Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to live on campus?

Millikin University has a three-year residentiality requirement for full-time, undergraduate students. Freshman, sophomore, and junior students must live on campus. Students may live in University operated residence halls and apartments, Greek chapter houses, and the Woods at Millikin.

Is there any way to live off campus if I am not a senior?

Students wishing to live off-campus must meet one of the following criteria:

1. Be 22 years of age or older during the academic year
2. Be married (marriage license may be required)
3. Have dependents
4. Be of senior standing (88 credits or more and beginning 7th semester at Millikin) at the beginning of the term
5. Live within a 40 mile radius of campus and living with a close relative
6. Demonstrate significant financial hardship (defined as having exhausted all loan eligibility- verified through the Student Services Center)
7. Have a significant medical condition that warrants routine medical care that cannot be administered in University housing (ie. live-in care, medical documentation required).

Students who meet one of the above criteria may submit an off-campus petition. Off-Campus petitions are due no later than June 1^st. Petitions received after this date may be denied. Petitions must be fully completed, including a valid address of residence, in order to be considered.

What happens if I choose to live off-campus and do not qualify?

Students who do not meet the above criteria or who fail to submit an off-campus petition as directed, will be assessed an off-campus living fee. The off-campus living fee is equal to the average room rate in a given academic year. For the 2006-2007 academic year, the average room rate is $3900.

Why does Millikin require students to live on campus?

Millikin University is a residential institution. It is our philosophy and belief that residential living is a key to student success. We support research that indicates students graduate at a higher rate when they choose to live on campus. Part of what makes Millikin special is it's vibrant campus life, which is further enriched by our residential community.

Where do first-year students live?

First year students are housed in our more traditional residence halls. First-year students are more likely to be housed in Mills, Walker, Blackburn, and the New Halls. First-year students may also choose to apply to live in one of our Learning Communities which are housed in Hessler Hall.

What is a learning community?

A learning community is a residence hall or floor where students of common interest and criteria reside. The 2006-2007 Learning Communities are as follows:

Commitment to the Arts (CttA)

International Citizen

Academic ocus

Advocates for Change (Social Justice)

Hessler Hall is reserved for learning communities. Learning communities admit residents by application only and different criteria apply for each community. See the Learning Communities descriptions for more information.

Can I have a single room?

Millikin University has very few single rooms available. Most, if not all, single rooms are occupied by junior and senior students who receive preference for these accommodations. Certain students with medical documentation and who identify their need for a single room prior to the room selection date (March) may qualify for a single room.

My roommate hasn't shown up. Do I have a single room now?

That depends. The residence hall contract you signed when you agreed to your housing assignment stated that you live in a double occupancy room. Therefore, the University reserves the right to place a new roommate with you at any time. If your roommate has either left the University, moved to another room, or has never shown up at all, you have two options. You will receive a letter from the Office of Residence Life shortly after your roommate has left (or upon the 10^th day of classes). This letter will inform you that you have the option of either entering into consolidation or paying for a campus single option. Consolidation means that you are agreeing to have a new roommate placed with you or to move into another double occupancy room in which there is only one occupant. Paying for a campus single option requires you to sign a new contract and pay a higher rate to stay in your same room as a single occupant. Paying the campus single rate ensures that you will have a single room for the remainder of the semester.

I have a child, can I live in the Residence Halls?

While our traditional residence halls do not lend themselves to being the proper environment for children, Millikin does offer family housing for those students with dependents or spouses. Please contact the Office of Residence Life for more information.

I would like to room with my friend, can I choose to room with him/her?

Yes, you may choose the person with whom you would like to room with if both parties identify each other on their housing application. Once housing assignments have been made, students must wait until 10 days after the start of the academic semester before requesting a room change.

I do not like my roommate, why do I have to wait to move?

Students must wait for 10 days after the start of the academic semester to make any room changes. This allows the University to accurately account for the students living in the residence halls and give us the opportunity to make the proper arrangements for any address and phone changes. If you feel that you are living in an environment where you are in physical danger, please contact your RA or AC. We will be able to provide you with temporary housing until after the waiting period.

I have waited the ten days and I still want to move. What is the process?

After the formal waiting period, students may request a room change. Please contact your RA to begin the process. Your RA will assist you with any interpersonal conflict you may be having and encourage you to complete a roommate contract. You may be instructed to attempt to resolve the conflict. It is the philosophy of the Office of Residence Life to assist students in becoming responsible citizens. This includes assisting in difficult situations and encouraging students of different backgrounds and preferences to learn about one another. Requests for moving rooms are not always approved.

Both my roommate and I have friends that would like to switch places with us. Can we do this?

Yes, this process is called a "buddy switch". Any four students may negotiate to swap roommates. Once the decision has been made to complete a "buddy switch", the four students must make an appointment with their AC to complete the proper paperwork. The fine for moving without authorization is $100/student. "Buddy switches" must be completed between the end of the formal waiting period and week five of the semester.

