First Year Live On Policy
Effective Fall 2012, University of Louisville students enrolled in college for the first time in the fall semester after high-school graduation must reside for two semesters in one of the following residence halls: Bettie Johnson Hall, Billy Minardi Hall, Center Hall, Community Park, Kurz Hall, Louisville Hall, Miller Hall, Threlkeld Hall, Unitas Tower, Well ness House, or West Hall. Students enrolled in college for the first time in the spring semester after high-school graduation must reside for one semester in one of the following residence halls: Bettie Johnson Hall, Billy Minardi Hall, Center Hall, Community Park, Kurz Hall, Louisville Hall, Miller Hall, Threlkeld Hall, Unitas Tower, Wellness House, or West Hall. Summer residence on campus does not count as a semester under this policy.
Why has this policy been implemented and why now?
- We have known for some time that students who live on campus were retained at a higher level but we have not had the facilities or services to support a greater on-campus population.
- The additional housing beds, enhanced food service, increased library hours and redesigned student space across campus have made it possible for us to house the additional influx of students.
Do other schools ask freshmen to stay on campus during their first year?
- Many schools across the country ask first year students to stay on campus because they realize living on campus help students be successful.
- Every state school in Kentucky requires first year students to stay on campus except for the University of Kentucky. Some Kentucky schools require students to live on campus for two years.
First Year Programming
- We have developed a yearlong comprehensive programming model to help students adjust to campus and to help them be successful.
- First year students will be encouraged to participate in the programs and activities around the following focus areas: financial planning, celebrating differences, academic support, campus resources, drug and alcohol awareness and community service.
Who can get an exemption?
Students who can demonstrate that they meet one of the following conditions may petition for an exemption from the policy: a) veteran of the U.S. Armed Services; b) 21 years of age or older; c) will reside with a custodial parent or guardian for the academic year; d) married; or e) custodial parent or guardian of a child. Students with other extenuating circumstances may also petition for a waiver.
Exemption Process
- The petition for an exemption is located at https://louisville.edu/housing/forms/firstyearexemption.html. Students will not be required to pay the application charge in the processes of requesting an exemption. Notice of exemption decisions will be sent within three weeks to the student's university e-mail account.
- The exemption requests will be evaluated by a committee of students, faculty and staff. Students may appeal the decision of the exemption committee to the Director of Housing.
Safety and Security Issues
Parents often raise concerns about campus safety. Although we cannot guarantee the safety of any student on campus, the Housing and Residence Life staff work closely with the university to ensure that a number of policies, programs and services are in place to increase the safety and security of residence hall students. Some of these initiatives include:
- Restricted visitation hours in the freshmen only halls
- Guest sign in and escort
- Exterior doors locked 24/7 and equipped with prop alarms
- Front desk staffed 24/7 to monitor building activity and enforce policies
- One Resident Assistant living on a floor for about every 35 students
- Floor and building staff is trained on safety and security issues as well as roommate mediation and knowledge of campus resources and referral options
- Educational programs provided in each hall related to campus safety and security
- Each room is equipped with an emergency notification device that provides students with information about campus disruptions and potential safety issues
- Each hall is equipped with a state of the art fire suppression and evacuation system connected directly to our campus police department and monitored 24/7
- University police provide a campus escort service, monitor a large bank of campus security cameras, and maintain continued campus police patrols in an effort to ensure the safety and security of our residents.
