Room selection and housing plans—Fall 2021

Traditionally, we look forward to gathering in the Johnson Center, eating some homemade pie together, and finalizing room choices for the upcoming year. This year, it will be similar, and in light of COVID-19 we will also be introducing the ability to “squat” your room. This means that if you like the room that you and your suitemates currently reside in, you’ll be able to remain in that room for your fall housing assignment. We will share more details for that process in March.

One other COVID-19-related change for 2021-2022 is that PGB will only be utilized as a space for students who are in need of quarantine or isolation for the fall semester. Male residents will now have the option to live in Fox Hall, and Woolman/Whittier will still be available for female residents. All other buildings will be operating as normal. Eventually, the long-term plan will be to retire PGB, which has been part of our strategic campus plan for several years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are we consolidating PGB & WWF?

There are three main reasons driving this consolidation: 

1. There was great demand for quarantine and isolation rooms during the 2020-21 academic year. Utilizing PGB to accommodate students who may be suffering with COVID-19 in the fall is a wise way to mitigate viral spread within our general population. And even with the use of PGB as a quarantine space, we will still be able to keep our residence halls at lower density.
2. We want to continue to provide a strong sense of connection and community among residents. Merging these two residence halls will assist isolated populations in both buildings because, currently, there are only two floors open in PGB and WWF also has isolated populations. This consolidation will help bring vibrancy to our halls, a stronger sense of connection to other residents, and it’s close to the Quad and fire pit, often a hub for community. 
3. PGB is an aging building, residential need has decreased, and this decision will help us pursue sound stewardship of our physical property as we continue to attain our strategic plan for campus. The closure of PGB will save in operational costs, maintenance, and repairs as well as continue to assist Malone toward a fiscally sustainable future.

Why did we choose PGB in particular?

Each of our residence halls has unique and rewarding cultures, but these are some factors that were considered: 

1. Building adequacy and condition: PGB is aging and acquiring parts for repair has become increasingly difficult. 
2. Enrollment within the building: the occupancy of PGB has been at less than 30% for several years. It has endured declining occupancy rates for the last 5 years. 
3. Student population characteristics: PGB has a great population with a strong sense of community and sub-culture. We think some of this has to do with the traditional-style layout of the building; there’s something important about shared bathrooms and common space! We also believe it has to do with the residents; traditionally, PGB has housed the most first-year male students. We think this can still be the case in Fox. It offers the traditional shared spaces and we will assure that first year students are still incorporated in the community. PGB has had one of the strongest retention rates and hosts a number of successful traditions, and we believe that can still be the case in Fox Hall.

Why are you telling us this now?

Alerting you now enables you to have adequate time to choose a new building/room as you prepare for room selection night in April. It will also provide adequate time to plan and execute the changes to each building. 

Why WWF as the relocation choice?

We want to give male students an option for a traditional-style building with cost savings. We also think the strong community of PGB has to do with shared spaces; some students like traditional, communal spaces and this will allow men to still have that option. Further, Fox, in particular, can sustain an added swipe system to lock down sections of the building as well as an installation of a new laundry room. In other words, WWF can easily operate as a co-ed building. Plus, it is not the first time Fox has been used to house male students.

What will happen to the staff? 

This consolidation will still include Micah Czirr overseeing Haviland and Fox, and Emelia Kublin overseeing Woolman and Whittier. We will still have the same number of R.A. positions with a professional staff member living in each building. The Health Center will stay remain on Whittier 1, accessible through Myers Lounge.

A CO-ED building at Malone?

This is not the first time that WWF has been co-ed. In 1973-77, men lived in Fox, and they did so again in the 1990’s. Even though the building is adjoined, it will be separated. We will have interior swipes on doors and visitation hours will remain the same. The building will be together, but run independently. Myers Lounge will be open specific hours for both female and male residents.  

What’s the re-modeling timeline?

Consolidating a residential hall requires as much planning time as does opening a new or remodeled facility. Malone has developed a checklist of tasks and responsibilities that will be used by appropriate departments. This is a “living” document that will be updated every few months based on newly identified tasks or issues we encounter during the closing process. This document lists each task required, and who is to perform or coordinate the task. Our timeline is to have WWF fully operational by August 2021. 

What changes will we make to WWF?

Pending enrollment numbers, Woolman 3 and Whittier 3 will be reopened. Women will reside in Woolman and Whittier. Men will be in Fox. Visitation hours will remain the same as in every hall. Myers Lounge will be shared and available during certain hours to both men and women, as well as the snack shop. There will be different laundry facilities: men’s laundry will be on Fox 1 and women’s laundry and kitchen will remain the same on Whittier 1. Those needing access to the Health Center will be able to enter through the front doors of Myers Lounge as usual. Computer labs will be in the Fox Breezeway for men, and the Whittier/Woolman Alley for women. Swipes will be on interior doors as well as exterior doors. 

Will other buildings change?

No other buildings are anticipated to change at this time. 

What will happen to White House?

Institutional decisions can’t restrain their spirit. They will always live on at Airband.

How can students help?

Although the majority of the tasks will be the University's responsibility, students can be involved as well. It is imperative to us that this final semester in the building, one that many consider “home,” be made as special and meaningful as possible. And for staff, they need to know that they are appreciated, so here are a few ways you can help: 

1. If you have questions, see your R.D. We are happy to answer as best we can. 
2. Assist staff in preparing for next year’s housing process. Housing selection night for next year will be Wednesday, April 7 in the JC Dining Room. Start thinking now about where you want to live.
3. Keep having fun and participating in your floor events. We think community has more to do with the residents of a building than the walls of a building. We believe community will be the same—it's just going to be in a different location.
4. Celebrate the history: Help us come up with a way to celebrate PGB. This may mean designing a t-shirt, giving a final tribute at Airband, or attending the annual PGB Hog Roast. 

What if I’m a commuter and want to live on campus?

Please contact our Housing Coordinator, Emily Deinert at edeinert@malone.edu. She can give you details.

What if I’m leaving the residence halls?

See your R.A. or R.D. for details on the checkout process. 

Do you still have questions?

Contact Student Development at 330-471-8273