University denies plans for on-campus living requirement

The University is considering an on-campus living requirement for freshmen, according to an email sent by a University staff member to Greek organizations last week. However, University officials have denied the claims of the email.

On Tuesday, Amy Long, an associate director of the Student Involvement and Leadership Council who works with the Greek community, emailed at least one national national executive of a fraternity with a chapter at the University. The email, obtained by The Kansan, asked for information about freshmen living requirements at campuses where these fraternities had chapters.

The email also said the University was considering changing its tradition of allowing freshmen to live off campus, which would include fraternity houses.

“Currently, as part of the University’s strategic planning process, one item being considered is moving to a first year live on requirement for all students,” Long wrote. “This would no longer allow new members to live in chapter property their freshman year.”

On Wednesday, Tammara Durham, interim vice provost of student affairs, sent an email denying that the University was considering a change in policy.

“I want to correct an email sent by Amy Long requesting information regarding fraternity living. There is no intention of prohibiting freshmen students from living in fraternity houses,” Durham wrote.

The University once again denied Long’s claim on Friday in a statement from Timothy Caboni, vice chancellor for public affairs, which was sent to Greek leaders and fraternity executives.

“We’ve received many questions about whether KU is planning to require all freshmen to live in on-campus housing. There have been communications from some university staff members that have not been accurate,” Caboni wrote. “On behalf of the university administration, I want to assure you that such a requirement is not being planned.”

Caboni also mentioned that the University doesn’t have the capacity in on-campus housing to even implement such a requirement.

Caboni also apologized to the Greek community if its members felt “singled out” in discussions about student housing.

“The Greek community plays an important role at KU,” Caboni wrote, “including in the first-year experience, and will continue to do so.”

Edited by Josh Kantor

By
  • Updated Oct. 23, 2011 at 10:20 pm
  • caught_in_the_moment

    Why does everything revolve around the Greek community? People have personal and health reasons for NOT living on campus. Their decisions to make such a decision should have no influence by, or dependency on, the Greek community.

    Also, you are only ‘required’ to live in-house in fraternities freshman year, not sororities. So, not all students have this option available.

  • Jayhawk513

    I think every freshman should live on campus. (exceptions will always be made) It will help with first year retention and I hope the Provost pushes for this!