Residence Life
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS |
Students who do not live on campus can fall into one of two categories: "off campus" or "commuter."
* An off-campus student is a student who is not living with parents or family member, but is living in an off-campus facility (such as an apartment or house). These students must apply and be approved by the published deadline to have this housing option. (Please see full details in the Student Handbook)
* A commuter student (pending approval) is a student is living locally (within a 50 mile drive) and at least one of the following applies:
- The student is living locally with parents
- The student is living locally with family members (i.e. grandparents, aunts/uncles)
- The student is married
- The student is 22 or older
- The student is classified as independent status by the Office of Financial Aid and is living locally
If you meet any of the above criteria, your commuter status is valid for the academic year. You will need to notify the Office of Residence Life in writing and provide the following:
- Your local address
- The name and relationship of the person(s) with whom you reside
If you do not meet the above criteria, you will need to meet the on-campus residency requirement. Additionally, if your circumstances change, you must notify the Office of Residence Life and may be subject to meet the on-campus residency requirement.
*The cost of attendance used to calculate financial aid eligibility typically varies between these two categories. For the off-campus student, the same cost of attendance is used as for a student who is living in on-campus facilities (residence hall/apartments). Any questions about financial costs should be directed to the Messiah College Office of Financial Aid at (717) 691-6007 (ext. 6007 on campus), or by e-mail at finaid@messiah.edu.
How will living off-campus affect my financial aid?
In general, students living on and off campus are treated essentially the same for financial aid purposes. Room and board charges, whether on or off campus, can be paid for with financial aid. However, there are certain distinctions about which students need to be aware. Any questions about financial cost should be directed to the Messiah College Office of Financial Aid at (717) 691-6007 (ext. 6007 on campus), or by e-mail at finaid@messiah.edu.
Am I expected to follow the Community Covenant if I live off campus?
Yes; even if you chose to live off campus you are still part of the Messiah Community and are expected to abide by the Community Covenant and community expectations as outlined in the Student Handbook. Our hope is that members of the community will encourage each other to follow these important guidelines.
Can I park on campus?
Yes; you have the option to park on-campus. Please consult the Department of Safety for specific details and cost.
Where can I hang out between classes?
The obvious places are the library, the Falcon or in the Larsen Student Union. Currently there is a commuter lounge located in the basement of Hoffman. Lockers, vending machines, computers with e-mail access, a microwave, refrigerator and other amenities are available for your use there.
Once I am approved, do I have to apply to live off campus every year?
No; however, you are still accountable to uphold the College and local community standards. Failure to abide by the standards may result in your return to on-campus housing.
Can I ever lose my off campus approval?
There are two main ways you may lose your off-campus approval. The first is by moving back on to campus. If you do that you will need to go through the off campus application process again. You will not need to attend the off campus orientation again, but you will need to submit an applicaiton and a letter of support form you parents. The other way you could lose your off campus approval is if you are found responsible for breaking the Community Covenant or Messiah College guidelines.
Do I need to fill out the Off-Campus Housing Application if I want to be part of the Harrisburg Institute, Philadelphia Campus, or Special Interest Housing (satellites)?
No; there is a different process for the Harrisburg Housing and Philly Campus. This application is for people who plan to find there own housing that is not connected with Messiah College.
Will I have the same chapel requirements?
If you have no morning classes at all on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can apply for an exemption from chapel in the Office of College Ministries located in Hostetter Chapel.
updated 9/26/08
