Residency Requirement
The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are committed to the Benedictine value of community living. By living in community, residents develop as socially conscious, collaborative leaders. They effectively navigate diverse, participatory environments of mutual respect and serve the needs of their community. Residents learn essential skills of how to care for their personal and shared environments. They also learn how to manage personal needs and expectations with community standards. The learning that takes place in this residential setting is an invaluable experience, and the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University requires that all full-time students live in college housing.
Exceptions to Residency Requirement
Exceptions to the residency requirement are reserved for students who request a qualified exemption due to meeting qualified exemption criteria, a documented disability, or due to a unique circumstance. Exemptions to the residency requirement are limited and considered on a case-by-case basis.
Qualified Exemption – General
Students who meet one or more of the following criteria may request a qualified exemption from the residency requirement:
- Students who are married or have dependent children living with them.
- Students who are over the age of 23 on the first day of fall semester or have attended 8 or more semesters as full-time college students.
- Part-time students, those enrolled for less than 12 credits for fall semester. This is intended for those graduating mid-year with fewer than 12 credits to complete or limited other unique circumstances.
- Non-degree-seeking students, including continuing education students and St. John's Prep School students.
- Students enrolled in post-baccalaureate programs.
- Students registered for a minimum of 8 credits for an internship, clinical/capstone, or student teaching more than 30 miles from campus during the fall semester. Students must be able to provide documentation of the internship/capstone/student teaching at the time of request if based upon these criteria.
- Students with military service veteran status.
To request a qualified exemption from the residency requirement due to meeting one or more of the above criteria, please complete the Residency Requirement Exemption Form.
Qualified Exemption - Disability
CSB and SJU are committed to providing reasonable on-campus housing accommodations to students. CSB and SJU offer various flexible housing options that can accommodate a broad range of access-related needs. Students seeking a qualified exemption due to a disability, including mental health conditions, may contact Student Accessibility Services directly or complete the Residency Requirement Exemption Form.
Qualified Exemption - Unique Circumstance
Students who do not meet the criteria above may request a qualified exemption due to a unique and/or significant circumstance. Submitting a request does not guarantee that a student will receive an exemption.
- Students must demonstrate unique and/or significant extenuating circumstance(s) that can be documented and would merit consideration for an exemption.
- In their request, students will need to demonstrate a clear plan for how they will remain an involved and active member of the community.
- In their request, students need to demonstrate a clear plan for housing.
- Requests based on the inability to select desired housing in the room selection process or to obtain an exemption to live in rental housing off campus will not be reviewed.
- Be aware that any exemption offered will likely result in a reduction in financial aid. Any questions about this should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid prior to seeking an exemption.
To request a qualified exemption from the residency requirement due to a unique circumstance, please complete the Residency Requirement Exemption Form.
EXEMPTION DENIAL APPEAL PROCESS
Students whose requests for exemption are not granted have the right to file a written appeal of the decision within five (5) business days of receipt of notification of the outcome of their request. A student may appeal the initial determination and request further consideration for any of the following conditions:
- Alleged procedural errors which substantially affected the review of the request
- Introduction of new information that would likely affect the decision