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University Daily Kansas
Friday, Oct. 23, 1964
Co-ed Dorms Get Hearty Approval
Peaceful co-existence came to KU this past summer, although University residence halls, not a summit conference, were the site of an experiment in human relations.
Ellsworth and Carruth-O'Leary halles were converted into co-educational residences to house 233 students attending the 1964 summer session.
Not only did the co-educational halls provide opportunities for summer students to meet and date the opposite sex, the unique living situation brought about improved manners and behavior, the survey found.
The experiment in co-educational existence was a success, according to a survey taken of the residents by the Association of University Residence Halls (AURH).
AURH initiated the survey this past summer to test reactions of KU students in such a situation, Ron Rardin, Leawood senior and chairman of the housing board, said. Questionnaires were distributed to most of the residents in the two halls and the results were tabulated and compiled by the housing board.
and compared with students were divided into gradu- Students were divided into graduates and undergraduates, new and old KU students, and on the basis of their previous residence at KU, including Greek houses, residence halls or off-campus housing.
Over 60 per cent of the students surveyed felt the co-educational system should be extended to cover housing during the regular school year.
Four halls on campus, Grace Pearson, Hashinger, Carruth-O'Leary, and the unfinished hall on Engel road, can be easily converted to coeducational residences, J. J. Wilson, director of dormitories, said.
"It is a little early to predict the situation for next year." Wilson said, "because we must wait until we get applications for next year's students. The demands will determine how we will house the students."
The favorable results indicated by the summer's survey might serve as an incentive for the University to try the plan, Rardin said.
Students found few inconveniences in co-educational living during the summer. Women students complained of the inaccessibility of the
snack-bar facilities in Ellsworth after closing as late night hunger could mean a trip to the candy machines in hair curlers.
Lack of a senior key system meant enforcement of closing hours for graduate and senior women and drew complaints from residents.
Increased social contact between residents was an advantage of the system, residents said in the survey. Mealtimes provided one method of meeting fellow residents, and also contributed to improved table manners, residents said, though mostly men residents noted the improvement. About 50 per cent of the residents indicated they had dated another hall resident. Nearly two-thirds reported they had attended at least one hall social function during the summer.
General approval of the living system was evident in students' statements that they did not find the changes necessitated by co-ed living inconvenient. Over 80 per cent added that the situation did not cause them to feel ill at ease, either at meals or in the residence hall recreation areas.
Dr. Charles Malik Former President, U.N. General Assembly
Wednesday, Oct.28
8:00 p.m.
Hoch Auditorium
"The Struggle for Peace"
Read and Use Kansan Classifieds
Old Age Plan Now Project
Those of old age at Holton can soon look forward with hope to a more productive place in their community.
A three-year research project, sponsored by the National Institutes of Mental Health, hopes to enlarge the capacities and talents of the aged and to alleviate the problems facing them, at the same time helping the community.
Mary L. Wylie, project director and research associate in the department of social work at KU, said, "At present, too many of us tend to believe that once you hit 65 you're through. This is entirely true for many, although it is a great problem, especially for the smaller towns in Kansas where 10-25 per cent of the population is 65 and over."
Both the young and old residents in Holton are actively involved in working on the problems.
The project has two major goals: (1) to create for the aged person a useful place in the community, and (2) to reduce the problems facing the community.
- The first step involved is identifying the problems.
- The second step is to select the appropriate solutions to attack the problems. Perhaps the community needs more industry or recreational facilities to provide jobs for the aged.
- The third step is that of applying the problem solution tasks to the aged.
"If the older people would realize there's a place for them where their talents are needed, many problems of aging would be reduced," Miss Wylie said.
NOT ONLY will the aged be helped by this project but the community as a whole will benefit.
The addition of industry or more recreational facilities can boost a town's economy and prosperity. All will benefit from the added commerce. Miss Wylie said, "It will be good for both the community and the aged. Many unique talents will appear for community work."
At the present time the project is engaged in the first of three phases.
THIS PHASE, which started June 1 and is to last six months, is devoted primarily to acquainting the project directors and committee with the community and its problems. It measures the present status of the older people of the community.
Other members of the staff include Esther E. Twente, co-director of the project and a professor in the department of social work, and Dorothy Cohen, engaged in her second year of field work.
CONSULTANTS from state agencies and other universities are helping with the project.
Although this particular project is meant only for Holton's benefit, Miss Wylie said, "I hope that if it's a success, other communities will take a look."
Lorenzo J. de Kaw says
If you're interested in Pop Art,
If you're interested in the Absurd Theatre,
If you're interested in the Avant-Garde,
YOU MUST NOT MISS
AT SEA, CHARLIE, STRIP TEASE
Staged by Warminski (Visiting Polish Director)
Oct.26 through 31
Experimental Theatre
Tickets are $1.50
(75c with Certificate of
Fee Payment)
A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS
Tonight & Tomorrow Last Showing
8:20 p.m. Curtain
UNIVERSITY THEATRE
*