Mission and Values Statement
The Department of Residence Education and Housing Services and The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC) are dedicated to providing safe and comfortable living environments for all students, including those whose gender identity and/or expression differs from the sex assigned to them at birth.
LBGTQA+ students looking for a supportive living arrangement in the residence halls should contact one of the staff members listed below. Because of limitations in the available housing options, there is no guarantee that all of a student’s preferences can be met, but we are highly committed to working with the student to find the best accommodations possible.
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 Michigan State University by finding the best match between the student’s needs and the options available.
- CAN I SPEAK TO SOMEONE WHO IS LGBTQA+ ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE AT MSU?
If you are interested in speaking with a LGBTQA+ student or alumnus about their experiences, contact the The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC) at 517-353-9520 or gscc@msu.edu. They will work with you to connect with a current or former student.
- HOW ARE HOUSING ASSIGNMENTS MADE AT MSU?
Housing assignments are determined using the gender provided in the StuInfo system. Students are responsible for providing and updating their gender information in the StuInfo system through the Registrar’s Office. The gender reported by the student in the StuInfo system will be used to determine housing assignments.
- WHAT IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL HOUSING NEEDS THAT REQUIRE ACCOMMODATION?
Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) seeks to provide a living environment welcoming to all gender identities. Gender-inclusive housing (GIH) means that, in select spaces, students from all gender identities and expressions may choose to live together. Learn more at liveon.msu.edu/GIH
REHS also has a special interest community, the Transgender Residential Experience, or TREx. This is a dedicated living space designed specifically for transgender and non-binary students who seek an inclusive and affirming housing environment. Learn more at liveon.msu.edu/TREx.
- WHAT IF MY ROOMMATE(S) REACT NEGATIVELY OR I FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE WITH MY ROOMMATE(S)?
The Residence Education and Housing Services staff is committed to assuring that every resident feels safe, included and welcomed in their campus home. Your Resident Assistant is available to serve as a resource person should any issues arise. The Residence Education Community Directors and Assistant Community Directors receives training and development opportunities related to sexual and gender diversity. All students have rights as well as responsibilities. If you have concerns regarding discrimination or harassment, talk to your residence hall staff.
- WHAT IS THE ENVIRONMENT AT MSU FOR LGBTQA+ STUDENTS?
Reflecting a wide range of resources, support policies, educational initiatives and involvement opportunities, MSU was named one of the “100 best campuses” in The Advocate College Guide for LGBTQA+ Students. MSU is the only campus in the country to offer residence hall neighborhood-based LGBTQA+ social and support organizations. The Department of Residence Education and Housing Services, and the LBGT Resource Center, are committed to the ongoing work of improving the campus climate for LGBTQA+ students.
- WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT LGBTQA+ PROGRAMS, EVENTS, AND SUPPORT ON CAMPUS?
The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC) is a unit on campus that leads and collaborates on university-wide initiatives that prepare students to thrive in our diverse world, and enhances the campus climate and support services for students marginalized by their sexuality or gender identity. The LBGT Resource Center is a meeting place as well as a digital hub for students to find one another as well as education and support related to gender and sexual diversity.
If you would like more information on housing for transgender students and/or Gender Inclusive Housing options at MSU, please contact:
Suzette Babcock
Residence Education and Housing Services
517-884-1753
vermilli@msu.edu
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC)
517-353-9520
gscc@msu.edu
gscc.msu.edu
