Western Kentucky University - Talisman Yearbook (Bowling Green, KY)

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A PLAGE TO CALL YOUR OWN ... Open house in the dorms does not always mean loud parties. Annie Embry and Bill Jackson work together on a pair of leather moccasins When it was announced that deans would help en- force dormitory visitation rules, students were dis- gruntled because of this supervision. Charles Keown, dean of student affairs, fits in with the Central group. OWA —ommammen Housing the choice,’ said Miss Renfrow. Some complaints about the mandatory rule and dormitories in general were par- tially eliminated by an improvement program initiated by the University. In an attempt to get students to think of the dormitory as more than just a place to live, renovations were planned and executed by the student affairs and housing offices. These renova- tions were made in several areas. One change consisted of putting multi-purpose rooms in all the dormitories. Kitchens were also installed in dorms which did not already have them. These kit- chen facilities were installed on the ratio of approximately one kitchen for every 40 students. Other improvements included the instal- lation of paneling and carpeting and the establishment of study rooms. For study rooms in the dormitories, the University put insulation around the doors. The rooms are not entirely soundproof but are established away from the noise centers. With the new lounges and multi-purpose rooms, activity programs were also planned. According to Larry Berry, assistant dean of student affairs, “The University hopes to get away from words like dormitory and hall and substitute the word ‘community’. Other major changes in dormitory policy were in the areas of visitation, security and rent. Visitations were increased from six to 12 per year and length of visitation was ex- tended from four to five hours. Women’s halls voted to distribute the open houses equally between Friday, Saturday and Sun- day, while men’s halls voted to have visi- tation only on Friday and Saturday. Security measures were also increased for dormitories. In January, the exit and wing doors in all women’s halls were locked per- manently as an extra security measure. Ac- cording to University officials, the action was taken only as a precautionary measure. One men’s dormitory, Barnes-Campbell, was also affected due to the existence of an entrance which persons can enter unseen. In the area of rent, the Board of Regents voted to increase dormitory rent $15. The rate hike was the second increase in a year, and was to take effect with the 1975 a

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live in residence halls. Beginning in the fall of 1975, sophomores will also be required to live on campus. After a year of mandatory freshman housing, there have been comments made pro and con about the ruling. These com- ments have ranged from opinions like ‘It’s good to require student residence for at least one year,” to views that ‘The rule is dictatorial.” According to Ronald Byers, a Louisville senior, “The University made a wise de- cision in requiring freshmen to live in the dorm.” Byers said in addition to monetary reasons (the University said it was losing money on unfilled dorms), it is a good ex- perience for students to stay in dorms at least for a year. “Freshmen need dorm life,” said Byers. “Too much freedom can do more harm than good for most new students in studying.” A freshman from Louisville who did live in a dormitory for the first time in the fall was Debbie Renfrow. She said, “By living on campus, one is given a very good oppor- tunity to make new friends.” She described her dorm mates as ‘really friendly.” Asked about the mandatory rule, however, she said freshmen should be able to choose where they want to live because some stu- dents can afford apartments easier than they can dormitories. “Sophomores are broken in to college life and especially should be given Handicrafts while away hours, but supply utilitarian products when finished. Afghans, however, can be used for warmth before their completion. Freshman Barbara Goodall crochets a multi-colored afghan in her room in Rodes-Harlin Hall Exposed wires, bare pipes and overloaded electric sockets are hazards endured by some apartment dwell- ers for their off-campus freedom. With a corner of his basement apartment doubling as a bedroom and a study, Phil Turner reviews class notes in prone position 19) Housing

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summer session. Aside from the rent increase, most of the renovations and changes in dormitory policy were favored by students. Renovation was definitely supported by the majority. Sue Dillman, an elementary education major from Ellettsville, Ind., referred to her dormitory as a home away from home. She said she decorated her room to her own satisfaction. Miss Dillman said her only complaint about the dormitory was the terrible lighting. “There isn't any overhead lighting,” said Miss Dillman. She said the room lights were a hindrance when studying. Sondra Weedman, a Louisville sopho- more, likes the convenience of dormitory life. She said, “It’s close to classes and you have the opportunity to meet people.’ Miss Weedman said she enjoyed having a kitchen but was upset about the stealing that goes on. Allan Van Meter, a Barnes-Campbell floor counselor, admitted he was a little pre- judiced. “I’m biased,” said Van Meter, “but | think mandatory campus residence for freshmen and sophomores is good.” He said it helps students get into the main- stream of college life and find out what's happening. In answer to complaints about noise, he said, “You learn to bear with noise and to do something about it.” One student who might have been ex- pected to have some reservations about dormitory life is Jane Dickerson. A senior elementary education major, Mrs. Dickerson leaves her family in Madisonville and stays in the dormitory Monday through Friday. She said she does this because commuting 200 miles round trip is a bit more trouble than walking from Bemis Lawrence to the College of Education Building. Mrs. Dickerson described life in a dor- mitory as a convenience. ‘Everything | need is right here,’ she said. Mrs. Dickerson added that she has no problem communicating with students because of age difference. ‘If | ever get lonely, | can always find someone to talk to,” she explained. Off-campus housing also has its sup- porters. Byers, who said he thought students should live on campus for at least a year, is an off-campus student himself. Once a resi- dent of Bemis Lawrence, he said, “It is much more desirable to live off campus if you can afford it.” He said he finds more privacy and space with fewer parking problems off campus. “Once | got off campus and saw all the advantages, | don’t think | could go back and face four tiny walls again,” said Byers. Dennis Boyd, a junior from Danville, also lives off campus and likes it. “In the first place,’ said Boyd, ‘‘there are no false fire alarms at 6 a.m. off campus.” He said he liked the freedom of living in an apartment and also the additional space. “In a dor- mitory, your bed has to serve as a couch, a study hall and a bed.” said Boyd. Whatever the choice of residence, stu- dents generally admit that there are ad- vantages and disadvantages to both on campus and off campus housing. Residence halls have the main advantage of convenience, yet despite the improve- ments made in dormitories, many juniors and seniors will continue to live off campus. According to Byers, “You need both living experiences.” Wall-to-wall carpeting and modern furniture do not usually fit the college student's tight budget. There are other ways, however, to find luxurious housing. Having an uncle who is on sabbatical leave in Australia gives Nancy Nation a chance to move into his empty home. Greg Barnard, Miss Nation and Pat Price study together in the Logan Street house. With only six open houses each semester, dorm dwellers often have small parties in visitation hours. Susan Lacy, Graham Hudspeth, Anne Grayson and Bill Lloyd snack on sandwiches and chips. Zl Housing