05-05.01 – Policy on Providing Housing for International Students

  1. Policy Statement:

    Towson University enrolls a number of international students, some of whom are sponsored by an academic department(s). This policy is intended to protect international students.

  2. Reason for Policy:

    International students are particularly vulnerable to exploitation because of cultural differences and/or the fear of being deported. Towson University will not allow any member of the university community to take advantage of an international student.

  3. Definitions: 

    1. “Faculty Member” is any person employed to teach at Towson University, whether regular or contractual, and faculty who have retired from Towson University. 

    2. “Immediate Family Member” A spouse, parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, sibling, stepsibling, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, grandchild or step-grandchild. These terms include relatives by adoption. 

    3. “International Student” is a student, either currently enrolled at Towson University or who plans to enroll during the next semester (excluding summer and minimester), whose permanent residence is in a country other than the United States. International students will generally be in the United States on a F-1 or J-1 visa. 

    4. “Staff Member” is any person employed at Towson University other than faculty, whether regular or contractual, and staff members who have retired from Towson University. 

    5. “Substandard Housing” is housing which does not conform to current applicable housing codes. 

    6. “Housing” is an international student’s residence in the United States. 

  4. Responsible Executive and Office:

    Responsible Executive:
    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

    Responsible Office:
    Office of the Provost

  5. Entities Affected by this Policy:

    All academic departments and colleges, all Towson University employees, all Towson University international students.

  6. Procedures: 

    1. No faculty member or staff member shall provide long-term housing to an international student in his/her home. 

    2. Towson University shall not approve any arrangement in which an international student lives with a faculty member or staff member. 

    3. Towson University shall not approve any arrangement in which it is aware that an international student is provided with substandard housing. No faculty or staff member shall provide or recommend substandard housing to an international student. 

    4. International students may not provide services in exchange for housing. Any faculty or staff member who requests services from an international student must ensure that such services are permitted by federal immigration law before making the request. 

    5. Exception to this policy will be considered by the Provost. 

Related Policies:

None.

Approval Date: 8/14/2006

Effective Date: 8/25/2006

Approved By: President’s Council March 8, 2006

Signed By: President’s Council

How to Request the Policy PDF

This online version of the policy may include updated links and names of departments. To request a PDF of the original, signed version of this policy, email the Office of the General Counsel, .