Gender-inclusive housing is a housing option in which students mutually agree to share a residential space without regard to the gender of the occupants. It is designed to provide a supportive space for students of any gender identity to live on campus where they can feel safe, comfortable, and thrive.
Gender-Inclusive Housing FAQ's
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement
Lindenwood University is proud of its diverse population of faculty, staff, and students from all corners of the world. We intentionally design our policies in such a manner that all stakeholders (whether students, employees, or visitors) will be treated respectfully, fairly, equitably, and with dignity and inclusiveness in the pursuit and achievement of the objectives of their relationship with the university.
Additionally, we strive to ensure the opportunities afforded by the university for learning, personal advancement, and employment are offered to all without discrimination and that we always provide a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment for all students, employees, and visitors. Upholding a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion means that people of different cultures, races, colors, genders, ages, religions, orientations, affiliations, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, disabilities, or countries of origin shall not be mistreated or discriminated against on the basis of their differences. Therefore, all Lindenwood policies, facilities, resources, activities, and privileges, irrespective of individual differences, are made available and accessible to everyone in our campus community.
At Lindenwood University, we will strive to
- Offer collaborative and integrated academic, co-curricular and sporting programs that provide mutually beneficial experiences to our diverse body of students.
- Pursue and promote mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation among our students, teaching and non-teaching staff, contractors, suppliers, and visitors to our community who represent the aforementioned differences.
- Encourage and promote the empowerment and advancement of minority groups within our community through academic and social activities, offering activities of special interest to them, and affording them equal-opportunity integration within our community.
- Respect the knowledge, skills, and experiences that every person in our community brings to the university.
- Design and operate flexible and easily accessible services, facilities, and activities whose procedures appropriately recognize the needs of everyone in our community.
- Make every effort to ensure that our current and future contractual agreements and obligations fully reflect and embrace our commitment to the philosophy and culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion as delineated in this statement.
- Encourage all faculty and staff members to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout our community.
- Protect every member of our community against all forms of discrimination.
Who is it for?
Gender-inclusive housing is for anyone who is willing to share a space with someone regardless of their gender identity. It is for individuals who want to provide a safe and comfortable space for their peers to thrive regardless of their gender identity.
Why do we have it?
We have created a gender-inclusive housing option to be a welcoming and safe place for those of any gender identity to call home on Lindenwood’s campus.
When does it start?
Fall 2021
What is the process?
While filling out your housing application through StarRez, you will reach a page for Gender Inclusive Housing. If you wish to sign up for GIH, follow the link on that page to fill out the interest form. There you will be asked to list any potential roommates or suitemates you would be interested in living with. Once we receive your interest form response, our Coordinator will work to place you in a Gender Inclusive room. Any questions about room assignments can be directed to our Coordinator, Julie Ingoldsby (jingoldsby@lindenwood.edu).
Is there a cost?
There is no extra cost to living in the community. Room rates are standard price according to room type.
Are there assigned roommates? / Is there a self-selection process?
In the Gender-Inclusive Housing Survey, there is an option to request a roommate and suitemates. If you do not have anyone to request to live with, we will do our best to match roommates by the lifestyle questionnaire filled out in the housing application.
What if there is a roommate conflict?
Residential Life has trained staff in each building that can assist in mediating any roommate conflicts that arise.
In the event that you feel you need to change rooms, you may request a room change through StarRez during the room change period. Room changes typically open on the 3rd Monday of each semester, and close on October 31 each fall or February 28 each spring.
What if I change my mind?
Contact the Residential Life Office at reslife@lindenwood.edu for any housing contract changes.
Are there other gender-inclusive resources for students at LU?
One of the best resources, is the Center for Diversity and Inclusion located on the third floor of Evans Commons in room 3110. Access Lindenwood's resources for Diversity and Inclusion.

Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI)
The CDI is dedicated to enhancing the intersectional identities of first-generation, international, race/ethnicity, gender, age, spiritual/religious, LGBTQ+, socio-economic background, disability, and multicultural experiences on campus.
CDI