As students at CSB/SJU, we believe the current off-campus housing policies are unjust. The institution is strongly pushing on-campus housing for students, specifically in our senior years.

For individuals who may not be well-versed in this matter, students who wish to live in St. Joseph for their senior year are required to enter housing leases during the initial semester of their junior academic year. One might naturally assume that when students seek permission to reside off-campus after completing their junior year, CSB/SJU would not have any problem granting such requests. Unfortunately, this is far from the case. Because students have to wait until later in their junior year to apply for off-campus housing, many who choose to live off-campus find themselves in the unfortunate situation of bearing the financial burden of their off-campus accommodations as well as the cost associated with maintaining a vacant on-campus living space.

The SJU Residency Requirement states: 

“The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are committed to the Benedictine value of community living. By living in community, residents develop as socially conscious, collaborative leaders. They effectively navigate diverse, participatory environments of mutual respect and serve the needs of their community. Residents learn essential skills to care for their personal and shared environments. They also learn to manage personal needs and expectations with community standards. The learning in this residential setting is an invaluable experience, and the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University requires that all full-time students live in college housing.”

The school’s primary justification for keeping students on campus is to nurture a sense of community. However, it is widely recognized among CSB/SJU students that the foundation of campus community is firmly established during our early years. As we progress to junior and senior years, community building in St. Joseph happens just as much, if not more, than it does on campus. This fact is evident to both CSB/SJU's alumni and its current students.

Every aspect of the Residency Requirement statement can be equally applied to living in St. Joseph. The institution appears to be fully aware of this fact. Yet, they are also well aware of their authority in this matter. It seems that the motivation behind not permitting off-campus living is financial, driven by the need for additional revenue. We believe that students should not be penalized for the institution's enrollment challenges. Instead of seeking to maximize revenue from current students, the institution must reflect on WHY enrollment continues its sharp decrease from year to year.

CSB/SJU often prioritizes money over the well-being of their students. This has become known beyond our campus. In conversations about CSB/SJU's policy of not permitting off-campus living, most individuals express surprise and confusion. This puzzlement stems from the perception that the policy appears counterintuitive, unless driven by financial considerations. Ironically, decisions of this nature will ultimately incur costs for the institution, impacting enrollment and alumni support. It's our hope that future alumni continue to feel a strong connection and willingness to support an institution that respects their choices and needs.

The current off-campus housing policies at CSB/SJU have raised valid concerns among the student body. While the institution's commitment to fostering community living is commendable, it is essential to consider the evolving dynamics of our academic journey. As students, we recognize that the foundation of the campus community is firmly established during our early years. By our junior and senior years, the majority of community building occurs in St. Joseph for many students, rather than within the confines of the campus.

The SJU Residency Requirement statement rightly emphasizes the value of community living, mutual respect, and the development of essential life skills. However, it is evident that these principles can be successfully applied to off-campus living as well.

We acknowledge that financial considerations play a role in the institution's stance, but it is essential to strike a balance between fiscal responsibility and the well-being of the student body. Punishing students with the burden of unnecessary on-campus leases is not the solution, especially when it potentially deters future students and alumni from supporting the institution.

CSB/SJU's reputation is built not only on academics but also on the overall student experience, and decisions that prioritize financial gains over student satisfaction may have long-term consequences. It is our hope that the institution reevaluates its housing policies in the best interest of its students and future alumni, fostering a more supportive and inclusive environment.