Office of Residence Life
Gender Policies
Oberlin strives to foster an environment where everyone feels safe and comfortable.
If you're an incoming student, current student, parent or prospective student, and you have questions or concerns regarding Oberlin's residential policies regarding gender, please contact our office.
The Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) produces, co-sponsors and supports projects and programs on diversity and multiculturalism at Oberlin College. The purpose of the center is to serve as a resource for students who have been historically disenfranchised from higher education. The MRC works to support students of color and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students as well as address the concerns of low-income, international and first-generation college students.
General
What is all gender housing?
All-gender housing means that anyone can live in a room with anyone else, regardless of their genders. This will be implemented in a way that's consistent with student preferences and comfort level.
What is the rationale for all-gender housing at Oberlin?
Because of the incredible diversity of its student body, Oberlin College has implemented a housing policy that is flexible enough to meet the needs of all students, be that a single-sex room or an all-gender room.
Incoming Students
How will my roommate be assigned?
When you complete your housing application online you will be asked if you have a preference about the gender identity of your roommate. You will also be asked if you are comfortable living on a single-sex hall. These preferences will be honored. In some cases you will be contacted for more information, usually through e-mail or a phone call.
What if I want a roommate of a specific gender?
You will have an opportunity when you are filling out your housing application to state in detail who you want to live with.
What if I don't feel comfortable living with my roommate?
You should contact your RA or HLEC. This will start a process of mediation, if the problem cannot be solved through mediation, roommate switches can be arranged. If the situation is an emergency, an immediate housing change can be made.
What do I write in the box that says 'gender?' What happens to that information?
Write whatever you want, some typical responses are: male, female, transgender, genderqueer, MTF, FTM. If you identify as transgender or outside of the gender binary, you will be contacted by ResLife about your housing preference. This information will be kept confidential, used to assign your roommate, and will be on your file.
For Parents
How will my child's roommate be selected?
Your student will indicate the preferred gender of their roommate during the housing application process. All requests will be honored.
Why do people choose to live in all-gender housing? (What does this mean about my child?)
People choose to live in all-gender housing for many reasons. For some students, it is based on their gender identity or sexual orientation; others simply want to live with close friends of different genders. The decision to live in all-gender housing doesn't necessarily mean anything about someone's identity or personal life.
What if my child doesn't want to live in all-gender housing? What if I don't want my child living in all-gender housing?
There is all-women's housing available by request in traditional dorms, first-year dorms, and the Women's Collective program house. In addition, since roommate assignments are based on student preferences, your student will not be placed with a roommate of a different gender unless that is something that they are comfortable with. While Oberlin College respects parents' involvement in their children’s lives, Oberlin College sees students as adults, and with the freedom to choose their own housing. However, staff in Residence Life office would be happy to meet with your student to discuss the available housing options, and what each type of housing means, etc.
What if my child has a roommate that they are uncomfortable living with because of their gender?
Since housing selection is based on individual preferences, every student should be assigned a roommate with whom they feel comfortable. If for some reason a student isn't comfortable with their roommate, they can talk to their RA, HLEC, or Area Coordinator about different ways to address the situation. The first step may be conflict resolution/mediation, and if necessary may include changing rooms. All situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis.