Exemptions

The following exemptions allow students to qualify for Off-Campus status even without six semesters of residence.

Exemption Deadlines and Application Process

Student Type Deadline Application
  • Deadlines should be verified based on the current year's calendar for deadline dates.
  • Deadlines for Accommodations are set by the Office of Disability Services.
New Students
  • On or about June 15
  • Housing Registration Application
Transfer Students
  • Fall: On or about June 15
  • Spring: On or about December 1
  • Housing Registration Application
Continuing/Returning Students
  • Fall: On or about March 15
  • Spring: On or about December 1
  • Housing Registration Application
  • Return from Leave Application or Exemption Application (if currently enrolled)

Types of Exemptions

Age
Students who are 23 years or older by January 2 of the next year.
Documentation:
  • Copy of Birth Certificate
  • No documentation is required if birth date can be verified in Odyssey HMS.
Commuter
Students who live with their parents and commute from their parents' home within a fifty (50) mile radius of Oberlin and have a minimum of six (6) months established residency.
Documentation:
  • Mapquest of mileage from Oberlin College to permanent address and
  • Postmarked letter from parent stating students will be living and dining at home for the academic year and
  • Utility bills from permanent address for six months prior to date of request.
Marriage
Students married as husband and wife by legal commitments.
Documentation:
  • Copy of Marriage Certificate by August 15 of current year.
Domestic Partnership

Students in a same-gender/sex domestic partnership, i.e., that

  1. Share the necessities of life, live together and have an emotional commitment to each other of an indefinite length and would legally marry if there were no state prohibitions on same-gender/sex marriage;
  2. Are not married, are eighteen years or older, and are not related by blood closer than would bar marriage in the State of Ohio; and
  3. Are each other's sole domestic partner and are responsible for each other's common welfare.

Students are required to meet with the Assistant Director of Housing Administration prior to application for an exemption for domestic partnership.

Documentation:
  • Completed Domestic Partnership Affidavit packet.
Responsibility for Underage Dependent Children
Students who are the primary care-giver for an underage, dependent child defined as:
  1. the student's child or stepchild;
  2. having the same principal residence as the student;
  3. under the age of 18 or permanently and totally disabled; and
  4. unable to provide more than one-half of his/her own support.
Documentation:
  • Most recent year's complete income tax form listing children who were claimed as dependents by the student.
Part-time Student Status
Students enrolled for 5 credit hours or less.
No documentation is required as information can be verified in Banner. Exemption will not be granted until after the Add/Drop period at which time eligibility will be verified.
Accommodation
Students with a documented medical, disability, or psychological condition that requires an exemption from housing and/or dining requirements.
Documentation:
  • Letter of accommodation granted by the Office of Disability Services or
  • Letter of accommodation appeal granted by the Dean of Students.