NMSU freshmen will have to live on campus, regents approve some exceptions

During a special meeting Thursday, the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University voted 3-2 in favor approving a requirement for first year students to live on campus.

The board approved exceptions for students in the military, students older than 21, students who live with a spouse or have children, and students who live within a certain radius of school.

Exemptions will also be made for students who are suffering from medical or financial hardships. The new rule does not apply to freshmen students from El Paso who live with a parent or guardian and commute to the NMSU campus

Members of the board who voted in favor hope living on campus will help increase graduation rates.

“On campus residency really helps that student graduate on time,” Associate Vice-President D’Anne Stuart said.

“I think this is a good thing for our students to come here, to room with somebody else and get acquainted with somebody else and learn to develop your networks, which will last a lifetime,” NMSU President Garrey Carruthers said.

NMSU Regent Kari Mitchell is concerned about the move. “Those will increase our potential debt default rate and also our affordability and driving students (away) who would otherwise come.”