Housing for Local Graduate Students

Any graduate student age 21 or older by the date of move-in may be eligible for housing at Wesley Seminary. Students must be enrolled in 6 credits or more (per fall and spring semesters) and complete the housing application (including background check and interview). Additionally, students must not have on-campus options available to them to qualify.

Wesley Theological Seminary is conveniently located right next door to American University on Massachussetts Ave, NW.  A graduate theological school of the United Methodist Church, Wesley Seminary came to Washington, DC from Westminster, MD in 1958.  Our land was purchased from American University, a school affiliated with the United Methodist Church.  Our shared history explains our ongoing collegiality and occasional partnership.

Deposit

Residents moving to Wesley are required to pay a $350 deposit prior to move-in day.  A portion of this deposit ($325) is refundable, assuming all conditions are met when students vacate and keys are returned.  The rest of this deposit ($25) is non-refundable and covers a routine background check required of all applicants.

Rental Charges

Rental charges can be paid in installments or a one-time lump sum, prior to the start of each semester. Please note that students who elect to pay in installments are subject to a payment plan fee ($25) each semester.

Additional Campus Housing Expenses

Parking & Meals

Students may elect to participate in Wesley's meal plan ($1,230 per semester, fall and spring only) or purchase a parking permit from American University to park in the Katzen Parking Garage.  Students are welcome to eat in the Wesley Refectory if they wish, and may purchase meal tickets to do so in lieu of a meal plan, but parking for non-Wesley students is not available in Wesley's parking lot.

One of the greatest benefits of living on our campus is the security of knowing that maintenance-related expenses and tasks are taken care of for you.  Maintenance-related help is only an email away.

In addition, wireless internet and all utilities are provided. Each student will be provided with a password to access wireless internet.  Satellite TV is provided in Welliver Lounge.

Dumpsters are located in the Wesley parking lot for students to dispose of trash and recycling.  Resident Managers are assigned to live in the building, and all RMs will rotate after-hours duty in case of emergency.

Residents will be welcomed into the Wesley Community.  These students will have access to study in our library, eat in our Refectory and participate in the life of our community.  Students will be welcomed at any scheduled community meals, our community worship, and whatever other events occur.

In the building, students will have access to study lounges, the Prayer Room, exercise area, study room, and community kitchens.  They will be required to attend regular dorm meetings.

Because it is our hope that all residents will not merely be tenants but will be members of our community, students must agree to sign our Covenant of Professional Ethics and Behavior, which governs student behavior and interactions on campus.  Violations will be treated in the same manner as violations of Wesley students: consultation with the Associate Dean of Community Life.  Additional measures and potentially expulsion from Wesley Campus Housing will be taken if necessary.

The Housing Application for non-Wesley graduate students involves the following process:

1. Submit online housing application by July 1 for priority consideration.  Be sure to complete all fields and be thorough in your responses.
2. You will receive a follow-up email confirming your application submission including additional instructions.  You will be required to submit to the Housing Office the following signed/completed documents within 1 week of receipt:
   • Wesley Seminary Covenant of Professional Ethics and Behavior
   • Authorization to Release Information for Background Check ( 2 pages)
3. Wesley Seminary will process your request and run your background check, upon receipt of your follow-up documents.
4. An interview will be scheduled (in person or via skype) with the Residence Life Director or member of Res Life staff. This interview will be a time for you to ask questions regarding life on-campus at Wesley as well as for Wesley to get to know you.
5. Following your interview and successful background check, your housing assignment will be made and you will receive notification via email.  You will be required to make your housing deposit and rental payment if applicable.  Deadlines for payments will be included in your housing assignment email. You will be required to submit the following documents:
   • Copy of student schedule.
   • Acknowledgment of Receipt of Housing Contract
   • Emergency Contact Information Form
6. Your move-in will be scheduled for mid August.  Welcome to your new home at Wesley Seminary!

If you meet the eligibility requirements and think that housing in Straughn Dormitory is right for you, apply now!