UNA to Require Freshmen to Live On Campus

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Beginning in fall 2014, the University of North Alabama plans to require all first-time, full-time freshmen to live in a campus residence hall.

"Statistically, students who live on campus perform better academically, have an all-around more successful college experience and have a greater likelihood of graduating," said UNA President Dr. William G. Cale Jr. in a news release. "That has been reflected for years in studies from universities throughout the country, and we believe it will have a positive impact on the students of UNA, as well."

University officials say the requirement comes on the heels of several initiatives to enhance the UNA experience for freshmen, including establishment of a freshman residential community in Rivers Hall and development of a Student Success Center.

UAHuntsville initiated a similar requirement in November 2009 that required incoming freshmen and sophomores to live in on-campus housing. The policy was later amended to exclude students whose homes are within a 30-mile radius.