When the Maryland State Normal School moved to the Towson campus in 1915, it was the first time that the institution was able to offer students dormitory facilities. While staff was quickly appointed to oversee the single dormitory that opened on campus in 1915, Newell Hall, it would not be until the 1920s that a robust Dormitory department was created. Starting in 1947, students who lived on campus elected their peers to serve on the Dormitory House Committee for each of the residential buildings on campus. This body represented all resident students and in collaboration with college administration, helped draft dormitory policies and create activities for resident students. In 1956 this body was split into the Men's and Women's Resident Councils. In the 1970s the dormitories became co-educational, beginning with the Residence Tower which opened in 1972. This meant that hte Men's and Women's Resident Councils would again be united into one Resident Council. In the early 1980s this body was replaced by the University Residence Government (URG) which currently serves as a governing body representing all Towson University resident students. Today Housing and Residence Life "manages 18 co-ed residence halls on campus. These buildings range from modern high-rise towers, traditional styled buildings, and apartment complexes. Residence hall staff members live in each building and work with students to create a community atmosphere." (from the Housing and Residence About Us webpage: https://www.towson.edu/studentlife/housing/campus/housing-residence-life/)