Residence Glossary

The following words and terms, when used in reference to residency, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

Dependent: A person who: (A) is less than 18 years of age and has not been emancipated by marriage or court order or (B) is eligible to be claimed as a dependent of a parent of the person for purposes of determining the parent's income tax liability under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

Domicile: A person's principal, permanent residence to which the person intends to return after any temporary absence.

Census date: Official enrollment reporting deadline, 12th day of class for fall or spring semester and fourth day of class for summer sessions. All documents must be submitted by this date in order to be considered for the term.

Gainful employment: Activities intended to provide an income to a person or allow a person to avoid the expense of paying another person to perform the tasks (as in child care or the maintenance of a home). A person who is self-employed, employed as a homemaker, or who is living off his/her earnings may be considered gainfully employed for tuition purposes, as may a person whose primary support is public assistance.

Independent student: A person who provides more than half of his or her own financial support and is not eligible to be claimed as a dependent for income tax purposes. In order to qualify for residency for tuition purposes, an independent student must reside AND maintain a domicile in Texas for the twelve (12) months preceding the his or her enrollment.

International Texas resident: Student who is eligible to domicile in the U.S. under residency rules and regulations and has met the basic residency requirements and thus is eligible to pay the resident tuition rate and be considered a Texas resident for admissions purposes.

International student: Individuals from other countries than the United States who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of this country.

Maintain a residence: To physically reside in a location. The maintenance of a residence is not interrupted by a temporary absence from the state.

Parent: A natural or adoptive parent, managing or possessory conservator, or court appointed legal guardian of a person. The term does not include a step-parent.

Residence: A person's home or other dwelling place.

Temporary absence: Absence from the state of Texas with the intention to return, generally for a period of less than five years.