University to require Fairbanks freshman to live on campus

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) – The University of Alaska Fairbanks will require all first-year freshmen to live on campus beginning in the fall semester.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported Monday that the university’s new rule is intended to increase academic success and student retention.

A university residence official cites studies indicating students who spent their first year living on campus had higher success rates.

University data shows overall dormitory occupancy rates fluctuated in the past three years, from 87% in fall 2016, to 78% a year later and 80% in fall 2018.

In fall 2016, two freshman dormitories were at 90% and 89% occupancy, but by fall 2017 one fell to 70% while the other rose to 94%.

In fall 2018, the freshman dormitories were at 77% and 92% occupancy.

Information from: Fairbanks (Alaska) Daily News-Miner, http://www.newsminer.com