The Office of Enrollment Services assigns every student enrolling at WVU Potomac State College a residency status for admission, tuition and fee purposes. Students may apply for reclassification if they have a strong, well-documented case for a change in residency status.

Application Deadline

To be reclassified for a specific semester, the application and supporting documents must be submitted two weeks prior to the start of classes. All applications received after the deadline will be considered for the next semester. 

Procedure

A request for a change in residency classification status can be a long, time-consuming and costly process. The Office of Enrollment Services seeks to respond promptly and fairly to all students who apply for residency changes.

1. Each student requesting residency classification should have a strong, well-documented case for a change in residency status. Ample and specific guidelines are available to assure you have a good cause to initiate a change
2. Completing the three-page Application for Classification as a Resident Student at WVU is mandatory prior to discussing residency reclassification with Office of Enrollment Services personnel. To be reclassified for a particular semester, the application must be submitted two weeks prior to the start of classes.
3. Attach all copies of supporting evidence ( e.g., driver’s license, tax forms, etc.) to the application. Neglecting to submit supporting documents will delay the decision.  
4. Submit your application and supporting documents to the Office of Enrollment Services at the address below. The evidence should demonstrate that the student’s primary purpose for living in West Virginia is other than attending a higher education institution. Merely answering the “Additional Information” questions on the application affirmatively does not necessarily establish residency for tuition and fee purposes. It is the student’s responsibility to submit all supporting evidence to be considered with the student’s application. No additional evidence or documentation will be considered after the application has been submitted unless it is requested by the Office of Enrollment Services.
5. Your application will be reviewed. If your residency status request is granted, you will be notified in writing. If a denial is issued, you will be sent a written explanation and informed of appropriate appeal procedures.

Also:

• Time off from classes due to academic suspension does not count toward residency.
• Your signed submission of the application authorizes Office of Enrollment Services personnel to review your academic records and to make inquiry, where applicable, to substantiate your supporting evidence.
• You may be contacted for a personal interview regarding your application. Please indicate your telephone number on the application.
• It is the student's responsibility to submit all supporting evidence to be considered with the student's application. No additional evidence or documentation will be considered after the application has been submitted unless it is requested by the Office of Admissions.

Appeals

If the student wishes to challenge the decision of the Office of Enrollment Services, the student shall be given the opportunity to appear before the institutional committee on residency appeals. If the student cannot appear when the committee convenes a meeting, the student has the option of allowing committee members to make a decision on the basis of the written materials pertaining to the appeal or waiting until the next committee meeting.

The student may appeal the decision of the institutional committee on residency appeals to the President’s Office. The President’s Office may request the student to appear at a hearing regarding the appeal.

Residency appeals shall end at the President’s Office.  

Questions

For more information regarding residency, please contact: