By Haley Costen
Staff Writer

Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA approved a resolution on Tuesday to research the proposition of becoming a coeducational institution.

The proposition could lead to a board vote as early as June, and if approved would allow men to enroll in the 2015-2016 academic year, which would combat the school’s diminishing enrollment and attract new investments to the university.

The move to become coeducational is influenced by economics and education, as the number of high school seniors choosing to attend single-sex institutions is decreasing.

However, while the number of high school students applying to single-sex institutions is down, the Pitt News points out that women’s institutions like Chatham provide a unique opportunity for students.

On the other hand, they pointed out that the idea of continuing the historically entrenched concept of women-only schools is, to some, furthering the gender inequity of today’s society. A recent study from the Psychological Bulletin suggest there is not a significant difference in achievement between co-ed and single-sex schools.

“As we have done for 145 years, Chatham adapted, innovated and emerged as a stronger institution through the addition of graduate programs for men and women, an expansion into online education, and by developing areas of excellence in the fields of health sciences and sustainability,” said Esther Barazzone, president of Chatham University.

Chatham University has been an undergraduate women’s institution since it’s founding in 1869.