Georgia Southern University Freshmen Residency Requirement

Beginning with the Fall 2009 semester, first year students attending Georgia Southern University will be required to live in an on campus residential facility. The new Freshmen Residency requirement was announced as the University begins construction on its largest residence hall, Centennial Place. The value of the living-learning experience associated with on-campus living is a primary reason behind Georgia Southern’s decision to require freshmen live on campus beginning in Fall 2009. ‘Georgia Southern University is committed to providing its students with a comprehensive educational experience,” said Bruce Grube, president of Georgia Southern University. ‘This decision is part of a larger objective of creating a better environment on campus for student development, both educationally and personally.” Recognizing that students in nearby counties may decide to live at home, the University will exempt certain students from living on campus. Students that may apply for exemption from the new requirement include:

• First year students who are residing with their parents or guardians in the following counties: Bulloch, Evans, Jenkins, Screven, Effingham, Emanual and Candler.
• First year students who will be 21 years of age before the Spring Semester commencement
• First year students who have earned more than 30 hours of academic credit.
• First year students who are legally married or who is a single parent with child(ren)
• First year students with one-year of active military service.

In order to be exempt from the first year residency requirement due to one of the above exceptions, students will be required to apply for the exemption. The student and his/her parents/guardians will be required to provide proof of one or more of the above exceptions (ie: proof of county residency, marriage certificate, proof of military service, etc). Residency requirements are common at universities around the country and state. Before making its decision, Georgia Southern University visited several major peer institutions that already require freshmen to live on campus. ‘The majority of today’s successful universities, including institutions much larger than Georgia Southern, are already seeing the benefits,” said Dr. Teresa Thompson, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management. Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University, offers more than 120 degree programs serving nearly 17,000 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement. The University, one of Georgia’s largest, is a top choice of Georgia’s HOPE scholars and is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.