S p a r t a n s S p a r t a n s

Grover said. “You have to have dedicated faculty and dedicated advisors.”

Despite such challenges, Balks said there are observable benefits to college-based housing, such as location and involvement. It would provide students with collaboration over shared academic interests and help develop a sense of belonging.

“It can be really beneficial to have the programming or activities that are related to that academic program and to have them conveniently located very close to where you live,” Balks said. “It helps with involvement, for sure.”

Graphic design freshman Carter Wheeler said he would’ve taken the opportunity to live in college-based housing had it been offered.

“It’s a great way to meet new people, talk about school, make new friends, it’s a great way to do that,” Wheeler said.

Students in James Madison College, Lyman Briggs College and the Arts and Humanities major can already opt-in to a residential college. Additionally, REHS offers several residential communities, such as the Honors College, Drew Scholars and the Residential Initiative on the Study of the Environment, or RISE.

Grover, a former living-learning community member at MSU, said he enjoyed his time in the RISE program