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University of Lynchburg

/ Student Life / Housing and Residence Life / Gender Inclusive Housing

Gender Inclusive Housing

Colorful chairs at the University of LynchburgWestover Hall terrace

Housing and Residence Life (HRL) at the University of Lynchburg recognizes, welcomes, and affirms students of all gender identities, not limited to the traditional understanding of gender as only male or female.

As a way to provide students with a welcoming residential experience, and to fulfill our vision as a department, HRL has implemented the following Gender Inclusive Housing Policy:

Policy

Housing and Residence Life (HRL) allows transgender, genderqueer, gender non-binary, and gender non-conforming students to select housing environments based on their identity. Gender-Inclusive Housing is available to both new and returning residents. This housing option may be especially important for:

  • Students in the process of exploring their gender identity.
  • Students who do not wish to identify themselves by gender.
  • LGBTQIA+ identified students.
  • Students who feel more comfortable with an individual of a specific gender self-identity.
  • Students who would prefer to live in a community of mixed gender and gender identity.

Housing and Residence Life has gender-inclusive housing options available in all residential facilities. All Southside locations (University-owned houses, Peaksview Apartments, and Townhouses) are designated gender-inclusive. Also, all First-Year Housing Options (Montgomery Hall and Tate Hall) have gender-inclusive restrooms with private showers on each floor.

Students interested in residing in Gender-Inclusive Housing within our traditional residence halls (Montgomery, Tate, Hundley, Freer, Westover, and Shackleford) are encouraged to contact Housing and Residence Life at residencelife@lynchburg.edu for support. Students will have the option to self-disclose/identify in their student housing portal and housing intent form. Additionally, students may contact Housing and Residence Life directly. Information shared in an individual’s housing portal, housing intent form, or with HRL Staff will be kept confidential and only used for purposes designated by the student.

Gender-Inclusive Housing, as with all other housing processes and assignments, is not intended for romantic couples. Therefore, we strongly advise against and discourage students in romantic relationships or partnerships from being roommates regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Housing and Residence Life respects and honors our students’ privacy, so current procedures/applications do not require students to disclose reasons for their roommate requests.

FAQs

What is Gender-Inclusive Housing?
Gender-Inclusive Housing at the University of Lynchburg is defined as an environment where student housing is not restricted to the traditional limitations of the gender binary (male/female). In alignment with our institutional mission and statement of Inclusion, Gender-Inclusive Housing operates with the understanding that there are infinite forms of gender identity and expression.
Who can participate in Gender-Inclusive Housing?
This housing option is available to all students who have a housing assignment and are enrolled full-time in any given academic year. Students who indicate they would like to be placed in Gender-Inclusive Housing on their Housing Intent Form, Student Housing Profile, or in communication with Housing and Residence Life will work with HRL staff to be placed in or near those communities.
Will I be placed in a Gender-Inclusive community if I do not request one?
Some of our Gender-Inclusive communities are tied to specific Residential Learning Communities (RLCs). By electing to participate in those particular RLCs, you agree to live in a Gender-Inclusive space. Additionally, some of our smaller communities (3rd Floor Montgomery Hall, 3rd Floor Hundley Hall, 1st Floor Shackelford Hall, 2nd Floor Freer Hall, and 4th Floor North — Westover Hall) are designated as Gender-Inclusive spaces. Please note that all Southside Locations are considered Gender-Inclusive.
What if my parents/legal guardians do not want their student(s) to live in gender-inclusive housing?
Housing and Residence Life encourages all students to have and maintain an open dialogue with their parent(s) or guardian(s) about their choice or desire to reside in Gender-Inclusive Housing. However, we understand that some students may not be comfortable or in a space to have those conversations. Housing and Residence Life staff are happy to meet with students to discuss and explore available options for housing, and what each option means, with a goal of finding the right housing for the student.
What information does HRL need to be considered for Gender-Inclusive Housing?
Housing and Residence Life respects each student’s privacy and will not ask for more information than is necessary to meet each student’s housing needs. Following the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), all information disclosed will be kept confidential and only used as designated by the student to make housing decisions.
What if a student is uncomfortable living with someone because of their gender identity?
Part of the collegiate residential experience will involve some discomfort as you begin to explore identities within yourself and those around you. Since all housing assignments are based on individual preferences designated in your student housing profile, ideally every student will be assigned to a roommate with whom they feel comfortable. However, if issues arise and students feel uncomfortable in their space, they can speak with their community assistant about different ways to address the situation.

The first step may be conflict resolution/mediation via a guided conversation and, if necessary, may include changing spaces. All situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Can I choose my partner as my roommate?
Gender-Inclusive Housing, as with all other housing processes and assignments, is not intended for romantic couples. Therefore, we advise against and discourage students in romantic relationships or partnerships from being roommates regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
What if I have other questions about Gender-Inclusive Housing?
If you have other questions about Gender-Inclusive Housing or any other housing process/concern, please reach out to Housing and Residence Life at residencelife@lynchburg.edu or call our office at 434.544.8320.