Understanding room gender options
In our commitment to fostering inclusive communities, we recognize the need to provide housing options that meet the diverse needs and interests of all students. Please note that all of the communities are coed, which means there are no gender-exclusive buildings. When filling out the housing application, individuals choose from one of three options for the type of room they would like.
Same-gender rooms
Most living community rooms, suites, and apartments are designated as either male or female rooms. There is no additional application process to select a same-gender room.
Mixed-gender rooms
NAU began offering mixed-gender rooms in 2019 to allow roommates of any sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression to live together in a more integrated living unit. This mixed-gender option is reflective of housing opportunities available to students off campus, where they can select roommates of their choice. Students who may be interested in this option include siblings, cousins, friends, or allies of varying genders or gender identities.
Locations Accordion Closed
Mixed-gender rooms are not clustered together and may be located on any floor within every Campus Living Community except for Campbell, Morton, and Gillenwater.
Bathrooms Accordion Closed
Traditional-style living communities have community bathrooms shared by residents on the floor, and designated as single-gendered bathrooms (“W” for women or “M” for men in the chart) or as all-gendered bathrooms (“A” for all in the chart). Individual shower stalls have long privacy doors, interior hooks, and no side gaps. Toilet stall doors have no side gap.
Suite, semi-suite, and apartment-style communities have bathrooms within the living unit shared by suitemates.
| Living Communities | Bathroom type |
|---|---|
| Traditional communities - Allen, Campbell, Cowden, Taylor, Tinsley, and Wilson | A,W,M |
| Traditional communities - McConnell, Morton, and Sechrist | W,M |
| Suite and Apartments | In unit |
Application process Accordion Closed
When completing your housing application, select “Request mixed-gender room” on the “Tell Us Your Housing Preferences” page. This will lead to a statement of understanding and questions to answer. Campus Living professional staff will review your responses to determine your interest and understanding of this housing option, and will confirm space availability. If space is not available or if we have questions about your application, we will contact you to address your housing needs.
If you wish to leave after selecting a community, you will need to utilize the standard room change process available to students throughout campus. We strongly encourage you to consider the benefits and responsibilities before applying to these housing options.
Roommates and room selection Accordion Closed
Once your mixed-gender room application is accepted, you will be able to browse, invite, and accept roommate requests, and select your room through the Housing Portal. You will only see rooms that are designated as mixed-gender and potential roommates who were also approved for mixed-gender rooms. If you do not have a roommate preference, you can select your room at your designated room selection time and another student approved to live in a mixed-gender room, who may or may not share your same gender, will select your room. Residents of unfilled rooms may be moved and/or matched with roommates to ensure that only community members requesting mixed-gender housing occupy mixed-gender rooms. All students are required to complete roommate agreements discussing preferences, communication standards, shared space, and expectations for each roommate.
It is Northern Arizona University’s practice that students select their own rooms, not parents/guardians/family members. We encourage parents/guardians/family members and students to communicate about selecting a room and about any concerns or questions that may arise during this process.