An increase in male enrollment for Ohio University's 2004-2005 academic year is the major reason behind Tuesday's decision by the Housing Department to change Bush Hall and Jefferson Hall from all-female to co-ed housing.
Bush Hall will be co-ed next year in order to replace Biddle, which will be closed for renovation. On the completion of Biddle's renovation, Bush should return to housing only women, said Pam Drake, associate director of residence services.
For the first time in more than 10 years, male enrollment is within 500 students of female enrollment for the incoming year. That means the university makes adjustments in housing, Drake said.
Jefferson Hall will house approximately 100 men in the hall, which leaves room for about 200 women.
Women are not requesting single-sex housing as much as they have in the past, but this was not necessarily a reason behind making Jefferson Hall co-ed next year, Drake said. Last year when we did automated assignments
Jeff wasn't even filled to 50 percent through requests she said.
Laurie Burkland, resident director of Jefferson Hall, said there is value in living in a single-sex living environment.
She said women are not usually happy at first about living in an all-female hall, but by the end of the year they are happy they had the experience.
There is something special about an all-female residence hall or even an all-male residence hall. I'm sad that we don't have an all-male residence hall on campus because I think there is value to that too
Burkland said.
Sara Bailey, resident of Jefferson Hall and a psychology major, said she requested co-ed housing for her freshman year, but she liked living in Jefferson. I think I just get a lot closer to the girls
and it's just nice not having to worry about running around in a robe and stuff like that
she said. She said she will live in a co-ed hall next year but thinks Jefferson should continue to be female housing.
Julia Pflaum, journalism major, also lives in Jefferson Hall, although she requested co-ed housing. I actually had a really good experience
she said. It was easier to bond with the girls.
She also said no one she had talked to in Jefferson had requested single-sex housing, but no one had a problem with it. No one wants to do it
but when you get here
and you settle in
it actually turns out to be really nice
and you have a good time
