MUNCIE, Ind. (AP): A consulting firm is recommending that Ball State University join other Mid-American Conference schools and require its students to live on campus during their sophomore year.



Consultant Doug Kozma with Ann Arbor, Mich.-based SmithGroupJJR says requiring second-year students to live on campus boosts student retention and improves academic performance and graduation rates. SmithGroupJJR is Ball State's consultant for its university master plan.



Ball State student affairs vice president Kay Bales tells The Star Press the university has “no imminent plans” to require second-year students to live on the Muncie campus, but it will review the proposal.



Ball State is like Indiana University and Indiana State University, which only require first-year students to live on campus. Other schools, including Butler University, keep students on campus through their junior year.



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