1. SENATE OF THE ASSOCIATED STUDENTS
OF NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
RESOLUTION #13
SIXTIETH SENATE 2016-2017
Introduced by: Jenkins, Cassidy, Barragan-Rivera Date: 9/8/2016
Referred to: Rules, Community Affairs, Finance Date: 9/10/2016
Senate Action: Date: ___________
Date Signed:
LX-16-17 A RESOLUTION
CONCERNING THE NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY BOARD OF REGENT’S COMPULSARY1
FRESHMAN CAMPUS HOUSING POLICY ENACTED JULY 2016.2
3
WHEREAS, first-time, full-time undergraduate students attending the Las Cruces campus are required to live in a4
university-operated residence hall for their first academic year; and5
6
WHEREAS, students prefer to live off campus at New Mexico State University. Statistics show that 81% of New7
Mexico State University students choose to live off campus; and8
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WHEREAS, according to the Board of Regents, their decision and policy is aimed to increase freshman retention10
rates and college success; and11
12
WHEREAS, peer reviewed research from Indiana University of Pennsylvania shows an increase in a student’s grade13
point average of living on campus, as opposed to off campus, of 0.19; and14
15
WHEREAS, according to statistics from the Department of Education, income has a larger impact on grade point16
average at about 0.27; the statistical benefit is well within the margin of error given one of any of the variables17
involved, therefore there is no precedent that compulsory housing has a statistically significant benefit in regards to18
student success; and19
20
WHEREAS, nationally speaking, low-income student’s retention is 37% compared to 62% among high-income21
students; and22
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WHEREAS, research shows student involvement in clubs and activities has a larger impact on retention than where24
they choose to live; and25
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WHEREAS, exemptions to the requirement include students living with an immediate family member; students who27
live with their spouse, domestic partner or dependent children, students over the age of 21, students attending classes28
online only; students enlisted and active in the military; veterans; and additional considerations on a case-by-case29
basis; and30
31
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Associated Students of New Mexico State University that32
New Mexico State University and the Board of Regents review the efficiency of this policy in three years.33
34
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies be sent to the President of New Mexico State University, the Executive35
Vice President and Provost of New Mexico State University, President of the Associated Students of New Mexico36

2. State University, Vice President of the Associated Students of New Mexico University, the Director of Housing and37
Residential Life, the Resident Directors of all resident halls, the Assistant Director of Greek Housing, the Assistant38
Director of Family Housing, the Presidents of each College Council, and the student media organizations of New39
Mexico State University.40