OFF-CAMPUS
&
PARENT-COMMUTER POLICY
Hope College
Housing Policy
All degree-seeking students at Hope College will live in College-owned housing
unless granted permission to live off campus or to commute daily from their
parent's home. Degree-seeking students are those students who are pursuing
an academic
degree from Hope College. Students who are part-time (enrolled for 1-11 credits)
for both semesters of the 2009-2010 academic year, married (proof
required), 23 years of age by August 14, 2009, or have 75 credits by January
30, 2009 will
be exempt from this requirement, provided they follow the application procedure.
The College also reserves the right to deny off-campus applications submitted
by students who have been subject to College disciplinary actions.
Housing
Policy Rationale
Hope College is committed to providing students with a liberal arts education
within the context of the historic Christian faith. The College believes that
the residential component is an integral part of this education. Therefore,
most students should expect to live in College residential facilities for at
least their first three years of enrollment. This will enable students to realize
the maximum benefit of the faculty, their fellow students, and the offerings
of the College. As students interact in these settings, they will learn and
grow from the different values, life experiences, classes, activities and ideas
that are present in the Hope College community. Underclass students can benefit
from the leadership and role modeling of upperclass students, the wide range
of ideas, programs and activities which take place in the residence, and the
help they receive from members of the Residential Life staff. Upperclass students
can grow as they serve as role models, participate in activities geared to
their interests, and live in a variety of independent situations, all within
the context of the on-campus residential experience.
However,
Hope College recognizes the fact that some students wish to expand
their experiences beyond the confines of the campus. It is important
for any student wishing to live off-campus to understand his or her
rights as a tenant as well as responsibilities as a member of the
larger community.
Financial
Aid
Please be aware that living off-campus or commuting from home does affect some
financial aid packages. Please check with the Financial Aid Office to see if
this status will affect your package.
Off-Campus
and Parent-Commuter Application Procedure
If you meet the requirements listed on the application, complete the application
and submit it electronically by February 2, 2009. You will be notified by
February 6, 2009.
If you
do not meet these guidelines but still wish to apply for permission,
submit your application online by February 2, 2009 and include a
written rationale explaining your request. All exceptions to the
off-campus and parent-commuter policy are reviewed by a committee
representing the Dean of Students, Business, Financial Aid and Student
Development offices. If the committee does not grant your exception
request, you will have the opportunity to meet with the committee
in person.
Students
who are going to be in an off-campus study program during Fall 2009
and want to live off campus or commute from home when they return
need to apply by February 2, 2009 for permission for the second
semester which begins in January 2009. Off-campus and parent-commuter
permission
applications are reviewed once a year for students who are currently
enrolled at Hope College or one of Hope's affiliated programs. Permission
will not be granted at the end of Fall Semester 2009.
Questions
or concerns about off-campus permission should be directed to Dr.
John Jobson, Assistant
Dean of Students and Director of Residential Life and Housing
at x7800 or e-mail the Housing
Department.
