Residential Education
Exemptions to the Live On Requirement
Union College is a residential institution and all students are required to live in on-campus housing unless they receive written notification from the Office of Residential Education & Housing releasing them from said requirement.
However, we know that there are circumstances that require certain students to live off-campus. Any student who falls into the category below and is considering living off campus as an upper-class student must apply for an exemption to the live-on requirement. Students with the following circumstances are invited to apply for an exemption to the Residency Requirement. Students may not apply for exemption as a response to not being granted senior off campus release.
Reapplication for 2024 - 2025 Commuters & Exemption Students
All current 2024-2025 commuters or students who were previously granted an exemption for the 2024-2025 academic year will automatically have the 2025-2026 exemption form added to their student's housing portal from January 5th, 2025 through January 31st, 2025. To maintain commuter or exemption status into the 2025-2026 academic year, these students must complete the exemption form by the above-stated deadline.
New Applications for 2025 - 2026 Academic Live-On Exemptions
If you believe one of the below exemption categories applies to your specific situation, and you would like to move forward with the application process for the first time please reach out to us directly at housing@union.edu. Returning students engaging in this process must complete the application by January 31st, 2025 to be considered for an exemption to the live-on requirement. Students are required to upload supporting documents of their intended housing location (parent/guardian's permanent address) or special situation information as outlined on the form. Upon final verification, your exemption status will be confirmed in writing by the Office of Residential Education & Housing. If verification is not obtained, you will expected to participate in the general room selection process. Students who fail to obtain a release through the Senior Off-Campus Release Lottery will not be eligible to apply for exemption based on special circumstances. Off-Campus status is not granted through the Office of Accommodative Services as a reasonable accommodation.
| TYPE | DEFINITION | CRITERIA |
| Commuter | Student whose permanent address is with their parent(s), or guardian(s) is within 30 miles of the Union College address (807 Union Street, Schenectady, NY 12308) |
Document that verifies parent/guardian's address: Utility Bill (electric, sewer, or water only) License or State Photo ID with local address |
| Married | Student who is either married or in a civil partnership | Government-issued certificate recognizing the partnership (ie. marriage license or domestic partnership certificate) |
| Dependent Children | Students who have dependent children that live with them at least 50% of the time. | Birth certificate, tax document with dependent claim |
| Disability | Students with disabilities which cannot be accommodated with the residence hall living environment. | Students must have registered with Accommodative Services and received an accommodation recommendation for an exemption to be considered. A student's condition must first meet the general eligibility criteria to request any accommodation as a student with an ADA-recognized impairment. In general, the Office of Accommodative Services does not offer exemptions to living on campus. This exemption is not independent from the Accommodative Services process and can't be used as a general application. |
| Veteran | Students who are veterans of the armed forces who are 20 years or older at initial enrollment | Any government-issued document verifying service. For example: certificate of release or discharge (DD-214), GI Bill® certificate of eligibility, etc. |
| Situational | At the sole discretion of The Office of Residential Education & Housing | Justification must be included in the application. Specific criteria on the exemption are at the sole discretion of the Office of Residential Education & Housing |