First-Year Requirements
Living on campus is an essential part of the UMES experience; that’s why new and transfer students are required to live in University Housing their first year. Our primary goal is to see our Hawks succeed both academically and socially. Together, our professional and student staff work to foster a positive environment for all Hawk residents.
- All freshmen and transfer students are required to live on campus
- All entering first-time freshmen students are required to have a roommate during their first year at the University
- Students seeking exemption from the requirement to live on campus must complete the New Student Live On-Campus Exemption form
- Students should make an exemption request as soon as they are admitted to the university prior to completing the Housing Contract
Students may request an exemption from the live on-campus requirement based on the following criteria:
- Geographic location – First-year students who live at home with their parents, legal guardian, or an immediate family member in Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, Dorchester, Accomac, or Sussex counties. Family member must be a non-UMES student over the age of 21
- Age – First-year students who are 21 years of age or older before the first day of classes
- Married/Domestic Partner-First-year students who are married or have a domestic partner must submit a copy of their marriage certificate
- Military Veteran-First-year students who have completed military service. Student must submit a copy of their DD-214 discharge papers
- Dependents-First-year students with dependents. Student must submit a copy of the child’s birth certificate along with a copy of their most recent tax return listing the child(ren) as a dependent(s)
Note: The Office of Housing and Residence Life reserves the right to confirm any claim presented as the basis for a live on-campus exemption with other University offices. This includes but is not limited to financial hardship, acquired credit hours, student conduct record, residency, etc.
At the end of the first year of on-campus residence, students who are still under 29 credits may request a live on-campus exemption if each of the criterion is met:
- Achieved a 3.25 cumulative GPA or better
- No negative student conduct history
- Completed at least 28 credits of study at UMES (does not include transfer credits)
How early should I request a live on-campus exemption?
- Submit prior to completing the Housing Contract
- If a housing contract has already been submitted, the student must use the general Release from Housing process
Students not submitting the Live On-Campus Exemption form prior to completing the Housing Contract should be advised of the following:
- A $100 service charge will incur for exemptions approved after the 1st week of the 1st semester of enrollment
- Students will only be considered for a prorated refund if they submit the live on-campus exemption form and all required documentation within the first semester they are enrolled (a $100 service charge will be applied)
- Students who breach their housing contract and do not request the live on-campus exemption will be charged a $500 breach of contract fee
Housing Contract and Terms
Please note that the University Housing Contract is a full academic year agreement (fall and spring). Students residing in University traditional residence halls and the Student Apartments are required to participate in the University’s residential dining program (14 or 19 meal plan).
The $300 room reservation fee is non-refundable and is applied towards the room fee. Students who cancel their housing contract after June 30 will be subject to a $500 breach of contract fee that is applied to your student account. By signing the Housing Contract, the student (and his/her parents where applicable) agrees to accept and abide by all of the terms and conditions of the contract.
The summer and winter terms are not included in this contract.
