“I think flexible housing is a great option for our students. It primarily aims to benefit students who wish to live with family members, students who have disabilities that may require them to live with a caretaker or students who simply feel more comfortable living in a mixed-gender environment,” she said.

Chaney said a total of eight students chose to live in flexible housing option, filling one suite in Wonders Hall and another in McDonel Hall.

“It’s kind of nifty we beat U-M to this. There are a lot of schools, like Grand Valley (State University), who have already implemented this, so I think it’s just about time that MSU kind of got on board,” said apparel and textile design senior Tyler Akeo.

Akeo lives with social work senior Katherine Logan, who has been his best friend since they attended sixth grade together.

“Right now, we’re the only ones — and our suitemate — but his roommate isn’t moving in, so technically it’s only us,” Logan said.

“We’re the only ones doing it, but the only reason why is because it was just passed at the end of the year.”

Logan and Akeo agree that they would continue to support flexible housing if this option were discontinued in the future.

“We will be piloting the flexible housing option for two years. During this time, we will assess the impact that flexible housing has by looking, primarily, at the demand for the option,” said Chaney.

Akeo and Logan said it’s a bad test, “because no one really knew about it.”

The flexible housing option began April 2, according to a statement by Residence Education and Housing Services Director Kathy Collins.

Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Resource Center Program Media Assistant Allegra Smith said she would be dissatisfied with the administration if flexible housing were discontinued, after the considerable work done by members of the local LBGT community to put transitional housing in place.

“I think that gender-neutral housing is essential for the safety and the well-being of the LGBT students,” Smith said.

“I think it’s really important that students room with people who make them feel safe and comfortable.”

Chaney confirmed if REHS approves at the end of the pilot period, the option will become permanent.

“We anticipate that we will have more students taking advantage of this option for next year. We want all of our student-residents to feel safe, secure and welcomed during their stay at MSU,” said Chaney.

“If flexible housing options provide those feelings, then I fully support it.”