Ithaca College

This chapter outlines the creation of the transgender housing policy and process at Ithaca College, and subsequent efforts to improve gender-inclusive housing.  

The policy began with a very simple request. An individual student asking to live with the roommate they felt most comfortable with - regardless of their sex. The chapter shares the campus efforts to meet this request while dealing with the limitations of residential facilities and a computer system designed to accommodate the gender binary, as well as addressing the anticipated questions and concerns from parents and other students.

The book includes chapters highlighting the efforts of eleven colleges and universities. Objectives of the book include promoting and challenging student affairs and higher education staff knowledge about transgender students’ identities and experiences; supporting and celebrating the accomplishments of professionals to promote transgender inclusive policies and practices; highlighting the unique role housing and residence life plays in creating institutional change and serving transgender student populations; and creating a strong partnership between scholarship and student affairs practice.