Yes, if you're a full-time student (12+ credit hours) and not exempt, you're required to live on campus for two academic years (four semesters, excluding summers). This policy supports student success, engagement, and connection to campus.

Before signing any off-campus lease, contact Residence Life to confirm your eligibility.

You can request a roommate on your housing contract. Keep in mind:

• Roommates in Special Interest Housing must also be accepted into the community.
• Roommates must be of the same legal sex, except in The Commons.
• Your requested roommate must not already have a room assignment or another requested roommate.

Yes! The housing portal includes a roommate matching tool that suggests compatible roommates based on your preferences.

If you don’t select one, we’ll assign one based on your Roommate Preference Survey. If you request someone, we’ll prioritize that match, even over room type.

Roommate relationships are a key factor in student success. We’re here to help you build a positive connection.

• For seKey issues, contact the IT Help Desk
• For alternative PINs (used for registration), contact your academic advisor

Yes. All students living on campus must:

• Show proof of bacterial meningitis vaccination or submit an Immunization Waiver
• Complete Tuberculosis screening during their first semester

Records must be submitted before move-in and no later than the first Friday of classes.

Important Notes:

• Students vaccinated before age 15 need a booster
• Submit records via mail, fax (573-651-2557), or email (residencelife@semo.edu)
• Failure to submit records may result in contract cancellation and charges

 Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Requirement

Missouri Senate Bill 197 requires all new students attending college in Missouri to complete a Tuberculosis (TB) screening during their first semester.

What You Need to Know:

• The screening follows CDC protocols, focusing on:
  • Time spent outside the U.S.
  • Possible exposure to TB
  • Contact with individuals who may have TB
• If you answer “yes” to any questions on the TB Screening Questionnaire, you’ll need to complete a medical test at SEMO’s Campus Health Clinic:
  • TB Skin Test (TST/PPD) – requires two visits
  • IGRA Blood Test (Quantiferon TB Gold or T-Spot) – required for students who lived outside the U.S. for more than one month

Students who received the BCG vaccine may need the IGRA test, as skin tests may be unreliable.

• International students are screened with the Quantiferon TB Gold blood test.

Registration Hold

If you do not complete the screening during your first semester, a hold will be placed on your registration until it’s resolved.

Yes, all students living on campus are required to show a record of bacterial meningitis vaccination or a waiver. Students must also be screened for Tuberculosis within their first semester. 

How to Complete Your Screening

Visit the Health Clinic website to complete the online questionnaire and schedule your test.

Location: Crisp Hall 108
Phone: (573) 651-2270
Email: MercySoutheast-CampusHealthClinic@Mercy.net
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Closed Noon–12:30 p.m.)

Resident Assistants are leaders, connectors, and mentors—live-in student staff who help build strong, supportive communities in SEMO’s residence halls. As an RA, you’ll be a resource for personal and academic success, helping students feel at home while growing as a leader yourself.

What RAs Do:

• Build relationships with residents
• Foster inclusive, welcoming communities
• Support students through personal and academic challenges
• Connect residents to campus resources and opportunities
• Plan programs that promote engagement and success
• Collaborate with Residence Life staff to assess and meet community needs

RA Application Timeline for 2026–2027

Informational Sessions (New Candidates):
UC Tribute Room (unless noted)

• Wed, Oct 29, 2025 – 7 p.m.
• Wed, Nov 12, 2025 – 7 p.m.
• Wed, Dec 3, 2025 – 7 p.m.
• Wed, Dec 17, 2025 – 2 p.m. (Zoom)
• Wed, Jan 14, 2026 – 7 p.m.

Application Opens:
November 3, 2025
Log in to https://my.semo.edu
Search “StarRez” → Click “Work for Us”

Application Deadline:
January 18, 2026 – 11:59 p.m.

No late applications accepted.

