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Young Harris College believes living on campus is integral to the traditional college experience. As such, all full-time undergraduate students between the ages of 17 and 23 are required to live in campus housing. Continuing students over 23 may remain in housing up to 26 years of age without official approval. Incoming students over 23 years old may appeal to the Vice President of Student Development to reside on campus if they meet one of the criteria listed below with supporting documentation. The Housing Appeals Committee will review the information for a response. This policy is in place to ensure all students can fully engage in the college experience.
Criteria to appeal to live on campus:
- Continuing students who are 26 years old on the first day of either fall or spring semester class.
- Incoming or transfer students who were honorably discharged military, reserve, or National Guard aged 23-28.
- Incoming international students enrolled in the traditional college experience who are in the age range of 23-26.
Young Harris College does not provide married or family housing under any circumstances.
Any traditionally aged student (17-23 years of age) who meets one or more of the following criteria with supporting documentation may apply via the online housing system to be exempt from the residency requirement:
Criteria to appeal for commuter status:
- The student is 23 years of age or older on the first day of class in either fall or spring semester;
- The student has completed eight (8) semesters as a full-time student at YHC and earned 90 hours;
- The student has lived in College housing the equivalent of eight (8) fall and spring semesters and earned 90 hours;
- The student is enrolled in 11 or fewer course credit hours in either semester;
- The student is married, divorced, or has a dependent(s) for which the student has primary or joint custody or
- The student lives in the permanent, legal, and primary residence of a parent or guardian within a 45-minute drive or twenty-five miles of Young Harris College located in Young Harris, GA. Requests will be verified, and additional information may be requested. A second home or a vacation home does not qualify.
Young Harris College is interested in students being successful in their educational pursuits and recognizes that some situations may qualify for additional consideration that may require an exception to the policy. Any student who believes they have extenuating circumstances should indicate that they have a reason other than the ones listed above and respond to the questions on the Request to Commute form when prompted. The Housing Appeals will review the information and decide.
Examples of considerations for approval of extenuating circumstances:
- Home address
- Major
- Work responsibilities (hours per week, location of job)
- Family responsibilities (examples: care for family member, assist with family farm, etc.)
- Transportation
The Housing Appeals Committee consists of representatives from the following offices on campus:
- Director of Admissions
- Assistant Dean for Campus Life and Student Wellness
- Registrar
- Director of Financial Aid
- VP for Student Development
The above positions represent a wide variety of viewpoints for new and continuing students.
Housing agreements are binding for one academic year. However, if a student meets one of the exemptions to the residency requirement prior to the first day of classes during the spring semester, the student may appeal in writing to the Housing Appeals Committee to cancel and be released from their agreement for the spring semester.
Any student who meets one or more of the exemptions may apply to live on campus. However, because YHC must ensure sufficient space exists to house all students who are required to live on campus, the College reserves the right to house any student who meets one or more exemptions above only after all other students have been housed. Young Harris College does not offer campus housing for spouses, partners, or families of students. Students must be 17 years of age or older on the first day of class to be eligible to reside in Young Harris College housing.
Other requests for a housing exemption may be granted on rare occasions. An appeal must be submitted in writing though the online housing system and should explain the extenuating circumstances the student believes warrants consideration. The Housing Appeals Committee will review each appeal on a case-by-case basis.
All students must purchase a meal plan. All residential students must purchase an unlimited meal plan with the exception of Village residents who may choose between an unlimited meal plan or the 10-meal plan. Students approved to live off campus will be assigned a commuter meal plan but may choose among any of the residential plans or the upgraded commuter plan.
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