Mixed Gender and Gender Inclusive Housing
The Department of Resident Life wants every student who chooses to live in the residence halls to feel safe and comfortable. One of the ways we achieve this goal is by offering a wide range of on-campus housing options. Historically, residence halls were designed to separate the sexes into two groups – male and female. Our students advocated for the residence halls to have more diverse living options as it relates to sex/gender/gender-identity room assignments. Based on the diverse needs and preferences of our students, we continue taking the opportunity to expand on-campus housing options in ways that address these issues and preferences. As we expand our options, it is important to remember that all current options will continue to have a place in our residence halls.
Mixed gender housing in a traditional hall means students live in a residence hall room with someone of the same sex or gender, but the room may be next to another room that is occupied by students of a different sex or gender. On traditional hall floors, community bathrooms are designated as male or female. Mixed gender housing in a traditional residence hall is available through Room Selection for returning residence hall students.
Gender inclusive housing in a traditional residence hall means students share the same bedroom (and a private bathroom), regardless of sex, gender, or gender identity. Gender inclusive housing allows students of different sexes or genders to live together within the same residence hall bedroom. On traditional hall floors, community bathrooms are designated as male or female. To request this housing option, students should contact Michelle McCubbin at mmccubbi@umd.edu for more information.
Gender inclusive housing in a semi-suite, suite, or apartment means students, regardless of sex, gender, or gender identity, share the same bedroom. Gender inclusive semi-suites have a private bathroom. Suite and apartment bathroom designations are determined by residents. Gender inclusive semi-suites and rooms in suites or apartments are available through Room Selection for returning residence hall students.
We offer the ability for students who are interested to select mixed gender housing as a preference and will do our best to assign them to our mixed gendered floors throughout our traditional residence hall inventory.
Mixed gender housing in a traditional hall means students live in a residence hall room with someone of the same sex or gender, but the room may be next to another room that is occupied by students of a different sex or gender. On traditional hall floors, community bathrooms are designated as male or female. Mixed gender housing in a traditional residence hall is available through Room Selection for returning residence hall students.
Mixed gender housing in suites & apartments means students live in a residence hall room with someone of the same sex or gender, but the room may be next to another room that is occupied by students of a different sex or gender. Suite and apartment bathroom designations are determined by residents. Mixed gender housing in suites & apartments will be available through Room Selection for returning residents.
In gender inclusive housing in the traditional residence halls, students share the same bedroom (and a private bathroom) in a traditional residence hall room, regardless of sex, gender, or gender identity. Gender inclusive housing allows students of different sexes or genders to live together within the same residence hall room.
To request this housing option, students should contact Michelle McCubbin at mmccubbi@umd.edu for more information.
Gender inclusive housing in semi-suites, suites and apartments is a housing option where students, regardless of sex, gender, or gender identity, share the same bedroom. Gender inclusive semi-suites have a private bathroom. Suite and apartment bathroom designations are determined by residents. Gender inclusive semi-suites and rooms in suites or apartments will be available through Room Selection for returning residence hall students.
Single gender housing refers to rooms, floors, wings, semi-suites, suites, and apartments that are assigned by sex. Students residing in these assignments share a bedroom and bathroom with students of the same sex or gender. On traditional hall floors, community bathrooms are designated as male or female. This option is currently available for students and will continue to be available.
Please note: assignments are made based on sex designation as indicated in the student's official university record.
In mixed gender suites and apartments, students who live together within the suite or apartment will have discussions with each other to determine how bathrooms will be shared. Bathroom configurations can vary for each unit, view information about South Hill Community Bathroom Locations.
In gender inclusive suites and apartments, students who live together within the suite or apartment will have discussions with each other to determine how bathrooms will be shared. Bathroom configurations can vary for each unit, view information about South Hill Community Bathroom Locations.
We strongly discourage students from living with someone with whom they are in a romantic relationship. Research has shown that most students who choose to live in gender inclusive housing do so with friends and not with those whom they are dating.
We encourage students to check with their Living and Learning Program Director and the Resident Life Assignments Office regarding the impact of these housing options on their Living and Learning Program residence hall designation. Some of our current facilities do not provide us with the opportunity to expand our housing options at this time.
If a vacancy arises in a gender inclusive room or unit, we would give first opportunity to the student(s) residing in that room to identify a student whom with they wish to live. If the student(s) are unable to identify a friend, then we would give the resident the opportunity to move to a new location, or to have the bedroom revert back to single gender.
The Department of Resident Life is prepared to answer questions as it relates to mixed gender and gender inclusive housing. Please submit your questions through email at reslife@umd.edu and our staff will follow up. If you would like to speak to someone, please call (301) 314-2100 during regular business hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.