New housing requirements will give students more freedom to choose where they want to live.
After three years of discussion, a new housing policy has been established.
Ferris State University will require all single students to live in a University resident hall for two academic semesters, unless a student reaches the age of 19 prior to September 1, 2014. This requirement will be the same for honors students.
Prior to the change, a student had to be 20 years old as of April 1, 2014 to be allowed to move off campus.
If a student lives with a parent or legal guardian within 50 road miles of the University, he or she may be exempt from the requirements.
According to Brian Marquardt, director of housing and residence life, the department is pleased to be taking steps to move from a two-year requirement to a one-year requirement. It will be completed for the academic year 2014-15.
Marquardt said the goal of the changes is to give students more options.
The new marketing catch phrase designed by Housing and Resident Life, “Move on. Stay On. Live On.” reinforces their desire for students to stay on campus despite the new options.
The new policy also comes with discounted single and double rooms as incentives to sophomore, junior and senior students to live on campus.
“We feel the first year experience should be in the residence halls in a more structured environment,” Marquardt said. “The second year, if you meet the requirements you will get the choice.”
Ferris nursing sophomore Hunter Dolan has lived in resident halls for three semesters and said she believes the policy makes sense.
“I enjoyed living in the dorms for my first year,” Dolan said. “It was a great way to meet people and made for a smooth transition.”
Marquardt said living on campus has many benefits such as a lower cost of living, being connected to the community, and its priority to provide safety to students.
“I know some people will want to stay and others will leave,” Dolan said. “Whatever it may be, it’s good to have options so everyone can be happy.”
Residence halls, East Campus Suites, and a variety of apartments are all types of living environments provided by Housing and Resident Life.