Residential Life Housing Policy Philosophy
Questions about this policy may be directed to Dr. John Jobson, Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life and Housing and Dee Campanella, Assistant Director of Residential Life and Housing, 616-395-7800

Housing Policy

The Hope College vision statement includes a commitment to the residential nature of the college experience. All students live on-campus for three academic years. The College understands the need for independence in preparation for life after graduation and, therefore, has created living opportunities in cottages and downtown apartments, as well as allowing senior students to live off -campus. Degree-seeking students are those students who are pursuing an academic degree from Hope College. Students who are part-time status may request on-campus housing.

All degree-seeking students at Hope College will live in college-owned housing unless granted annual permission to live off -campus or to commute daily from their parent’s home.

Degree-seeking students who are married will be exempt from this requirement provided they follow the application procedure. Proof of marriage will be required. Exceptions to the Housing Policy may be granted to students who have earned 75 credits by January 31, 2013 prior to the academic year for which the exception is sought or those students who will be 23 years of age or older at the start of the academic year for which the exception is sought. (Note: The College reserves the right to alter the minimum number of credits required for the exception; changes will be publicized in a timely manner.) Exceptions also may be granted for extreme medical or psychological reasons. Documentation from qualified medical and/or mental health professionals will be required.

Food Service/Board Policies
Students living in campus residence halls are required to have a meal plan with the College Food Service. Students living in off -campus residences or in College operated apartments and cottages may choose to have no meal plan. The Cook Hall dining area is generally reserved for upper-class students living in Cook Hall, cottages, or those with special permission. An appropriate sticker is required to dine at Cook Hall. Returning students may change their meal plan only during the first week of classes of fall and spring semesters. Freshmen and new students may change their meal plan only during the first two weeks of fall semester and first week of spring semester.

If a student wishes to cancel a meal plan or change the number of meals other than during the designated periods, he/she may pick up an appeal from in the Dining Service Office, Phelps Hall. This appeal will be reviewed by the Director of Dining Services and the Dean of Students.