Living on Campus

The educational mission of Seattle Pacific University is not limited to the classroom experience. Faculty and staff members realize that the collegiate years are a period of significant developmental change for most students. It is in the context of community that the University can best fulfill its educational mission to the “whole person.” Living on campus is an integral part of a student’s educational experience.

Living in community offers many opportunities for fulfillment and growth. Students will meet many different people and have the chance to form lasting friendships. They will also have the opportunity to nurture their faith as they consider viewpoints other than their own. Our hope is that they will develop an appreciation and respect for their peers as they find their own unique ways to contribute to the group. Living on campus also carries with it the responsibility to uphold community standards that are designed to provide a positive learning environment for all students. (Please refer to the Residential Student Guidebook, which is received when contracting for campus housing.)

The Residential Living Requirement

Since it was founded in 1891, Seattle Pacific University has been committed to the education of the whole person. For this reason, the residential experience is considered an integral part of a student’s education. Research shows that students who belong to a campus residential community have a more productive, and ultimately more satisfying, college experience than those who live off campus.

A two-year guarantee of six consecutive quarters is given to incoming freshmen.  SPU strongly encourages students to reside on campus subsequent quarters as space is available.

The Residential Living Requirement is evaluated yearly to support the residential experience, as well as respond to housing demand. For the 2007–08 academic year, students are required to live on campus unless:

• They are 20 years or older, or have achieved junior status (completed 90 SPU or transferable credits) prior to the first day of class for the quarter for which they are applying.
• They live at home with parent(s), legal guardian, spouse or dependent children.
• They are graduate students.
• They are enrolled for 8 credits or less.

Infrequent exceptions to this policy are made if unusual circumstances warrant such a decision. Students who believe they have a situation warranting special consideration to live off campus must obtain approval from the Office of Residence Life by submitting an Off-Campus Petition form, which provides the opportunity to describe the student’s situation and reason for the request. The office must receive petitions for off-campus housing no later than July 15 for the subsequent academic year. For more information, call the Office of Residence Life at 206-281-2043.