<p>I'm curious about the gender dynamics at Wesleyan. I've heard Wesleyan is very open and maybe more "edgy" than most colleges, which is fine with me. However, coming from a high school with fairly hostile gender dynamics, the idea of attending a school with co-ed dorms and bathrooms if it had a similar atmosphere makes me somewhat apprehensive... Are people generally respectful, or is there an atmosphere that makes women uncomfortable/fearful?</p>
<p>It’s become a Wesleyan tradition and early test of maturity for modern day frosh to conduct a vote soon after moving-in day, whether to make the bathrooms single-sex by floor or to make them all gender-neutral. Each alternative has its drawbacks, but, the one that seems to be the most popular, year after year, is gender-neutrality. </p>
<p>The vote is necessary because a large number of the freshman dorms were built before Wesleyan was co-ed, when there was no need for more than one bathroom per floor. The showers in these particular dorms are tucked out of sight and around the corner from the communal sinks. </p>
<p>Everyone has a story of the first time the heard someone of the opposite sex use the toilet stall next door (the urinals were removed a long time ago). But, that’s not usually a prurient moment for anyone involved. Generally speaking, the most awkward situation you may find yourself in is brushing your teeth next to a guy. Upon, informaton and belief, that thrill wears off very quiickly.:)</p>
<p>After freshmen year, you’ll find the problem becomes almost nonexistent since the overwhelming majority of bathrooms on campus are single occupancy bathrooms, anyway.</p>
<p>As for “gender hostility”, I don’t think it will be a problem at Wesleyan; it’s the original “politically correct” university on many levels; a large number of men and women self-select to attend it and overt sexism is rare and quickly dealt with (at least, half the RAs are women, if that’s any indication.)</p>
<p>Hope this helps.</p>