What if I have a medical condition or disability?

If you have a documented medical condition or disability, please contact the Office of Residence Life prior to completing your housing application. Your housing application must be submitted along with proper documentation from your doctor in order to assist us in assigning you to the proper accommodations. If you are in need of special accommodations such as a single room, air conditioning, an ADA room, or housing on a ground floor, it is imperative that you submit your housing application prior to the deadline. After the housing application deadline, we cannot guarantee our ability to grant special requests.

How are room assignments determined?

If you are a new student to the University, you will submit a housing application. Housing applications are due May 1^st each year. Assignments are made in the order applications are received. We make all attempts to accommodate each student based on their preferences as indicated on their housing application, however, we can never guarantee that a student will get his/her first, second, or even third choice. If you are a returning student, you will need to participate in the room selection process that occurs in February and March each year. Upper-class students may choose to reside in their same residence or choose a new residence. New assignments for returning students are made on a first come, first served basis on the day of selection for a particular hall. Selection dates and times are determined in January of each year and are well publicized to students.

How are roommates assigned?

Most new students are randomly assigned roommates based upon a few criteria. It is very important that the student completes his or her own housing application that will assist us in assigning his/her roommate. Habits such as smoking, sleeping, studying, and housekeeping are the criteria on the housing application that we take into account when matching roommates. Even when these criteria are considered, a new resident may find that his/her roommate is from another country or speaks another language. The roommate may be of a different race, have a different lifestyle, or practice a different religion. Roommates may differ from eachother in any number of ways. Learning to live together successfully is an important part of the educational experience at Millikin. Room changes will not be made based upon difference in race, lifestyle, religion, ability, or creed.

How long are residence hall contracts?

Residence Hall contracts are legally binding for the full academic year, including both the fall and spring semesters. Residents who wish to be released from their housing contract prior to its completion must place their request in writing and provide all necessary documentation. Studying abroad, moving to off-campus housing or a Greek chapter, or making the decision to commute from home does not automatically terminate your contract. All contracts terminated without approval with remain in force and the student will be financially responsible for the remaining balance on the account.

What furnishings are already in the rooms?

Room furnishings differ from hall to hall, but all residence hall rooms include a desk, chair, extra long twin bed, and dresser or closet with drawers (per student). Please see the room layouts for more information.

How big are the rooms?

Room size differs depending on the hall, but most rooms are an average of 180 sq. feet (15x12). Please see the room layouts for more information.

What if I do not want the furniture in my room?

Unfortunately, residence hall furniture may not be removed for any room.  Students are held responsible for the inventory in their room upon arrival.

Can I bring my own furniture?

Students are not permitted to bring large furniture items into the residence halls. Lofts are expressly prohibited. Small items such as storage cubes, beanbag chairs, and rugs are acceptable. If you are unsure of whether or not you will be permitted to bring a certain item to campus, please contact the Office of Residence Life. Unapproved items will be confiscated.

What appliances are allowed in the halls?

The University supplies microfridges, which are dual microwave and refrigerator units, in many residence hall rooms. If you live in a room without a microfridge you may choose to rent one through the Office of Residence Life. Units may be rented for $80 a semester or $160 a year. Students may not bring microwaves to campus; however, each hall has a common kitchen students may utilize. Students may choose to bring small refrigerators to campus. Please see the list of approved items for more information.

Are students allowed to paint their rooms?

Students may request to paint their room with a University-approved color by obtaining a form from the Office of Residence Life. Paint and supplies will be provided by the University.

Is there a recycling program on campus?

Yes, there is a recycling program on campus sponsored by the Environmental Affairs Council. Many of the residence halls have recycling bins in the lobbies of the buildings.

What services are available to students living in the residence halls?

Although services vary by hall, offered services include lounges, kitchen facilities, laundry facilities, vending machines, and study areas.

Are the residence halls safe?

Yes, we believe that we provide a very safe environment for our students. All residence halls (with the exception of Aston Hall) are card swipe accessed which allows the University to monitor all individuals who enter the residence halls. Halls are locked 24 hours a day. Residence Hall staff is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These staff members do walk-throughs of each building twice or more each night to monitor any suspicious occurrences and to assist residents with questions or concerns. We do believe that safety is a shared concern. It is important for students to be aware of their surroundings and never allow someone to "tail" them into a hall. It is also important for students to lock their private rooms, especially while sleeping or away.

Are the halls open during breaks?

The residence halls remain open during most breaks. Our official closing period occurs over the winter break. Students are not permitted to stay on campus during that time. Students enrolled in Immersion or summer classes may be required to pay an additional charge to live on campus since these courses occur outside of the academic year.

* Please see the other areas of this packet for answers to additional questions you may have.