The Petition for Change in Classification for Tuition Purposes is intended for use by:
- Students who seek a change in residency classification; or
- Those whose status cannot be determined from the information submitted on the initial Application for In-State Classification as part of the admissions process.
If, after reading the USM VIII-2.70 Policy on Student Classification for Admission and Tuition Purposes, you feel that you have met the criteria, you may submit a Petition for Change in Classification for Tuition Purposes to the Office of the Registrar, in accordance with the dates indicated:
| Deadlines |
Submission Begin Date |
Deadline to Submit Petition |
| Winter 2024 |
October 16, 2023 |
January 5, 2024 |
| Spring 2024 |
October 30, 2023 |
February 9, 2024 |
| Summer 2024 |
March 1, 2024 |
May 31, 2024 |
| Fall 2024 |
April 1, 2024 |
September 11, 2024 |
Residency petitions are always due the last day to register for the semester in which a student is petitioning. Residency petitions cannot be applied retroactively.
Petition Instructions
Expand sections for more details.
2. Request the Petition Submission Instructions
Initiate the Petition process by submitting your request for instructions via RT Help Ticket HERE. Include the semester for which you wish to petition in your message.
You will be provided with further instructions to your UMBC email, including a secure process for submission.
Do not attach any documentation to the RT Help Ticket. Requests/Petitions submitted by U.S. Mail or submitted in-person will not be accepted or reviewed.
3. Complete the Residency Petition.
Complete the Residency Petition, making sure to collect and include all required documentation.
4. Submit Petition & Respond to RT Help Ticket.
Submit your completed petition and supporting documentation via the secure upload link included in your RT Help Ticket by the posted deadline. Once your upload is complete, remember to respond to the RT Help Ticket.
Redact all Social Security Numbers and Employee Identification Numbers before submission.
Petitions submitted after the posted submission deadline will not be reviewed.
Residency Petitions, along with all required documentation, must be submitted by the last date of registration in the semester for which you wish to be reclassified. Financially dependent students must have their Petition signed by their parent/guardian/spouse and notarized. Note that Comptroller certified copies of Maryland tax returns are required for all tax returns filed in the State of Maryland.
The review of the Petition and a determination may take up to six (6) weeks from the time a completed request is received. While Petitions are under review, student petitioners are required to make full tuition payment at the out-of-state rate. If the University determines that the student meets all of the requirements for in-state residency, the student’s billing rate will be changed to in-state, and a refund or account credit will be issued as appropriate for the current semester. Residency Petitions cannot be requested or approved retroactively for previous semesters.
Petition for Change in Residency Classification form
Appeal
In accordance with USM Policy, student have the option to appeal petition decisions. After an initial petition decision has been issued, there are two levels of appeal:
1. Campus Classification Officer
A student who has been denied reclassification after submitting a Petition may appeal that decision to the Campus Classification Officer. This request must be received no later than fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of the Residency Evaluator’s written denial of the Petition. Failure to appeal within fifteen (15) calendar days will mean that the Residency Evaluator’s decision is final and no appeal will be reviewed, no secondary decision will be made, and the denial will be maintained until the student files a successful Petition. If an approval is granted, a refund or account credit will be issued as appropriate.
2. Residency Appeals Committee
A student who has been denied reclassification by the Campus Classification Officer may file a written appeal with the Residency Appeals Committee within fifteen (15) calendar days. This request must be received no later than fifteen (15) calendar days from the date of the Campus Classification Officer’s written denial of the appeal. Failure to appeal within fifteen (15) calendar days will mean that the Campus Classification Officer’s decision is final and no appeal will be reviewed and the denial will be maintained until the student files a successful Petition. If an approval is granted, a refund or account credit will be issued as appropriate. The decision of the Residency Appeals Committee is final and no further appeals will be accepted.
Questions? Submit a Help Ticket to Residency