Interview and Selection Process

• Applications Reviewed: Jan 20–23, 2026
• Round 1 Interview Sign-Up (by invitation): Jan 26–30, 2026
• Round 1 Interviews: Feb 2–6, 2026
• Round 2 Interview Sign-Up (by invitation): Feb 9–13, 2026
• Round 2 Interviews: Feb 16–20, 2026
• Decision Emails Sent: Mar 6, 2026
• Contract Due: Mar 21, 2026 – 11:59 p.m.
• All Staff Meeting: Mar 27, 2026

All communication will be sent to your SEMO email. Be sure to check it regularly.

If you have a maintenance concern or issue with your room:

• Submit a work order through the Facilities Management webpage

For custodial concerns, call

• (573) 651-2214 and ask for the Custodial Services Supervisor.

If you need housing accommodations:

1. Complete the Request for Services Form through Accessibility Services
2. Your healthcare provider must submit documentation outlining your needs
3. Residence Life will work with Accessibility Services to place you in a room that meets your needs

Here’s a list of helpful items to bring to campus. Coordinate with your roommate to avoid duplicates!

Bed and Bath

• Towels, washcloths
• XL Twin Sheets, blanket, pillow
• Shower caddy and shoes
• Trash can and liners
• Hygiene supplies
• Non-halogen lamp

Laundry

• Basket or hamper
• HE laundry detergent
• Hangers

Kitchen

• Dishware, silverware, glassware
• Can opener
• Pots and Pans or Large Bowls
• Snacks

Electronics and Appliances

• Computer and printer (wired only)
• Microwave (max 800 watts)
• Mini-fridge (1-3.2 cu ft or 2-1.6 cu ft)
• Streaming device (Roku, Firestick)
• TV 
• Surge protector
• Ethernet cord

Miscellaneous

• Cleaning supplies
• Bathroom cleaning supplies (suite-style only)
• First aid kit
• Sewing kit
• Umbrella and rain boots
• Cards and games

Leave these items at home—they’re not allowed in SEMO residence halls:

• Space heaters
• Air fryers, Insta-Pots
• Alcohol, drugs, or illegal substances
• Appliances with open heating elements (toasters, hot plates, etc.)
• Halogen or exposed-bulb lamps
• Candles, incense, or open flames
• Hazardous chemicals or flammable liquids
• Unauthorized weapons (including decorative swords, BB guns, knives)
• Pets (except fish)
• Wi-Fi routers (will be confiscated)
• Valuable or irreplaceable items

For a full list, check the Residents' Handbook.

You can change your meal plan during the first 4 weeks of the semester by submitting the Meal Plan Change Request Form.

Changes affect your bill and cannot be made over the phone.

Changed your mind? No problem.
Submit the Special Interest Housing Withdrawal Form.

Be sure to review the conditions—some communities include required courses that may affect your schedule.

If you meet the criteria to live off campus, submit a Student Residency Release Application.

If your exemption is based on medical reasons, you must also:

• Register with Accessibility Services

The Office of Residence Life will review your request within 3–5 business days. You’ll receive one of the following outcomes:

• Incomplete Request
  You’ll receive a letter outlining what additional information is needed.
• Approved Request
  You’ll receive a decision letter confirming your cancellation.

Denied Request

You’ll receive a letter explaining the decision and how Residence Life can work with you to address your concerns.

You may submit a written appeal for one of the following reasons:

1. Error in Original Decision: Belief that policy/procedure was not followed correctly.
2. New or Additional Information: New documentation or details that may affect the decision.
3. Disagreement with Decision: Appeals must show that the policy was misapplied or that relevant factors were overlooked.

The Associate Director reviews appeals for Business Operations, and you’ll receive a follow-up letter.

Supporting documentation includes:

• Detailed information from your healthcare provider
• Evidence supporting the need for accommodation

Incomplete requests may be delayed or denied. Submit early and thoroughly.

• Minimum fee: $150 for approved cancellations
• Exceptions: Graduates or academic reasons (not transfers)
• New students: Charged based on the Contract for University Housing and cancellation date

Contact the Office of Residence Life immediately if you decide not to cancel your contract.

• Residency Requirement: University policy requiring full-time students under 21 to live on campus unless exempt.
• Housing Contract: A legally binding agreement committing you to live on campus for the academic year.