OU policy requiring freshmen to live on campus faces criticism

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The University of Oklahoma is getting some criticism for its policy of requiring all freshmen to live on campus.<br/><br/>Students living in the Norman area were exempt from the policy

Wednesday, July 20th 2005, 11:05 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The University of Oklahoma is getting some criticism for its policy of requiring all freshmen to live on campus.

Students living in the Norman area were exempt from the policy in the past, but this year exemptions are only for medical or religious reasons or for low-income families.

Alana Praytor of Norman says her son is enrolled at OU this fall, but despite living just five miles from campus he'll have to live in a dorm. Praytor says the rule will cost her family six- to eight-thousand dollars more than they expected.

OU officials defend the policy, saying studies show students living on campus make better grades and are more likely to graduate.

University College Dean Doug Gaffin says living on campus makes students feel a part of the university community and contributes to their personal growth. And he says the housing centers offer free tutoring and are supervised by faculty families who also live there.