SLUdents Trapped On Campus
A Protest Against Administration’s Off-Campus Living Restriction
St. Lawrence University administration offers no off-campus living opportunities, to the big disappointment of the student body. Before the addition of Kirk Douglas Residence Hall to the campus environment, there was a brief period of time when senior students were offered the chance to live off-campus as a result of overcrowded dorms, suites and townhouses. But since enrollment size has dropped each year, there is no longer a need for this option.
According to the SLU website, 98 percent of students live on campus, with exceptions for someone who is married or has dependance. Residence life department members have expressed that this is by design to force interaction and inclusion amongst the already small student population. “We just really think it’s very important to our mission that students live on campus because we feel then they’re more likely to engage with each other and be involved with activities on campus,” said Senior Associate Director of Residence Life, Stacie Olney LaPierre. “It impacts the learning experience both inside and outside the classroom.”
One group on campus that would absolutely benefit from off-campus opportunities is fraternities, as they are forced to abide by campus regulations while still trying to engage in activities. “Out of everything we have to deal with surrounding the school administration, I think it would take a lot of stress off of our backs,” explained Beta Theta Pi fraternity member Tommy Flanagan ’25. “The school doesn’t allow us to use our own balcony or basement. Walking through our house, it’s pretty easy to tell how useful our massive basement would be to us.” Frats are not the only groups wanting more from their university.
There are ways around this system, but students that are determined to get off-campus are punished for doing so. Off-campus residents are forced to pay rent through the Canton village landlord while also still paying room and board through the university, essentially paying double. “I’m definitely satisfied with living in the house I do,” said Charlie Melie, a senior member of the lacrosse team who lives off-campus with teammates. “But I wish there were more opportunities for other students. I feel that if you want to live off-campus you should be able to as a senior.” Miele emphasized that off-campus houses would like other houses to mingle with.
The only residence offered that combats this reality are the townhouses on campus, a block of 24 six-person houses with five bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room with a shared yard. These houses give the feeling of having your own house, but are located on the corner of campus, meaning they still abide by campus rules. “The townhouses are a lot of fun and are pretty nice inside,” explained Greyson Pasquina ’25, a townhouse resident. “When it’s nice out and things are going on, you almost forget that you’re still on campus.”