Athletes required to live on campus starting fall 2016

Catherine Rainey, News editor

Starting in the fall of 2016, Mercyhurst University is requiring all student-athletes to live in on-campus housing.

The decision is the first step of the university’s plan to have nearly all undergraduate students live on campus, which it will implement over the next several years.

The move was designed to build community, foster team camaraderie and increase school spirit. It will also help to increase revenue, according to school administrators.

“Mercyhurst University prides itself on being a residential college and believes that living on campus promotes health and safety, facilitates diversity and inclusion, and integrates the residential, academic and social aspects of students’ lives,” Mercyhurst President Michael T. Victor said in an official university press release.

The university enrolls 650 athletes across its 24 varsity-level sports. About 150 of those athletes live off-campus at any given time, according to Laura Zirkle, vice president for student life.

Look for more in next week’s issue of the Merciad.