By Shakinta JohnstonRegister Staff Writer

What do the words “trend-setting,” “unique,” “academia” and “maturity” have in common? They’re all words used to describe the first 24-hour coed dormitory in N.C. A&T’s history, Vanstory Hall. Formally known as C. M. Vanstory Hall, the dorm (built in 1966) has gone through some surprising changes. Once a single-sex dorm catering only to women, Vanstory’s new coed status astonished former residents.

“I was shocked,” said senior professional English major Jawana Southerland, who resided in Vanstory Hall during her freshman year (1998). “Usually you see coed dorms on white campuses. But I think it’s a good idea because college students are basically adults. You might as well treat them like that.”

Resident assistant and junior marketing major Jamaal Stewart agrees, but cites a more impressive reason for going coed.”This (24-hour coed) is a privilege. Residents don’t want to lose it, so they follow it. Everyone acts like adults, and I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said.

Part of what Stewart wouldn’t change involves location and placing of residents. Female residents reside on west ends of the first, second and third floors. Males reside on the east sides of the first floor, basement and a few on the third floor.

Then there are the privileges. Vanstory residents are not required to sign in guests, may go from one side of the dorm to the other and may maintain a constant study partner. However, there is another aspect to Vanstory Hall’s academic jump into A&T history. All residents of Vanstory Hall are required to earn and maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA. It wasn’t until the new coed rule was applied that students began to realize there were requirements and expectations. Fortunately, those students are responding well.

“This is the first dorm in the history (of A&T) to have 24-hour coed. And this first group that we have are very motivated and very excited about coed,” said Sylvia Davis, assistant director for Vanstory Hall. Davis also believes that other students will be motivated to earn the grades that will allow residency into Vanstory Hall.

“Chancellor Renick’s stay here helped a lot. I heard a lot of students talking about it. And I think that was a good experience for the chancellor and the university. I know a lot of students would love to get into Vanstory Hall,” added Davis.

But Vanstory Hall and coed isn’t all freedom and relaxation. Males are not allowed on female halls unless they are accompanied by a female and vice versa. Residents also are not allowed to spend the night in each other’s room,s contrary to what some students have been saying.

However, even that stipulation doesn’t hurt Vanstory residents.”It’s cool. There really isn’t a difference from coed or single-dorms,” said James L. Imes, sophomore business economics major and author. “You have a higher level of maturity.”