First-Year Experience Live-On Policy

Live-On Policy

Oregon State University - Cascades is committed to advancing the education, well-being, health, and safety of all our students, and one way we have chosen to do this is through fostering participation in an on-campus living and learning program. Irrespective of religion, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, gender, ability, perspectives, or backgrounds, we believe our students benefit from interaction with other students, as well as the academic and social support services offered by residential education programs and staff. OSU-Cascades believes that the first-year live-on requirement is essential to supporting students’ transition to the university and success in their academic progress. 

Students who meet the requirement for the live-on policy must comply with this process at any time during the academic year they begin their studies at OSU. Students beginning their studies in the fall term are obligated for fall, winter, and spring terms. In contrast, students beginning their studies in the spring term are obligated to this policy only for the spring term.

While participation in the FYE, including the residency component, is an integral part of each first-year students’ education, OSU recognizes that exceptions to the residency requirement may be appropriate in certain circumstances.

Oregon State University - Cascades is planning to continue traditional on-site and in-person activities for academic year 2023-2024. Students who have a personal COVID-19 medical concern may request an exemption. These students should begin by working with the Disability Access Services Office (DAS) to identify what reasonable accommodations are needed. Once DAS makes a determination that an accommodation to be exempted from the first-year residence requirement is appropriate, the student would submit an exemption request noting their approved accommodation and the exemption will be approved.

Live-On Policy FAQs 

Students apply for an exemption from the First Year Experience Live-On requirement as part of the housing application on the myHousing portal. Students will be notified on a rolling basis of the committee decision as applications are processed. For general questions on OSU’s live-on requirement, or questions regarding exceptions or appeals, contact Residential Education and Housing.