Truly unusual events occurred this month on Friday the 13th, as Hale 8, a female dormitory, opened its gates to both women and men for a movie night in the courtyard. Felicia Lee, a senior from Singapore majoring in business, and RA for Hale 8, said that the event was held to get everyone involved. When asked if it would open up the possibilities for males to come into the girls’ hale more often by introducing “guys weekends” Lee said, “We might have other activities including boys but that’s it for right now.” The newest of the dormitories, Hales 7, 8, and 9, are completely closed off to men, unless given special permission. There are no lounges or areas for mixed company to spend time together, which is why the residents say they are hoping for more opportunities like this one. “It was nice to hang out with boys somewhere other than the parking lot or street,” said Nicki Thornhill, a freshman from Arizona studying graphic design. Hale 1 and 10 are apartment style dorms, meaning they have a kitchen and common area in each unit. These two hales are allowed “guy weekends” where males can come into the sitting areas of their units. Hale 2 has a lounge in which men are allowed to hang out every day of the week. The men’s Hales, 4 and 6, also have lounges that are open to women. This leaves the three remaining hales as the only living quarters without a common area for both girls and boys to hang out. Another Hale 8 RA, McKenna Brown, a freshman from California majoring in International Cultural Studies, explained the hales used to be in charge of campus-wide activities such as dances, talent shows, etc. But as the school grew and more hales were built. Those responsibilities were shouldered by the wards and stakes. In order to bring back some of that fun, Brown said, “We’re trying to incorporate more activities in the hale… We’ll be doing two activities a month.”Uploaded March 25, 2015
Writer: Ali Apgood
