Housing applications for the Fall 2024 semester opened Feb. 1 and are accessible for all current and incoming students. Baker University is a four-year residential campus, meaning all undergraduate students are required to live in campus housing, in Greek houses or approved off-campus housing.
“All students must go through the appropriate process every year to secure housing,” said Nick Goodman, Assistant Dean of Students. “Everybody, it doesn’t matter if they’re on campus, off campus, in a fraternity or sorority house, everyone does a single application to begin with. It is called the housing intent form. Depending on the person’s answers, it will guide you to what needs to be done next.”
The deadline for returning students to apply for apartment living is Feb. 23. Anyone hoping to secure housing in one of the apartments must follow all necessary steps, even if they have lived in an apartment in previous years.
“All apartment applications must include four names. Assignments are based on a priority point system,” Goodman said. “Incomplete groups, or those looking to join a group, can list their information at the New Living Center (NLC) 101 to pair up.”
The point system is based on class standing, GPA calculations, and age. Each person listed on the application has their own score, which is then added together for a group total to determine choice priority.
Students choosing to live in Gessner Hall, Irwin Hall or the NLC must fill out applications by Mar. 8. Students who choose to live in Gessner or Irwin can pick between double or single rooms, with the understanding that those currently in a single room must reapply and attend the Housing Lottery as single room priority is based on class standing.
Those hoping to live in the NLC have more options regarding room layouts. Students can choose between Suite A, four bedrooms and two bathrooms; Suite B, two bedrooms and 2 bathrooms; or Suite C, one bedroom and one bathroom. The NLC offers a common kitchen area to students, but no lounges, as suites are equipped with a living room area.
The Housing Lottery will take place at the Counseling Center based on class standing and on a first-come, first-served basis. Each class’s lottery time is as follows: seniors – March 11, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; juniors – March 11, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; sophomores March 12, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.; and freshmen March 12, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. If you are unable to attend, you can send a proxy in your place if it is noted beforehand.
“Students looking to live in Greek chapter housing must get approval through Emma Wagemaker, Assistant Director of Student Life, after completing the housing intent form,” Goodman said.
If students plan to live off-campus, they can fill out a residency requirements exemption (RRE) form, along with the appropriate documentation, such as a marriage certificate, fifth-year student status, and transfer students with at least 60 completed credit hours. Exemptions are made on a case-by-case basis and must be followed up with every year to ensure approval unless a student is approved for RRE Beyond.
“Higher retention rates mean more limited housing options, so students must be sure to follow the process as soon as possible to secure housing placement,” Goodman said.
Students can contact Nick Goodman at [email protected] with questions about the process.
