REG 11.25.02 - Freshman and Sophomore Residency
About this Regulation
- Authority:
- Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
- Responsible Office:
- Director of Housing and Residence Life
- Date Established:
- 08-01-2011
- Last Revised:
- 11-25-2025
1. Introduction
1.1 On-campus student housing at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is designed to enhance a student's total education experience by utilizing housing as a unique learning environment. An integral and rewarding experience of housing and residence life is meeting new people who will become lifelong friends, having regular contact with faculty and administration, and having convenient access to numerous programs and facilities throughout the year. The department offers a variety of programs which enhance a student's intellectual, personal, and social development.
2. Freshman and Sophomore Residency Requirement
2.1 First-year freshman students at UNCP are required to reside on campus during their initial two academic years (Freshman and Sophomore years). Attendance during Maymester, summer sessions, programs at UNCP, or programs at other institutions do not apply toward the fulfillment of this requirement. For purposes of this requirement, a first-year freshman residential student is defined as:
2.1.1. any incoming student who will not be 21 years of age prior to August 1 (fall semester) or January 1 (spring semester) of the initial enrollment semester and who is registered for a course load of 6 credit hours or more; or
2.1.2. a first-year freshman who transfers to UNCP with fewer than 12 hours of credit and falling within the age and course load requirements listed above will be considered a first-year freshman.
2.2 a sophomore residential student is defined as:
2.2.1. any student having completed their initial first year (fall and spring academic semesters) living in on-campus housing; or
2.2.2. any transfer student having completed fewer than 24 credit hours.
2.3 AP college credit or dual enrollment credits do not apply toward the fulfillment of this requirement.
2.4 This requirement may be waived if the student is:
2.4.1. living at the permanent residence of their parent or guardian, within the state of North Carolina, and within a 40-mile radius of UNCP. The official map (with a starting address of 1 University Drive, Pembroke, NC 28372.) will be available and maintained on the Housing and Residence Life website. Final determinations and clarifications of map related questions will be decided by Housing and Residence Life utilizing the official map.
2.4.2. legally married;
2.4.3. a parent or guardian with legal custody of children;
2.4.4. 21 years of age prior to August 1 (fall semester) or January 1 (spring semester)
2.4.5. enrolled in a program that is only offered fully online;
2.4.6. a veteran; or
2.4.7. a student with a special need (documentation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis).
2.5 Financial hardship is not considered grounds for exemption.
2.6 A student requesting exemption must complete a Freshman and Sophomore Student Housing Residency Exemption Petition form, hereafter “Housing Residency Exemption Petition,” and submit electronically via the eRezLife portal.
2.7 A student requesting an exemption should submit the form by the deadline of July 31 for students beginning the fall semester and December 31 for students beginning in the spring semester.
2.8 For students who are admitted after the deadlines but before the start of the semester, exemption requests should be submitted within seven calendar days of admission.
2.9 The link to the electronic Housing Residency Exemption Petition form can be found on the housing website or students may email housing@uncp.edu to request the link be sent via email.
2.10 The Housing Residency Exemption Committee will render a decision based on the information provided by the student. The only issue to be considered is whether or not the individual's request fits the criteria listed above. Students whose petitions are denied may appeal to the director of housing and residence life after notification of the committee's decision. The decision of the director of housing and residence life is final and conclusive.
2.11 An exemption approval is in effect for the rest of the student's enrollment at the university. Students who are approved do not reapply for exemption. Students who are denied may re-apply for exemption in the following academic year.
2.12 First-year freshman and sophomore students who meet the residency requirement, but do not submit a housing agreement or are not approved to be exempt from the requirement will automatically be assigned on-campus housing. The student will be required to pay room and meal charges for the academic year to satisfy the first-year freshman and sophomore residency requirement.
Additional References