Proposal may expand coed living options on campus
Date 10/2/2003 12:00 AM | Topic: NewsCoed housing on the Luther campus exists, but a current proposal may create more options for those that would like to live with those of the opposite sex.
Jon Hoffman ('05) proposed to administration on Tuesday, Sept. 30, that amidst the preparation of Olson Hall renovations they should strongly consider making Olson a dorm that would allow for coed clusters.
Eric Braun, director of Residence Life said, "This topic has come up every year since I've been here, and I've been here for six years."
The feasibility of this option depends mostly on administration's decision to make Olson an all first-year dorm or an upper-class dorm. If it's decided that first-years will be housed in Olson, coed clusters will not be an option.
Hoffman drafted this proposal after he faced difficulties with finding a comfortable living situation for the school year last spring.
"It wouldn't bother me at all," said Sara Rouse ('05). "It would be kind of fun, there aren't many other environments on campus where that happens. It would definitely be interesting."
In his proposal, suggestions were made to alleviate some concerns surrounding coed living and sharing of bathroom space is of greatest concern.
Hoffman suggested that the cluster could be required to attend an orientation or seminar to prepare those living with the opposite sex. Also, within the renovation of Olson, it would be possible to have two bathrooms, one for each sex.
Hoffmann has not limited his research on the topic to conversations with friends and those in the Luther community. He has contacted other colleges that have added coed living to their on-campus housing options; these colleges have reported only positive effects.
The UW-Madison claims that incidents of rape decreased by alternating gender every other room on a floor.
The major concerns stem from the experimental aspects of creating the first coed clusters.
"It's experimental: staffing, rules of conduct, and expectations," said Braun. "Institutions don't accept change very well." Luther is no different.
Administration is open to this proposal and will consider it while they plan for the renovations of Olson.
"I think that it's okay," said Nicole Cain ('05). "It would be just like having coed floors with communal living space. One would hope that people of the opposite sex could generally co-exist."
--
Kaye Mills
Managing Editor--
Olson Hall sits on the south side of campus awaiting renovation. This renovation may allow for the first coed clusters on campus. Photo: Internet
[ Comment, Edit or Article Submission ]
