The rumor is true ... Robison Hall is closing.
The traditional male residence dorm Robison Hall will close itsdoors at the end of this semester because of a decrease inenrollment, a University official said.
"Due to a decline in enrollment it is necessary to close RobisonHall at the end of this semester," Associate Director of ResidenceLife Peter Groenendyk said. "The decline in undergraduateenrollment has been caused in large part, to an increase inadmissions standards at The University of Memphis."
Groenendyk said the increase in The U of M's admission standardsis a benefit for The University, but it has a side effect that notall residence hall spaces are being used.
"Increasing admission standards are positive in that they willenhance the academic experience and environment for all students,"Groenendyk said. "However, as a side effect, it also means that notall residence hall spaces are being utilized."
The number of rooms, layout and age of Robison, which is next toScates Hall, contributed to the fact that it was chosen to closeover other residence halls.
However, some of the male residents in Robison do not want thedorm to close because of the strong relationships between fellowresidents.
Sophomore Johnny Young said Robison Hall is a community, and heis sad to see it close.
"I am disappointed that one of the best halls on campus isclosing because we have grown as a community," Young said. "And Idon't want to move to Carpenter because of cost, but I have to movesomewhere."
Sophomore Jonathan Barnes said Robison Hall has had a greatimpact on his life and others who live in the dorm.
"Robison is a wonderful dorm, and it's distressing to know wehave to leave a place that meant a lot to us," Barnes said.
Sophomore Adam McKenzie Jr. said Robison is a well-locateddorm.
"It was more convenient to stay in Robison, but it will not hurtme to move into Carpenter," McKenzie said. "But I hate that I haveto pay more money."
Groenendyk said he wants the Robison community to keep theirrelationships and take them to another dorm.
"The hope is to maintain the community that has developed overthe years in Robison, and provide for as little disruption to thecommunity as possible," he said.
Groenendyk added the decision was hard to make because ofRobison's close-knit community.
"This decision was not made lightly," he said. "I regret thatstudents will be moving out of the Robison Hall because it hasserved its purpose for many years, and a very positive communityhas developed due to the residents who live there."
