University Housing uses a few different practices as we work to support students when University Housing Contract returns reach our capacity. We also want to acknowledge that University Housing receives a significant number of Contract cancellations throughout the summer and early fall. While we plan for overflow at the times we do reach capacity, we also recognize that the situation may be temporary.
Fall Assignment Processes
Students who have completed a contract, including payment of the non-refundable $50 contract fee, by the May 1 priority deadline will still be prioritized in the room self-section process. Those students who have completed a contract, including payment of the non-refundable $50 contract fee post the May 1 deadline will still be able to select their own room, as space permits. Those students who have submitted a contract and have yet to pay the $50 non-refundable contract fee, are still guaranteed a room assignment, but will be administratively assigned once room self-selection is complete. The practices below are used during increased occupancy scenarios to accommodate all Contract holders.
For additional information, please read through the list of frequently asked questions we receive about these practices.
Waitlist
In the event University Housing facilities reach full capacity before a prospective resident is able to complete a Housing Contract, they will be given an automatic exemption to the UWM First-Year Student Residency Requirement and may pursue other housing options. However, if the student still wishes to be considered for a University Housing contract, they would need to place themselves on a waitlist accessible through the Housing Portal. University Housing would then offer contracts (via UWM email) as space becomes available. Contracts that may be offered will be prioritized first to students who fit one or more of the following criteria: international students, out-of-state students, students who are otherwise homeless, students who are experiencing housing insecurity, students who have aged out of the foster system, and students with certain scholarships.
Overflow
UWM, like many universities across the nation, occasionally runs into a phenomenon of overbooking. This happens due to variables in the contract release and cancellation process. When we have more Contract holders than beds, we have a series of temporary solutions that are put in place. Most involve adding furniture and an extra person in some of our larger spaces: RiverView Singles (turning them back into doubles), Sandburg East Tower Singles (turning them into doubles), Sandburg Triples (turning them into quads), Cambridge Doubles and Cambridge Upgrade Doubles (turning them into triples), assorted Sandburg Doubles (turning them into triples). Residents will enjoy the same individual amenities as students in a standard residence hall room: bed frame, mattress, dresser/wardrobe, desk, and chair (behind a locking door).
Note: When preparing for an overflow situation, it is University Housing’s hope that by starting the waitlist sooner we will minimize the students impacted by overflow housing.
Delayed Entry
When confronted by an overflow, University Housing will contact affected residents with an option to delay their move to an on-campus facility until a permanent space becomes available. This allows us to minimize the impact of overflow and may be a more comfortable alternative for some students who live closer to campus and have the resources to commute for a short time. If a student is eligible for this option, they will receive an email with further instructions.
Consolidation
Consolidation means that when a room, suite or apartment is not being used to its maximum capacity, University Housing reserves the right to move the remaining resident or residents to a similar room or apartment (preferably within the same building or, if able, honoring your contract preferences) to ensure maximum occupancy and efficiency of all living spaces. When consolidation is necessary, students will be notified via email. Consolidation could occur several times throughout the year starting with the room assignment process for the following year. Consolidation most typically occurs after the upcoming academic year’s first room assignment period in late June. The consolidation process will continue throughout the year as needed. Consolidation may require relocating one resident to another resident’s room. University Housing, given the authority to relocate and consolidate residents as outlined in the Contract & Guidebook, reserves the right to proceed immediately to administrative consolidation when deemed necessary.
Questions
For students who live nearby and may already have alternative housing arrangements at home, we suggest you consider placing yourself on the waitlist for a University Housing space within the Housing Portal. As vacancies become available, we will start offering contracts to students on the waitlist.
For most students who need housing finalized by the start of school, we suggest that you contact UWM’s Off-Campus Resource Office (email rent-offcampus@uwm.edu or phone 414-229-6999). OCRC maintains listings of available spaces for rent, conducts background checks on landlords, and guides students through the process of becoming tenants.
The purpose of the UWM First-Year Student Residency Policy is to support the on-campus experience of our students. All students who completed the University Housing contract by the priority deadline of May 1 will have a place to live in University Housing. Since we are also stewards of the funds paid by our residents, our priority is to achieve full occupancy, as that will help us be the most efficient. May 1 has been the historical date to complete University Housing Contracts. University Housing guarantees a room assignment for all students who have submitted their Contract up until we close the contracting window. We recognize some assignments may be a temporary booking until a permanent bed is available. If the residency requirement is suspended, University Housing still provides the option for a waitlist in hopes to continue to provide contracts as vacancies become available.
Due to space availability, University Housing would automatically grant exemptions to the UWM First-Year Student Residency Policy to students who have not previously completed a University Housing Contract, or who have not had their previously submitted exemption request granted. This process occurs on a daily basis.
Not necessarily. We continue to work with the UWM Accessibility Resource Center to address accommodation requests. Please remember that some requests may take up to 30 days to process, even after the file is completed. If an accommodation is deemed necessary, we will use developing vacancies and potential quick swaps to meet requested accommodations. We do encourage students who need accommodations for housing and/or academics to submit their application and supporting documentation to uwm.edu/arc/apply as soon as possible. Continue to check your Housing Portal as the summer concludes to stay up to date on your assignment. In addition, a decision letter or update will be sent to you via email.
Unfortunately, no. There isn’t any manipulating that can be done to move oneself to the top of the list.
Contracts that may be offered will be prioritized first to students who fit one or more of the following criteria: international students, out-of-state students, students who are otherwise homeless, students who are experiencing housing insecurity, students who have aged out of the foster system, and students with certain scholarships.
Contract access is a difficult status to predict. We provide contract access to students on the waitlist as others cancel their contracts over the summer in order to take their space. We also must take into consideration those who ma have been assigned to an overflow location, as we prioritize permanent space reassignment to this group. Because cancellations can come through at any time, it is a good rule of thumb to check your UWM email daily. Contract access for those on the waitlist will typically come with a quick completion deadline before we move to the next person on the list. This process takes approximately seven days to complete, though the actual time available will be detailed in the contract access email you receive.