Gender-Inclusive Housing Options

Rowan University offers Gender-Inclusive Housing as an option to provide the greatest flexibility to our resident students and assure an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and supportive of all students. Gender Inclusive Housing allows students to choose roommates and share bedrooms, suites, or apartments without restrictions based on gender or sex. The purpose of this policy is to create a campus climate that prioritizes diversity, equity, and belonging.

Room assignments that are restricted based on gender or sex are not ideal or appropriate for all students. Restrictions based on gender or sex often impose living situations that feel unsafe for students who identify as transgender or who do not identify within a gender binary, as well as many gay and lesbian students. These living situations can also increase the likelihood that students will be targets of bias and discrimination. By eliminating gender and sex-based restrictions, students are empowered to choose roommates with whom they are most comfortable living.

This option has been available at Rowan for many years, and students who have utilized this option have found it to be very beneficial. Gender Inclusive Housing is available to students of any class level including new first-year and transfer students. Locations for this option include all apartment facilities, as well as the Holly Pointe Commons residence hall. It will not be available in the traditional residence halls with gender-assigned restroom facilities.

Gender-Inclusive Housing Assignment Process

• Gender Inclusive Housing is assigned on an opt-in basis. Students must agree to this assignment option in their housing application.
• First-year and transfer students will be assigned to Gender Inclusive housing based on their application and roommate-match information. Continuing students have the ability to select a Gender Inclusive space during the online room selection process.
• If a vacancy occurs during the year, Residential Learning and University Housing will work with the current occupant(s) to identify solutions such as placement of a requested roommate(s), assignment of a student from the room change waitlist who has requested Gender Inclusive Housing, or modifying the room type to a gender-specific space.
• If no interested student can be identified to fill the Gender Inclusive Housing vacancy, Residential Learning and University Housing may re-designate the room as gender specific.
• Students with questions about Gender Inclusive Housing or who wish to learn about all the options available to them may contact Residential Learning and University Housing at housingquestions@rowan.edu or 856-256-4266.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the differences between co-ed and gender-inclusive housing?
The term co-ed operates on the assumption that there are two genders: male and female. Current gender theory acknowledges that for many people, gender is not a binary, and people can identify in ways that do not conform with the gender-binary.

Providing options for gender-inclusive housing - as opposed to co-ed – is an approach that allows room for a more diverse array of identities.

What are the due dates to apply for Gender Inclusive Housing?
Gender Inclusive Housing is not subject to a deadline and may be requested in the housing application when it is completed. Room assignments are typically completed in the summer for first-year and transfer students, and for continuing students, during the room selection process in the spring semester. 

What if a student does NOT want to live in a Gender Inclusive room?
This option is only for those who specifically agree to it. Students are not required to accept an assignment to a space with a person of another gender.

What if parents/guardians don’t want their student to live in a Gender Inclusive room?
We encourage students to have an open dialogue with their families about their preferences and needs so that they can be supportive of a student’s housing decision. At the University level, students over the age of 18 at the start of the period of their residency are responsible for making their own choices about housing.

What if someone who requested Gender Inclusive Housing decides they no longer wish to do so?
Students may update their preferences in their housing application prior to receiving a room assignment, or request room changes by following the room change processes that are published each semester.

What will the duration of a Gender Inclusive Housing assignment be?
Participants will commit to living in a gender-inclusive assignment for the full academic year. Students may re-apply for Gender Inclusive Housing for the following year if they meet housing eligibility requirements.

Where will the Gender Inclusive Housing be located?
All University apartment buildings and the Holly Pointe Commons residence hall provide options for Gender Inclusive Housing.

Who can participate in Gender Inclusive Housing?
Any student who is interested can request this option.

Will you prevent people who are romantically involved from living together?
Gender Inclusive Housing is not intended for romantic couples. When individuals involved in a romantic relationship live together, it can lead to conflicts among roommates that are difficult to resolve, as well as problems that may arise if the relationship ends. For this reason, the University strongly discourages couples of any gender combination from living together. However, the University respects the privacy of our students, and procedures for Gender Inclusive Housing will not require students to disclose the reason for their roommate requests or prohibit couples from choosing to live together.

Is this option common at other Universities?
Availability of Gender Inclusive Housing has become much more common in recent years. Many other institutions in New Jersey and across the country offer similar housing options.