This year's freshman class must deal with one more rule than those of years past: All first-year students are now required to live in dormitories and other on-campus housing. \nChancellor Sharon Brehm suggested the change in policy last year. She presented a proposal to the IU board of trustees, who approved the new policy in September for the incoming class of 2003.\nBrehm said her proposal was based on "very strong evidence that living on-campus enhances student retention." Students are more likely to stay in school and graduate, interact with faculty and peers and participate in extracurricular and social events. \nResidential Programs and Services Executive Director Patrick Connor said he does not believe the new rule will cause more overcrowding in the dorms. \n"Last year's opening with students in lounges was a direct result of one of the largest incoming classes in IU history," he said. "(This year) we were able to place all students who wanted space in permanent room assignment by the start of the contract period."\nAlthough the policy affects the entire freshman class, Brehm's research indicated that only about 400 more students would be living on campus as a direct result.\nNeither Brehm, who has worked at other universities with similar policies, nor the IU Student Association, said they expect much opposition to the new rule.\n"The biggest issue was that of student choice," Brehm said. "I'm very sensitive to this issue … however, the evidence of the positive effects of living on campus is so strong that I believe we have an obligation to require it for our first-year students."\nIUSA vice president Grant McFann said college isn't just about classes; it's more about the life experience.\n"Living in a dorm makes the change easier and is an important part of the college experience," he said.\nMcFann added that while IUSA has no official position on the issue, "should a massive protest arise, we will argue for revision of the policy," he said.\nThe University will waive the mandate for certain students who apply for a waiver, including students whose local residence is within 25 miles of the University, most transfer students, part-time students or those over 21 years old. Exceptions for other reasons will be decided on a case-by-case basis.
For more information, check the RPS Web site at www.rps.indiana.edu/residencyrequirement.html
-- Contact staff writer Jake Rossman at jrossman@indiana.edu.
