Students in gender inclusive communities can share a room together regardless of the gender assigned at birth or how they currently identify. There are students in this area who are LGBTQIA+. There are students who share rooms who are in relationships and students who are just friends. Some rooms have two people of the same gender. Many have students of different genders. We have some double rooms with a private bathroom and double rooms that do not have a private bath. Students assigned to rooms without the private bathroom, use the common bathroom in the hallway. This bathroom is gender inclusive. Students of any gender can use these bathrooms.
Michigan Tech recognizes that same-gender room assignments may not be ideal or appropriate for every student. The purpose of gender inclusive housing is to provide a safe and welcoming living environment to all students. Gender inclusive housing is a community where students can live together in a safe and welcoming environment regardless of gender identity or gender expression.
All students who are eligible to live in the residence halls can choose to live in gender inclusive housing. Students who request gender inclusive housing should understand gender identity and gender expression and actively seek to contribute to inclusion in their community.
New students must indicate they are interested in gender inclusive housing in order to be considered. Current students must select a room within a gender inclusive community to reside there. Students who do not specifically indicate an interest will be assigned to same-gender communities.
Students are encouraged, but not required, to select their roommate. This may be a person you know or someone you connected with in roommate matching. If you are unable to identify a roommate or need assistance, Housing staff can help you connect with other students with similar identities and/or lifestyle preferences. If you do not select a roommate, Housing will assign one to you based on the preferences you indicate on your application.
Gender inclusive housing is not intended for romantic couples. As a general rule, students are strongly advised against living in campus housing with a romantic partner. Students are not required to disclose the reason for roommate requests or their interest in gender inclusive housing. Michigan Tech strongly believes in the developmental nature of the roommate experience. Further, we strongly encourage students to reconsider living with a person with whom they are romantically involved. There may be serious challenges for both students should the relationship end including, limited or no ability to change assignments.
We do our best to assist students with all housing options, including gender inclusive housing. However, we are not able to guarantee availability. Priority for gender inclusive housing will be given to students who do not identify as cisgender (a gender identity or expression that matches a person’s assigned sex at birth).
Gender inclusive housing is open to all students. Michigan Tech respects your privacy meaning you are not required to reveal your reasons for choosing gender inclusive housing. Please be aware that we discourage students living with a romantic partner.
Michigan Tech currently has gender inclusive housing in Wadsworth, East McNair, and Hillside. New students can indicate that they want to be assigned in gender inclusive housing when completing the housing application. Current students can select a room in gender inclusive housing during the room selection process.
The gender inclusive housing in Wadsworth includes some rooms with a private bathroom (as available). The common shared bathroom closest to this area is an all-gender bathroom. The all gender bathroom has a group of open sinks, a group of toilets with doors, and a group of complete mini-bathrooms with a toilet, sink, and shower enclosed with a locking door. These are shared bathrooms with ample privacy.
The gender inclusive housing in East McNair has a single access bathroom that includes a shower, sink, and a toilet for privacy. The community also includes a common shared bathroom. (Each toilet is in its own stall with a door. Each shower has its own curtain.)
Returning students can also request to be assigned to Hillside Place. Hillside is a popular option that features four private bedrooms, a shared living and kitchen, and two bathrooms. When all four students agree in advance, students of all genders can be assigned to the same suite. View the Hillside suite virtual tour.
The gender inclusive communities in Wadsworth and East McNair are staffed by Resident Assistants who have lived on campus for at least one year and express an interest in working with the gender inclusive community. These RAs participate in rigorous training before serving as peer educators and resources for students. Our staff are required to participate in Safe Place Training and are available to assist once you have moved in.
Parental consent is not required for gender inclusive housing. Students are empowered to make choices that are right for them. However, students are encouraged to discuss their interest in gender inclusive housing with their parents/guardians. Students may reach out to us at 906-487-2682 or housing@mtu.edu to be connected to resources that can assist in navigating those conversations.
Anyone seeking additional information may find additional resources available through the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI). See also Equity and Inclusion Vocabulary for more information and definitions of related terms.