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Contact: David West
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
7/6/98
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - Northwestern State University will establish a Housing Exemption Program for up to 200 students this fall. The program will serve students in NSU's nine parish service area along with those from neighboring parishes or other rural parishes who lack the financial resources to live in campus residence halls.
Northwestern's service area includes Catahoula, DeSoto, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Red River, Sabine, Vernon and Winn Parishes.
The program will cover the costs equivalent to those set by Northwestern for a double occupancy room. Those awarded the exemption can retain it if they continue to live in the campus residence halls and maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Priority will be given to students who are not eligible for Pell Grants and do not receive other scholarships.
"This program is designed to give a group of students an opportunity to have the full collegiate experience," said Northwestern Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Dan Seymour. "Students who attend college as a commuter sometimes fail to have the opportunity to take advantage of the range of services available including computer labs, tutoring services and counseling. These students are not fully integrated into campus life. Many of them would like to live in the residence halls, but it is cost-prohibitive."
Seymour said the program will begin as a three-year pilot program. Once it is implemented, up to 400 students will be eligible to participate.
"This program will produce many benefits for Northwestern and the students who take part," said Seymour. "This will help us attract additional students and increase retention. These students will also be able to interact with age-related peers in a diverse environment. They will also spend less time commuting and will be able to spend more time studying and being involved in campus activities."
According to Seymour, a loss in housing revenues will be offset by additional revenues generated from tuition, board and other fees.
For more information on the Housing Exemption Program, contact the NSU Office of Admissions and Recruiting at (318) 357-4503 or (800) 426-3754.