Sweeney Hall to be co-ed next fall
All campus residence halls will be co-ed starting next fall when the all-female Sweeney Hall converts.
Sweeney Hall, part of south quad containing Beddow, Merrill, and Thorpe halls, is the last remaining single-sex hall at Central Michigan University.
All four were same-sex halls several years ago. Merrill and Thorpe were all-male, while Beddow and Sweeney were all-female. Beddow and Thorpe became co-ed in fall 2007, and Merrill made the switch this year.
“We have been looking at and evaluating the percentage of students choosing Sweeney Hall as their first or second choice as a housing assignment the last couple of years.” said Michelle Veith, the Assistant Director of Residence Life. “Each year, the number requesting Sweeney as a top choice has diminished with this year only 12 percent choosing it as their first choice.”
Ultimately, the choice to change the hall came from the students.
“We look at the trends with sign up and try to adjust what we offer accordingly when possible,” Veith said.
Around Michigan, all other colleges are entirely co-ed, with the exception of Michigan State University’s one all-female hall, Veith said.
“It reflects the change and demand of our students.” said Faye Reber, Sweeney’s Residence Hall Director. “There are mixed emotions, but a lot of people are welcoming the change.”
Shelby Miller, a White Lake freshman, is one of those students.
“I wish it was co-ed right now,” she said.
Others are still a bit hesitant on the change.
“I’m against it. I feel there should be something that allows students to live how they live,” said Hudson sophomore Danielle Clark. “There are other girls who don’t want to live in a co-ed area.”
Many thought the transition would have been easier if certain floors in Sweeney remained all-female.
However, the change within the hall has a positive factor as well.
“All fill very quickly, and are a top choice for freshmen choosing their hall,” Veith said.
