College officials say students today retain closer ties to home than those of previous generations, in part because of social media. That can make the move tougher, and permitting pets is one way “to make sure we’re integrating students best into the learning environment,” said Debbie Below, Southeast’s vice president for enrollment management and student success.

The school, located near the banks of the Mississippi River, will make space for about 70 pets in one of its 21 residence halls, Below said. They will be distinct from the 25 or so service and emotional support animals that, as required by federal housing and disability laws, already live in various dorm buildings. The university’s experience with those animals made officials feel confident they could lay out a more general pet welcome mat, Below said.

Officials also hope the new pet-friendly floors might attract some of the students with service or emotional support animals, which Below said occasionally present challenges in regular dorms.