Residency Determination
(Student Domicile for Tuition Purposes)
Note:
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The student domicile regulations relating to Pennsylvania residency
for tuition purposes
are defined
by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors. These regulations, along with types of evidence to submit as proof of residency, are referenced in the PASSHE Board of Governors Student Domicile Regulations Policy
1985-03.
Domicile within the Commonwealth means adoption of the state as a fixed permanent home and involves personal presence within the state with no intent on the part of the applicant, or in the case of the dependent student, the applicant's parent(s) to return to another state or country. Pennsylvania domicile may be established upon the completion of at least 12 months of continued residence within the state prior to the date of registration, provided such 12 months residency is not primarily for the purpose of attendance at Lock Haven University. Establishment of Pennsylvania domicile with less than 12 months residence prior to the date of registration must be supported by proof of positive and unequivocal action.
Appeal Process
Follow these steps to submit a request (i.e. appeal) for PA residency/student domicile status:
-
Review the Residency Form Cover Sheet.
-
Complete a Residency Classification Data Collection Form.
-
Sign the Residency Classification Data Collection Form in the presence of a Notary Public.
-
Attach to the Residency Classification Data Collection Form:
a. your signed, personal statement (see cover sheet)
b. all required documentation (e.g. copy of rental lease, mortgage, deed, tax
form, etc; see Data Collection Form.)
c. any applicable proof of PA residency (see "Evidence" section of Student
Domicile Regulations) -
Submit appeal to the LHU Residency Committee, c/o Lock Haven University, Student Financial Services Office, 123 Russell Hall, Lock Haven, PA 17745 .
Note: Incomplete and/or unnotarized appeals cannot be accepted and will delay the review process.
Upon receipt of a fully completed, notarized appeal, the LHU Residency Committee will,
within 45 business days
, make a determination of domicile and notify the student in writing of its decision. If the student is currently taking classes, the written notification will be mailed to the student's local address as listed on the Residency Classification Data Collection Form. If the student is not currently taking classes, the notification will be mailed to the student's home address as listed on the Residency Classification Data Collection Form.
The
effective date
of a residency/domicile status change shall be the first day of the next, regular enrollment session or semester. For example, in order for a change in residency to be effective fall semester, the student's appeal must be received by Student Financial Services
before
the first day of that semester.
A student may challenge the committee's determination of his or her domicile. If the student is not satisfied with the decision made by the LHU Residency Committee, he or she may appeal the decision in writing to the Office of the Chancellor, State System of Higher Education, P.O. Box 809, 301 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17108
within 30 days
of the date of the committee's written notification.
A student who changes domicile from Pennsylvania to another state or country must promptly notify the University by informing the Student Financial Services Office in writing . In the event that the University believes a student is no longer a Pennsylvania resident, the University may reclassify the student's domicile/tuition rate. This determination can be challenged under the procedures described above.
The FAQs below are intended to answer basic questions about residency. If you wish to discuss your particular situation, please call Student Financial Services at (570) 484-2344 or stop by the office in 123 Russell Hall.