Off-campus housing at Ashland University has been a topic of debate for some time.  While almost all students at AU are 18 or older, many students express their feelings of being free to choose where to live during their four years as a student. 

Juniors and Seniors above 21 feel this urge even more than underclassmen.  However, the off-campus housing policy is there for reason and according to Kimberly Lammers, director of Residence Life here at AU, there are plenty of positives for the students in regards to this policy.    

Kimberly Lammers has been the director of Residence Life here at AU for the past three months.  Before her arrival here at AU, Lammers was the director of Residence Life at Defiance College for 4 years.  She was employed by the college for 6 years and also served as a hall director.  

The AU off-campus housing policy states a 4 year housing requirement for enrolled students who do not meet the 35 mile driving requirement to live off campus under a commuter status.  In addition to these requirements, students must be 22 years or older prior to September 1st of the academic year.  A student who is married, divorced or widowed may apply for commuter status.  

Other possibilities for off-campus residency include students who have served in the Armed Forces or have been enrolled at AU for 8 or more academic semesters.  In short, this all means the University requires students to live on-campus all four years at AU, unless they meet commuter status.   

Lammers has found many positives in living on campus all four years, even from her own personal experience.  In her opinion, there are very few negatives in regards to this policy.  In addition to her positive outlook on the housing policy, Lammers specifically pointed out the many advantages that come with living on-campus. 

Long term goals such as resume builders and the potential to create future professional contacts with those you room with are added benefits.  She mentioned to me that lots of research has been done by “people in higher education” in regards to the benefits a student receives by living on campus.

“Students who live on campus are statistically supposed to have higher GPA’s, are supposed to be more engaged in taking on leadership opportunities,” Lammers said.

While many of these goals are developed with the long-term picture in mind, students should be aware as to why policies like these are in place.  What some fail to realize is that there are many negative aspects in living off-campus while being a full-time student.

In addition to the potential of underachieving academically, financial concerns are raised.  With greater responsibility comes greater consequence and Lammers has seen that during her time as director.  “Slum Lords”, very run-down apartment complexes often become home to students who may not have the money for the unexpected cost of living off-campus.  Bad credit scenarios often come with cases in which the rent becomes one sided after a roommate moves out.  

Living on campus gives the student the chance to grow as an individual.  On-campus housing is supposed to serve a stepping stone for life outside of college.  

With the opportunity of joining student organizations in mind, Lammers also noted that opportunities like these are ones that will “build resumes, also bring leadership experience, and it’s preparing our students to go out into the workforce and be more engaged professionals.”

Building your resume and making new contacts during your stay at Ashland is something Lammers is hoping all students have the chance to do.  Becoming a part of a community and calling it home is what the purpose of the housing policy is.  It is truly an example of AU’s motto, “accent on the individual.”