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Gender Inclusive Housing

McDaniel College is a diverse student-centered community that challenges students to develop their unique potentials with reason, imagination, and human concern. In order to support that mission, the Office of Residence Life offers Gender Inclusive Housing, an on-campus living option, that is not restricted by gender identity or gender expression. This option is open to all interested students based on availability and is not required of any student.

 

For more information about this option, a Gender Inclusive Housing section may be found on the housing application and includes the guidelines for those who choose to live within this community. Gender Inclusive Housing will typically be located in Daniel MacLea Hall and/or Pennsylvania Avenue Houses.

Housing Application
Students in North Village.

Housing Options and Assistance for Transgender Students

McDaniel students are assigned to residence hall rooms based on the gender designation in their official College record (through initial Admissions records and then maintained by the Registrar’s Office). The Office of Residence Life works with students whose gender identity is different than the sex they were assigned at birth. Given the importance placed on creating a rightful place for all residents, our staff will work with students on a case-by-case basis to identify possible living options including the Gender Inclusive Housing option.

Associate Dean Michael Robbins, with the Office of Residence Life, is available to answer questions and to provide a confidential assessment of campus housing options. Please contact Dean Robbins at 410-857-2240 or via email at mrobbins@mcdaniel.edu to learn more about what may be available. When speaking with Dean Robbins, students may choose what information they are comfortable disclosing.

Questions?

Associate Dean Michael Robbins is available to answer questions and to provide a confidential assessment of campus housing options. 

Contact Dean Robbins

Students who are considering the Gender Inclusive Housing option are encouraged to contact the Office of Residence Life as early as possible during the housing process to allow for the most flexibility in exploring the available options. Students can begin the discussion as soon as their housing application is submitted.

Housing Application

Confidentiality

McDaniel College respects the privacy of its students and recognizes that transgender students may be especially concerned about privacy and confidentiality. The Office of Residence Life will recognize and respect each student’s gender identity. Transgender students may self-identify to Residence Life if they wish to receive housing assistance but are by no means obligated to do so. Furthermore, all information will be kept confidential and will only be used for purposes designated by the student.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Mixed Gender Housing and Gender Inclusive Housing?

Most residential facilities at McDaniel College are mixed gender. Mixed gender housing in a traditional hall means community bathrooms are designated as male or female, and students are assigned or choose roommates of the same gender identity (male/female). Mixed Gender housing in an apartment/house/suite style location means students may have different gender identities, but roommates in an individual room share the same gender identity (male/female). 

Gender Inclusive Housing is an inclusive environment where students can live in the same residential room regardless of sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression.  

Who is eligible for Gender Inclusive Housing? 

Gender Inclusive Housing is open to all students, with assignments to be made by the Office of Residence Life based on availability. All students must submit a housing application and consent to the Gender Inclusive Housing Agreement.  

Any student completing the College’s housing application process may request Gender Inclusive Housing. Parents/guardians/others cannot make the request on behalf of a student.  The Residence Life Professional staff is available to discuss possible housing options and encourages students to inform their parent(s) or guardian(s) of their housing decisions.  

Would Residence Life ever place a student in Gender Inclusive Housing if they did not choose it? 

Gender Inclusive Housing is a full opt-in housing option. Students will not be assigned to a gender inclusive living situation without their express consent.  

What happens if a vacancy occurs in gender inclusive housing? 

Should an opening occur within a gender inclusive housing unit, the space will be filled by one of the following methods: 

  • Students in the unit will have three business days to notify the Office of Residence Life of a student to fill the vacancy. This person must either be currently living on campus or eligible for on-campus housing and complete the Gender Inclusive Housing agreement.  

  • The Office of Residence Life may be aware of a student with an interest in Gender Inclusive Housing and contacted the individual to see if they are interested in relocating. 

  • If neither the students in the unit or the Office of Residence Life is able to identify an approved applicant to fill the vacancy, the unit may be transitioned to mixed gender housing to maximize occupancy. In rare cases, this may result in students being reassigned and the Office of Residence Life would facilitate any necessary moves. 

Contact Residence Life

Phone: 410-857-2240

Questions?

Associate Dean Michael Robbins is available to answer questions and to provide a confidential assessment of campus housing options. 

Contact Dean Robbins
McDaniel College
2 College Hill
Westminster, MD, 21157
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