian within a fifty-mile radius of Charleston. A notarized statement signed by the parents/legal guardian and student is required.
4. Students who, by reason of medical or psychological necessity, require special housing that cannot be accommodated on campus. For medical or psychological issues, the Executive Director for EIU Health & Counseling Services need to provide the appropriate verification.
5. EIU students are not required to live on campus during summer sessions.

If a student feels they meet an exception above, they will need to complete the Residency Exemption Request Form.

Occupancy

Terms of occupancy are outlined in the Housing Contract.

Sanctions imposed by the University for violations of the Student Conduct Code may result in expulsion from or restrictions in campus housing.

Residence halls are officially closed between semesters and during vacations lasting more than one day and during weekends that may precede or follow such closed periods without intervening days of school. Some halls may be designated to be open during University breaks and an additional rental charge will be assessed for those requesting this service.

Assignment

Residence hall assignments are granted on a priority basis. Space is assigned after the application is completed according to the date the application fee is received in the Cashier's Office. Assignments are made primarily on the basis of the date of application.

Charges

Failure to make the payments according to the terms of the contract could result in cancellation of the contract and financial penalties as outlined in the Housing Contract. 

The University reserves the right to increase residence hall charges, if necessary, during an academic year, with the understanding that at least forty-five days’ notice will be given.

Occupancy charges are made on a semester basis and are payable in accordance with the Housing Contract. Occupancy charges may be refundable in accordance with the terms outlined in the Housing Contract.

GREEK COURT/AFFINITY HOUSING

Greek Court/Affinity Housing is available to provide single student living accommodations for groups of students or members of recognized Greek Letter organizations after their first year on campus. Application and refund terms for this area follow the Residence Hall policies above. Room assignments are made in conjunction with the respective group. Groups must meet minimum occupancy requirements to retain the space.

UNIVERSITY COURT

University Court provides traditional single student living accommodations in an apartment environment for students out of high school for 2 years or at least 21 years of age. University Court consists of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and studio apartments. Assignments are made primarily on a first come – first served basis.

Failure to make the payments according to the terms of the contract could result in cancellation of the contract and financial penalties as outlined in the Housing Contract. 

The University reserves the right to increase apartment charges, if necessary, during an academic year, with the understanding that at least forty-five days’ notice will be given.

Occupancy charges are made on a semester basis and are payable in accordance with the Housing Contract. Occupancy charges may be refundable in accordance with the terms outlined in the Housing Contract.

UNIVERSITY APARTMENTS

The University Apartments are designed to provide living facilities for students with families, individuals with dependent children, married couples, parties to civil unions, non-traditional students, single graduate students or full-time employees of the University. All occupants are subject to institutional behavioral standards as contained in the Student Conduct Code and applicable University regulations. Student occupants are responsible for the behavior of their non-student spouses, children, civil union parties, and guests.

Eligibility

In order to be eligible to live in University Apartments, at least one occupant must be a current student at the University. Applications from students who are single parents will be considered only if the child or children will be living with him/her in University Apartments.

1. Proof of eligibility must be provided as follows, prior to housing assignment:
   a. A certified copy of the marriage license or civil union certificate is required. A minister's copy or any reproduction of a marriage certificate without the appropriate seal will not be acceptable.
   b. For a single parent, a certified copy of each child's birth certificate or certified proof of legal guardianship is required.
2. When all eligible applicants who are married couples, individuals with dependent children, parties to civil unions, non-traditional students, single graduate students, or full-time employees of the University have been assigned, consideration will be given to single undergraduate students who have completed a minimum of 90 semester hours.

Assignment and Financial Terms

Assignments are made primarily on the basis of the date of application. Priority is given in the following order:

1. students with dependent children,
2. married couples/parties to civil unions,
3. single graduate students,
4. non-traditional students 25 years and older,
5. faculty, civil service, and academic/professional staff who are full time employees of the University,
6. single undergraduate students who have completed a minimum of 90 semester hours.

Failure to make the payments according to the terms of the contract could result in cancellation of the contract and financial penalties as outlined in the Housing Contract. 

The University reserves the right to increase apartment charges, if necessary, during an academic year, with the understanding that at least forty-five days’ notice will be given.

Occupancy charges are made on a semester basis and are payable in accordance with the Housing Contract. Occupancy charges may be refundable in accordance with the terms outlined in the Housing Contract.