Some residents will be displaced from buildings they lived in last year, such as Simmons Hall, said Fred Fotis, Office of Housing and Food Services director. The benefits of this housing shift could outweigh the displacement of students from single-sex housing. One benefit might be the development of a sense of community that students could take with them after college. Another could be the new experience for those who are only children or who have had all brothers or all sisters, Feldbaum said. Co-ed housing adds a different dimension to the residential community, she added.
Residents seem to respect their environment more.
Irvin Hall, one of the first dorms to be designated co-ed living area, is home to the Earth and Mineral Sciences Interest House. This is logical for forming friendships among the residents and interest house members. No major problems are foreseen with the change, Krinks said. There have been no significant problems in existing co-ed halls, and the escort policy will continue to be enforced. Discussions were opened between student leaders and focus groups.