Residency Requirement

Executive Level Division/Sponsor: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Student Affairs
Responsible Division/Department/Office: Dean of Students
Effective Date: 04-30-2026
Last Reviewed Date: 04-30-2026
Next Review Date: 07-31-2026

Policy Statement


All undergraduate students are expected to live on campus or receive an approved exemption for 6 academic year semesters.

All first-year students not living at home with a parent or legal guardian are required to live in one of the University residence halls. All sophomore and junior students (including those affiliated with a Greek organization) not living at home with a parent or legal guardian will be required to live in University housing or receive an exemption to live in defined and approved housing (i.e. chapter facility or study abroad accomodations).

Exemptions

Please refer to the exemption procedure.

Students may request an exemption from the On-Campus Residency Requirement if they meet any of the following criteria:

  • If they live with a parent, legal guardian, or legal relative in their permanent/primary residence within 45 miles of campus while attending Butler University.
  • If they enter with a minimum of 60 credit hours earned after completing high school at another accredited college or university that will be transferred and accepted by Butler University.
  • If they are participating in study abroad.
  • If they are 21 years of age or older before the beginning of their first semester at Butler University.
  • If they are married.
  • If they are the parent or guardian of a minor with whom they live.
  • If they are a veteran of active duty with the United States Armed Forces.

Definitions


Campus housing: residence halls or apartments owned and operated by Butler University

Approved Exemption: Any exemption approved in the related exemption procedure, including commuter approval, Chapter Housing Exemptions, Study Abroad approval, among other approved exemptions.


Policy Purpose


Living on campus advances the educational mission of Butler University by providing living and learning experiences that support a student’s holistic growth and development.


Policy Target Audience


Full time, undergraduate students


Procedures/Implementation


Refer to the exemption procedure for exemption review policies.