Sex Offender Policy

Housing Policy on Registered Sex Offenders 

Individuals who are required by law to register as a sex offender are not permitted to live on campus without the authorization of the Division of Student and Campus Life.

Should an individual wish to receive authorization to live on campus, the individual must email housing@cornell.edu prior to completing and submitting an application. (If an individual’s registration status becomes effective while already residing on campus, the individual must immediately inform the Housing Office to initiate the review process.)  The individual will be informed of the review process and will be given the opportunity to provide appropriate documentation and information to the committee and also may be asked to meet with the committee. The details will be reviewed by the executive Housing leadership committee, which will make a determination on whether to allow the individual to reside on campus. The decision of the committee will take into consideration what is in the best interest of the residential life community.  If the individual is allowed to reside on campus, the committee will institute and monitor any necessary conditions or stipulations.

The committee will notify the individual of the decision by email. Committee decisions will be final unless a written appeal is submitted to housing@cornell.edu within seven calendar days after the committee’s decision is sent. The appeal should include reasonable and supportable justification for altering the decision of the committee.  If appealed, the Assistant Vice President and Vice President of Student and Campus Life will make a final decision regarding the individual’s university housing status.

If the individual is permitted to reside in university housing, the individual will be required to sign a form consenting to disclosure of information specific to the registry listing requirements and any stipulations regarding housing. If an individual who is required by law to register as a sex offender is discovered to be residing on campus without having obtained authorization and signing a consent to disclose, the individual’s housing contract will be immediately terminated and the individual will be required to vacate housing within 24 hours. The student will not be eligible for and refund of housing fees.