Gender Inclusive Housing

“As individuals and collectively, we are committed to a mindset of inclusive and equitable practices. We will work toward creating an environment free of harm based on a person’s identity.” - SLE Divisional Value Statement

Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) seek to provide a living environment welcoming to all gender identities. REHS at Michigan State University (MSU) is pleased to offer gender-inclusive housing (GIH) to our new and returning students. Gender-inclusive housing means that, in select spaces, students from all gender identities and expressions may choose to live together.

Housing assignments for students are guided by the following values:

Respect for an affirmation of the student’s gender identity and/or expression.
Prioritized attention to the student’s physical safety and emotional health.
Opportunity for success at MSU by finding the best match between the student’s needs and the options available.

SIGN-UP FOR GENDER INCLUSIVE HOUSING

MSU has Gender Inclusive Housing floors in most neighborhoods on campus. Students will be able to indicate they want to live in a Gender Inclusive Housing space when going through the housing selection or assignment process.

If you need to update your gender identity or pronouns please visit your My Housing account
If you have further questions about the housing selection process, contact Suzette Babcock in the Housing Assignments Office at vermilli@msu.edu or 517-884-5483

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is gender-inclusive housing?

GIH is defined as a housing option in which two or more students mutually agree to share a multiple-occupancy bedroom, suite or apartment regardless of students’ birth-assigned sex, legal gender or gender identity.

Other floors on our campus require that roommates and suitemates have the same gender marker with the Office of Registrar, which can be changed by the instructions on the bottom of this page. GIH would not require any matching of gender markers

Where can I go to learn more about sex and/or gender?

The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC)

How do I sign-up/apply?

GIH options are built into our usual housing sign-up systems so students do not have to disclose their gender to a university employee to be granted the option of GIH. GIH will also be incorporated into the waitlist functions. Lastly, a student can always contact the Housing Assignments Office at 517-884-5483 to inquire about specific GIH options or needs.

What is the bathroom setup for GIH?

The current spaces designated for GIH have suite-style and community-style bathrooms. Suite-style bathrooms are two double rooms that share one private bathroom or an apartment with a private bathroom. Community style bathrooms are large bathrooms available to all residents on a floor.

How is this different from co-ed housing?

Gender-inclusive housing differs as it removes gender as a factor in assignments in these spaces, thereby removing the need to define gender at all.

Can I move to a GIH space once the semester begins?

Yes. If a student has a need for a GIH space at any point during the academic year, REHS will facilitate a new assignment as long as space allows. REHS recognizes that gender is fluid and dynamic, meaning assignment adjustments to meet the needs of the students can be made.