After last year’s significant drop in students living on campus, the majority of resident housing is now full. In addition, the housing department has upgraded facilities and extended visiting hours.

The first major change in on-campus housing is the availability of economy-price housing for female residents, who make up roughly 58 per cent of Trinity Western University’s student population. Starting this year, female students are occupying over half of Douglas Hall, which houses economy-size dorms.

To meet last year’s high demand for upperclassmen housing, the Fraser Hall suites were renovated into apartments, complete with new carpeting, paint and appliances.

Scott Henderson, who replaced Brad Wallbank as the new Director of Housing, said that this was a “big push to attract upperclassmen to live on campus.”

“The fact that people are taking this [offer] shows that there is a need,” said Paul Johnston, Director of Campus Services.

Also. in contrast to last year, male students are now living in the south wing of Fraser. Dorms are still separated by gender.

“We still have all the segregation we need to maintain the integrity the community has,” said Kelvin Gartly of Student Life.

Visiting hours are now allowed throughout the week between 5-9 pm, and the Fraser and Douglas common lounges are now open 24 hours a day. A Resident Assistant will be on duty between 8-12 pm.

Alicia Gonzales, a first-time RA living in Douglas, said that the 24-hour lounge will extend opportunities to interact. “It relieves the pressure to have to kick someone out – they [now] have somewhere to go.”

“[Residents] have been able to interact more casually” she added, saying that it’s “more natural to just make friends.”

Gartly agreed, saying the common space will foster “a culture a friendships rather than microscopes of dating.”

“Common space between guys and girls has been [wanted] for a long time,” said Gartly. He added that Student Life is “giving students a little more freedom that I think they’re responsible enough to handle.”

Kris Kraakmo, a first-time RA living in Fraser, said it will take some time to adjust to the changes. “[Because of] varying the dorm hours, [guys] won’t be able to be as free. We’ll have to be more concerned about our modesty.” He said, however, that it will encourage cleanliness among his residents because female students will see their rooms more often.

The RAs still feel that they can take pride in their dorm regardless of both genders sharing the building.

“If we have ‘girl time,’ it’s in the dorm itself,” said Gonzales.

“[It] allows all of south Fraser to become one and compete against Douglas; it builds a new community,” said Kraakmo.

Gartly sees the changes in housing, visiting hours and lounge hours as “all fitting together in enhancing our community.”

Of the positive feedback, Henderson said, “There’s always work that goes on over the summer. But this year, it’s work that you can see.”