Beginning in fall 2014, all full-time, first-time freshmen will be required to live in an on campus residence hall.

According to a press release issued by the university, this requirement follows several implementations by residence life to enhance the college experience at UNA.

A full-time assistant director of residence life for success initiatives was recently hired, and the FOCUS (First-Year Opportunities and Connections for UNA Students) and FYRE (First-Year Resident Educators) groups are in place to help on campus residents make the transition to college.

Vice President for Student Affairs David Shields said in the press release the first year of college is the most critical for students.

“It’s a major transition in a student’s life, and it’s a difficult transition for many students,” Shields said. “That’s why we’ve applied the new freshman programs and initiatives that we have, and it’s why we’re developing a live-on requirement for freshmen.”

Look for a full length story in next week’s issue of The Flor-Ala.