Old Dominion University
PAE-T2-1: Gender Neutral Housing

Old Dominion University does not provide gender neutral housing, but does work individually with students who are transgender or transitioning with on-campus housing accommodations. Recently, Housing & Residence Life approved the implementation of the Lavender House, which is a Special Interest Housing community that is open to students who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questions, and Allies. This group is assigned for the Virginia House and will roll out for the fall of 2012 with approximately 14 members in its first year. The ODU Safe Space Committee, in conjunction with ODU Out, submitted a proposal through the Special Interest Housing process and was approved. Students can elect to participate in this group by contact Safe Space or Housing and Residence Life.

Students who identify as Transgender or Transitioning may also not wish to participate in such a community, so Housing and Residence Life will continue to work with students on a case-by-case basis. If a student has fully transitioned and provides medical documentation showing that the reassignment surgery is complete Housing and Residence Life has made exceptions to assign the students based on the current identity. Due to the amount of single room/private bathroom options there are on campus , Housing and Residence Life is often able to help identify positive housing solutions for students who have not transitioned and provide accommodations in which the student feels safe and comfortable (always depending upon vacancies and the time of the request).

Currently, there is not a written policy on the HRL website, but is planned to be included in the new website launch in March 2012. Information regarding the Lavender House online via the Student Enrollment and Engagement Services website at: http://studentaffairs.odu.edu/safespace/lavenderhouse.shtml.