Gender-neutral housing deemed success by ORL
As the first-ever term of gender-neutral housing at Dartmouth comes to a close, the Office of Residential Life has begun to look back at its newly instituted gender-neutral housing program floor and, based on positive feedback, does not foresee a need to make any significant changes in the coming terms. Out of the 32 students who applied for this special housing, 16 students and one undergraduate advisor were eventually chosen because they showed an active interest in participating in the model of a shared community which would hold programs and dinners focused on discussing gender-related issues. Assistant Dean of Student Life and advisor to Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender students Pam Misener has taken the position as lead advisor for the students living on the floor, and attends the floor's weekly Sunday dinners. "We really wanted the residents to have a chance to be engaged in the decisions about how we would organize ourselves, so it took a little longer to really hit a rhythm," Misener said.
