West Texas A&M's current policy for living off campus states that eligible students have to be at least 21 years of age or have 60 post-high school hours. We believe that all students with at least 60 credit hours, including the hours students earned in high school, should be allowed the option to live off campus.

Students work hard for high school credit hours whether it be to accelerate their graduation or to save money. This demonstrates increased responsibility and work ethic. To be fair, when a student reaches 60 credit hours, they should get the full benefits of their work accomplished in high school. Students who took the initiative in high school to get college credit hours shouldn't be penalized by having to spend a higher percentage of their time at WTAMU in the dorms (unless they want or choose to). By letting all students with 60 hours (including high school hours) have the opportunity to live off campus, it will allow:

• Adult maturity- learn how to be responsible
• Students to gain life experience for 2 years if they plan on graduating in 3 years
• Less distraction from dorm social life
• Students to eat healthier
• More room for the growing freshman class next year
• Help students afford the rising cost of fees next year
• Year-round housing for students
• Students to create rental history
• Freedom and privacy

Picture from:

WTAMU. Digital Image. News Channel 10. Web. October 29, 2015. http://www.newschannel10.com