West Texas A&M University has converted Jarrett Hall from an all-male hall to a co-ed hall over the summer. Jarrett Hall was converted in order to meet housing demands on campus. There is no shortage of housing on campus, however, the conversion of the hall gives Residential Living more space to work with.
“People have been historically used to more space,” Cindy Spencer, Senior Director of Residential Living, said. “Jarrett Hall has been all-male, to co-ed, to all-male again.”
Jarrett Hall, specifically, is easier to change to co-ed because of how the hall is set up.
“It is important to have options,” Spencer said. “There are benefits to both. It depends on the student.”
Incoming residents may feel uncomfortable about moving into a co-ed dorm, but many students find it easy to settle in.
“You see a different type of community in each,” Spencer said.
Trent Kelly, a Resident Assistant at Jarrett Hall, said he sees a positive change in the hall.
“The girls around have the guys coming out of their rooms more,” Kelly said. “The guys are on their best behavior.”
“I like living in a co-ed dorm,” Dayren Tolliver, a Junior and resident of Founders Hall, said. “I don’t feel any sort of threat living with guys. It’s just a good way to meet people from all walks of life, regardless of sex.”
It is Kelly’s third year as a resident assistant.
“The lobby’s always full,” Kelly said. “There’s a lot more interaction.”
Co-ed halls, however, restrict members of the opposite sex from being on designated floors at certain times without an escort, and that can pose some challenges.
“The best part about living in Shirley is the sense of community,” Emma Russell, a Resident Assistant at Shirley Hall, said. She is a former resident of Centennial Hall and said living in an all-female building gives residents more mobility.
“They can go to the upper level without being wary of having escorts,” Russell said. “There are no barriers in their home.”
“I have learned to compromise. Sharing a room with a complete stranger can definitely be an interesting experience,” Tolliver said.
Residential living can be contacted through email at [email protected], or phone 651-3000. Their offices are located on the corner of 26th Street and University Drive, in the
southwest corner of Centennial Hall.