Starting in fall 2014, new first-year students will be required to live on campus. This change in policy is designed to increase retention and success for students, and the change comes after careful consideration and conversation with the EWU community. As a community, we recognize that living on campus is an important component of a student’s first year at Eastern Washington University.
On-campus living provides unique resources and connections that help students create a successful and well-rounded college experience, and research has shown that living in student housing during the first year has numerous academic and social benefits for students. In particular, students who live on campus during their first year typically experience the following benefits:
- higher graduation rates than students who live off-campus;
- a higher level of satisfaction with their college experience;
- a higher level of involvement in clubs and activities on campus; and
- more frequent interaction with faculty members and peers.
Exceptions to this new policy are available to students. Students who are more than 20 years old, have medical conditions, live with parents, are married, have a child, or experience undue financial hardship may qualify for an exception. Other exceptions may also be available. For more details see WAC 172-130. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us in Housing and Residential Life at 509-359-2451 or housing@ewu.edu.
We are excited to serve EWU’s growing student body, and we look forward to student success in all areas of our community.
