Commuter Students

Commuter Students

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King University Commuter Policy

(2025-26 King University Student Handbook, p.25)

King University’s mission is to prepare students in our Christian academic community to excel as thoughtful, resourceful, and responsible citizens with a passion of serving God, the Church, and the world. Our goal is to have most of what we do emanate from that mission. This Commuter Policy is not meant to be restrictive, rather it is meant to reflect our desire for students to be active and involved with our campus community, being both contributors to and receivers of its benefits. This is seen various places in Scripture (Eph.4:15-16, Heb.10:24-25, etc.) We believe, as studies have shown, that statistically being part of community helps with academic success and retention, helping students to thrive. Therefore, our goal is to provide opportunities for growth for the whole person, which involves an active academic life and student activities (ranging from social events to athletics to spiritual life to residential engagement to career services). For students to receive the full benefit of these opportunities requires a consistent presence on campus, not just for classes, but for events, activities, and more. It is to this end that King works to house all students in on campus housing. However, we do recognize that there are individuals who may, for various reasons, need an exemption to this policy and be allowed to live in off-campus housing. This may occur automatically or by petition, depending on the circumstances, as described below.

Automatic Exemptions:

  • Any student over the age of 23 years old, and in good academic and student conduct standing PRIOR to the first day of classes for the semester. (Students may not move off campus mid-semester.)
  • Students living with a parent or legal guardian within 30-miles (around a 45-minute drive) of King.
    • Students & Parents must submit a notarized copy of the Verification of Living with Parents form. This form must include a copy of the current driver’s license of both the student and the parent or legal guardian with whom the student will reside as well as a daytime telephone number where the parent or guardian can be reached. The license number and/or the Social Security number from the license may be omitted from the copy of the parent’s current driver’s license.
  • Significant Life Experiences/Responsibilities:
    • Full Time Military Service (Veterans with more than 120 consecutive days of military duty) /Honorably Discharged.
    • Legally Married/Previously Married (Documentation Required).
    • Have Legal Dependents (defined as living with the student, having custody and responsible for support) and has documentation demonstrating this responsibility.

Please Note: All students living at Home with a Parent or Guardian must renew their application for Commuter Status each year until they meet the eligibility requirements (i.e., Age, Marital Status, etc.). If Commuter status is not renewed, the student will be assessed room and board charges until the application is completed.

Reasons to Request an Exemption:

​There may be other situations in which an exemption to this policy may be approved. Requests for an exemption to this policy must be submitted to the Coordinator for Residence Life by filling out a Commuter Policy Exemption Request Form, which must state the reason for the request and provide a telephone number. Other documents may be required to verify need for the exception. All documentation must be submitted within 14 days of completing the commuter form. Please be aware that very few exemptions are granted. Students should not sign off-campus leases until approval to move off campus has been granted. The fact that a lease has been signed will not be a factor in determining whether an exemption to the policy will be granted. Students will be responsible for both the cost of on campus housing and the off-campus lease should the request to live off campus be denied.

Some reasonable requests for an exemption may include:

  • Documented Disability – In order to receive an exemption to this policy as an accommodation for a disability, the request must be approved through the King University Office of Learning & Disability Services. Please refer to the “Housing Accommodations” section, located in the Residence Life Policies of the Student Handbook for further information.
  • Living on campus for at least 6 semesters and in good academic standing.
  • 4th year students enrolled in 30+ hours/week of experiential learning such as nursing clinicals, student teaching, co-ops, field experience, etc.
  • Financial Hardship: Students must file a professional judgement form and meet with financial aid to meet university criteria. Once approved students will fill an exemption based on financial hardship form and submit to Residence Life.

The deadline for requesting an exemption to the Commuter Policy is March 31 for Fall Semester and October 31 for the Spring Semester. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Students not living with a parent or guardian who are approved for commuter status and meet eligibility requirements, do not have to re-apply each year.

Students are encouraged to consult with the Office of Financial Aid when considering applying for an exemption to the Commuter Policy. Becoming a commuter may impact a student’s financial aid package significantly. It should be noted that some program directors (i.e., coaches, theater, music, etc.) may have a more restrictive residency requirement for members of their team or program than the stated policy.

Exceptions: This policy does not apply to students that are classified as AGS. Exemptions approved under previous versions of this policy will not be affected.