Gender-Inclusive Housing

Students at �þ��Ƶ are assigned roommates of the same legal sex (male �þ��Ƶs with male �þ��Ƶs and female �þ��Ƶs with female �þ��Ƶs). However, the University recognizes that assignments based on this gender binary may not be the best option for all �þ��Ƶs. In cooperation with the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion, LGBTQ+ Initiatives, and the Campus Services Center, the Office of Residence Life offers gender-inclusive housing. Gender-inclusive housing provides room assignment options that better affirms a �þ��Ƶ’s gender identity. We create this living environment by ensuring that �þ��Ƶs have reasonable access to resources, matching �þ��Ƶs with affirming or selected roommates, and training residence hall staff to facilitate a welcoming community.

Housing Options

Many options are available for �þ��Ƶs who would like to explore gender-inclusive housing. Students can choose from a variety of living-learning communities. Review all living-learning communities on our . Look for an asterisk (*) notation on the list which indicates the community is located in a facility that contains multiple bathroom styles including single-user bathrooms that are lockable. A single-user bathroom is a space that has a single sink, shower and toilet. Depending upon an individual �þ��Ƶ’s need, we can accommodate other LLC preferences with Gender Inclusive Housing. We do our best to provide �þ��Ƶs with the best holistic living experience.

Upperclass �þ��Ƶs have the option of choosing to live in the on-campus Heritage Commons apartments during the rising �þ��Ƶ room selection (lottery) process. These are four-bedroom/two-bathroom apartments where �þ��Ƶs have a private bedroom and share two bathrooms. During the “lottery” process, apartments still follow the single-sex assignment process. If you are a rising sophomore and want to request a gender-inclusive Heritage Commons apartment, you will need to submit a gender-inclusive housing request using . Please note that if a �þ��Ƶ requests the option of Heritage Commons apartments, they must identify other �þ��Ƶs as roommates and all roommates must submit a request and agreement to fill the entire apartment. The Campus Services Center and Office of Residence Life will not randomly assign apartment-mates together for gender-inclusive housing.

�þ��Ƶ also offers the Love. Honor. Pride Living Learning Community (LLC) which is dedicated to creating a gender-inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ �þ��Ƶs and their allies during their residential experience at Miami. Students within this LLC will have opportunities to explore multiple identities, connect to LGBTQ+ initiatives in the Center for Student Diversion and Inclusion and �þ��Ƶ organizations, and build community. This LLC supports �þ��Ƶs in choosing (or being placed with) a roommate of any gender.

What is gender inclusive housing?

Gender Inclusive Housing is defined as a housing assignment in which two or more �þ��Ƶs share a room or apartment regardless of each �þ��Ƶs’ birth-assigned sex, legal gender or gender identity. Gender Inclusive Housing is open to all �þ��Ƶs whose needs are not met by our traditional housing assignment process that assigns roommates who are the same legal sex (male �þ��Ƶs with male �þ��Ƶs and female �þ��Ƶs with female �þ��Ƶs) on their housing application. This option supports the university's non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.

How is this different from co-ed housing?

Each �þ��Ƶ residential facility is considered "co-ed," meaning they house both male and female �þ��Ƶs. The sorority community, for upper-class female �þ��Ƶs, is the only single-sex facility. Gender-inclusive housing differs as it removes biological sex as a factor during the roommate assignment process.

Who can live in gender inclusive housing?

Gender Inclusive Housing is a voluntary housing option. A �þ��Ƶ will not be assigned to Gender Inclusive Housing without requesting it. This housing option is intended for trans and/or nonbinary �þ��Ƶs, LGBTQ+ �þ��Ƶs and other individuals who wish to share assigned living space with �þ��Ƶs of a different assigned sex or gender.

If I request gender inclusive housing, do I have to live in the Love.Honor.Pride LLC?

No, depending upon your individual need and request, you can request to be assigned into a variety of LLCs. First year �þ��Ƶs are assigned housing by their LLC request (not a specific facility) and there are several LLCs that can accommodate a request for Gender Inclusive Housing. Review all living-learning communities on our Community Options website and look for the asterisk (*) notation.

The Love. Honor. Pride Living Learning Community (LLC) is dedicated to creating a gender inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ �þ��Ƶs and their allies during their residential experience at Miami. Students within this LLC will have opportunities to explore multiple identities, connect to LGBTQ+ Services and �þ��Ƶ organizations, and build community. This LLC supports �þ��Ƶs in choosing (or being placed with) a roommate of any gender.

If I need a single room in gender inclusive housing, can I be guaranteed a single room?

No. There are a limited number of single rooms across campus, the majority of rooms are double (2-person) rooms. Students affiliated with the Miller Center for Student Disability Services are given priority in single-space assignments. Depending upon your individual needs or situation, affiliating with the Miller Center might best serve you.

What type of restrooms will be available to �þ��Ƶs who live in gender inclusive housing?

Students assigned into Gender Inclusive Housing will be located in a facility that contains multiple bathroom styles including single user bathrooms that are lockable. A single user bathroom is a space that has a single sink, shower and toilet.

Where is gender inclusive housing?

Gender Inclusive Housing is located in a facility that contains multiple bathroom styles including single user bathrooms that are lockable. A single user bathroom is a space that has a single sink, shower and toilet.

Review all living-learning communities on our Community Options website and look for the asterisk (*) notation.

How are roommates chosen?

Applicants are highly encouraged, but not required, to self-select their roommates. If you are unable to identify roommates and would like to live in Gender Inclusive Housing, Residence Life staff will pair you with other �þ��Ƶs who have also requested gender-inclusive housing during the assignment process.

Will there be specialized training for staff?

Yes, ongoing diversity and inclusion training is conducted for all Residence Life staff, including those working with the Gender Inclusive Community.

Are other colleges and universities offering this type of housing?

There are currently over offering some variety of gender-inclusive housing.

How do I sign up for gender inclusive housing?

All �þ��Ƶs must complete and submit a Housing Application in order to be assigned to on-campus housing. If you would like to request gender-inclusive housing, please also .

What if I am a parent who is concerned about my �þ��Ƶ living in Gender Inclusive Housing?

�þ��Ƶ deeply respects parents' involvement in their children’s lives, but �þ��Ƶs are seen as adults with the ability to make a housing request that is most comfortable for them.

Students will have access to a variety of resources and support networks at Miami. Parents can find local and national support and information through . PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies.

Additional Campus Resources

Office of Residence Life

211 Warfield Hall
451 East Spring St.
Oxford, OH 45056

ResidenceLife@MiamiOH.edu 513-529-4000

�þ��Ƶ