Slippery Rock University will see more sophomores on campus starting in 2023.

The university announced Tuesday that beginning in the fall 2023 semester, first-year full-time students will be required to live in campus housing and purchase a meal plan for their freshman and sophomore years. The current policy requires this only of freshmen.

Dave Wilmes, chief student affairs officer at SRU, said students younger than 21 who plan to commute from their parent or guardian’s residence still will be able to fill out a form to continue commuting. The new policy encourages sophomores to continue living on campus, rather than moving into a nearby apartment.

“Data shows it does increase students’ retention and completion of their degree; they are more likely to complete their degree,” Wilmes said. “If you are a freshman or sophomore, we are saying it's important to have that on-campus environment.”

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