Gender-Inclusive Housing

Gender Inclusive Housing further supports Rider’s ongoing commitment to developing a campus community that is welcoming and inclusive for people of all identities.  GIH acknowledges the diverse needs of the student body and further develops a vibrant campus community that is positive, respectful and inclusive for all residents. 

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.

Gender-inclusive housing is not just for LGBTQ+ students; GIH acknowledges the diverse needs of the student body and further develops a vibrant campus community that is positive, respectful and inclusive for all residents. Students who elect this option must be open to living with a person of any gender. Students are interested in gender-inclusive housing for a variety of reasons. It is our hope that you make the best decision for you.

Students may request this option through their myRider online housing application process.

No. Students will not be assigned to a gender-inclusive space without their request. GIH is optional, and students must request this option through the housing application process.

If a vacancy occurs during the year, the existing resident(s) are encouraged to find a roommate agreeable to living in a GIH space. Residence Life will work with current occupants to identify other solutions, such as placement of a student from the GIH waitlist and/or assign a student who has confirmed placement interest in GIH. Residence Life may re-designate the room as gender specific if no GIH student can be identified to fill the vacancy.

This option is only for those who specifically opt-in to it. Students are not required to accept an assignment to a space with a person of another gender.

Students who no longer wish to live in GIH may request a room change at any time directly through the room change process. All room change requests are subject to availability of space, and changing residence halls or room type may result in a change in the room rate.

Residence Life communicates assignment information directly to the student. Students are always encouraged to communicate with their families regarding their housing options and preferences. 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. Students under 18 should discuss housing plans with their families, as they will be required to have parental consent.

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.