San Diego State University
Honors Program Live-On Requirement

The faculty, staff and students of the University Honors Program at San Diego State University believe that living on campus and being engaged in a rich educational environment outside of the classroom is an integral part of a student's complete educational experience, and of becoming a productive, engaged and understanding citizen of the world. Therefore, beginning in the Fall 2010 semester, all freshman Honors Program students are required to live on campus in the Honors Residential College in Maya Hall during their first year at San Diego State University. This policy was designed to ensure an exceptional undergraduate experience for honors students at San Diego State University. Students living in the Honors Residential College will have the unique advantage of experiencing a small, intellectually and socially vibrant liberal arts environment, while enjoying access to all the resources of a large research university.

Why did the Honors Program make this decision?

The University Honors Program believes strongly in a residential, liberal arts education. The Honors Residential College provides a unique community where highly motivated students encourage each other to excel as they share experiences in and out of the classroom. The rich, supportive educational environment offers a place where students from diverse backgrounds can enjoy a rich array of academic, co-curricular, and experiential activities. Such an environment creates opportunities for students to use their talents and creativity in the service of understanding the world, of communicating effectively with others, and of making a positive difference. In addition, the Honors Residential College promotes involvement on campus, leadership, and academic achievement.

Where is the Honors Residential College located?

The Honors Residential College will be located in Maya Hall within The Living Learning Center @ Maya & Olmeca. This building provides an ideal facility for the Honors Residential College as it offers a traditional style residence hall living option. The traditional style of community living offers Honors students an endless opportunity for interaction with other Honors students, faculty and staff. Maya is located on the east side of campus. Maya is a three-story red brick building housing approximately 200 students. Maya has a laundry room, study room, and community kitchen. The east campus swimming pool is located adjacent to Maya Hall. Maya hall also has an academic resource room called the STAR Center and two classrooms, solely for residents. Maya is in close proximity to Aztec Center, The Dining Room at Cuicacalli, The Grill @ Cuicacalli, Aztec Market & Convenience Store and sand volleyball court, two parking structures, and a Red and Black Shuttle stop.

Can students applying to the Honors Program appeal to live off campus?

Because of the strong foundation that the Honors Residential College provides for a new, full-time student, few exemptions to the Honors Residential College live-on requirement will be approved.  Students can inquire about the appeals process by contacting the Honors Program Office at honors@mail.sdsu.edu.

Who will be affected by the new housing requirements?

Only first time freshmen enrolled in the Honors Program will be required to live in the Honors Residential College during their first year at SDSU. Students who enroll in the Honors Program after their freshman year (e.g., continuing SDSU students and transfer students) are not required to live in the Honors Residential College.

How will this affect students currently enrolled in the Honors Program?

This policy will not affect currently enrolled Honors Program students.  This policy will go into effect beginning with entering freshman in the Fall of 2010.

What else do I need to know about the live-on requirement?

All first time freshmen applying to the Honors Program (i.e., high school applicants) should indicate on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that they will live on campus, if they are applying for financial aid. Submit your FAFSA http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ by March 1, 2010.