Showcasing MSU students

Introduction 

We are a group of students at Michigan State University who have spent the past few months researching MSU’s Gender-Inclusive Housing (GIH) offerings. We sent a survey to students who live in GIH asking for their opinions on MSU’s implementation of GIH and their experiences living within that system. The responses we received noted some dissatisfaction with the structure of GIH and specific aspects, and some respondents noted that the website and information regarding GIH, like the sign-up process, were unclear and confusing. We are writing to advocate for changes to the website for MSU’s gender-inclusive housing (https://liveon.msu.edu/GIH) with the hope that these changes will provide a clearer picture of MSU’s gender-inclusive housing, including its purpose and values. We feel that these changes will make GIH a more appealing option for incoming students, especially those who need it the most. 

Recommended Changes 

Michigan State University has taken great strides in creating an inclusive environment for its queer student body, including trans and non-binary students. Gender-inclusive housing (GIH) is an initiative to foster a welcoming space for students of any gender identity or expression. As described on the GIH website, three values guide this living environment:   

1. respect for each student’s gender identity and expression;  
2. prioritizing the physical safety and emotional health of each student; and,  
3. finding the best match between each student’s needs and available options to amplify their opportunities for success at MSU.   

Though the program has good intentions, there is also a need for clearer information on GIH and the at-risk community this housing is intended to serve. Students living in GIH have voiced concerns over how the housing is handled, which can be traced directly back to the MSU’s GIH page’s lack of clarity and specificity.   

For instance, community-style bathrooms on these floors are not gender-inclusive and undermine one of the core values behind GIH, as they may not affirm the identity of those who have to use sexed bathrooms.  While MSU has gender-inclusive bathrooms across campus, they are not available on all GIH floors, and their locations are available on a separate page that is not linked from the GIH page.  

Improvement 1: Application 

Though a section is dedicated to the sign-up process, it must be added. It is mentioned that there are GIH floors in most neighborhoods on campus, though the neighborhoods in question and the specific halls should be mentioned. The only detail provided regarding the sign-up process is that students “will be able to indicate they want to live in a Gender Inclusive Housing space when going through the housing selection or assignment process.” Though the process may be that simple, the lack of detail might come across as missing information. For students interested in GIH, providing information like application deadlines, roommate selection details, follow-up procedures, and any eligibility requirements would be more helpful. 

Improvement 2: Clarity, Specificity, and Target Audience 

The definition of GIH could be more helpful. The opening statement of the website says that Residence Education and Housing Services (REHS) seeks to “provide a living environment welcoming to all gender identities.” This means that “in select spaces, students from all gender identities and expressions may choose to live together.” However, according to this definition, there does not seem to be much difference between GIH and co-ed housing. The FAQ section answers the difference between GIH and co-ed housing, but this is lacking. As stated in the answer, the difference is that GIH “differs as it removes gender as a factor in assignments in these spaces, thereby removing the need to define gender at all.” Outside of this FAQ acknowledging the existence of co-ed housing, however, there is not enough to differentiate the two. A more precise definition of GIH, stating that it serves transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming, and LGBTQ+ students, would help to avoid confusion among students and parents, solidly establishing GIH as a separate entity from co-ed housing with a different and more defined purpose. 

Improvement 3: Commitment to Inclusion and Emotional Appeal, Community Building, and Student Support Resources 

As it currently stands, the website for GIH needs more engaging content and useful information. The website could benefit from more supportive and inclusive language representing a supportive and inclusive community space. Emphasizing a commitment to emotional safety, community support, and the importance of creating a welcoming environment could make GIH seem more appealing to students who are interested. Similarly, the website could highlight initiatives that foster community among GIH residents, whether social events, peer support programs, or resident advisor (RA) training. Directly linking to support resources (counseling, mentoring, peer support groups). The FAQ is another space that could be built upon. With only seven questions currently, it needs to correctly cover privacy, eligibility, application process, and financial resource questions. With the rest of the page needing to address these areas sufficiently, the FAQ acts as a space to cover those common concerns.  

Improvement 4: Privacy Concerns and Roommate Selection Process 

While GIH at MSU strives to be a safe space for students of all gender identities, the website lacks information about privacy measures. More detailed information on bathroom arrangements, along with details on single-room options and the process of roommate matching, could make GIH more appealing to incoming students. More information about how students are matched based on their preferences could also make incoming students feel more comfortable. It is also important to address the needs of students with intersecting identities. While GIH’s focus is on gender, it is important to acknowledge students who are part of other marginalized groups, like those with disabilities or from different cultural backgrounds. 

Improvement 5: Parental Information and Student Testimonials

More resources should be provided for parents or guardians of students who are interested in GIH. Explaining the philosophy behind gender-inclusive housing and addressing common concerns could help parents better understand this option and how it would benefit their child. Additionally, student testimonials or personal stories from students who have lived in GIH could be provided to help present a more relatable, authentic message that resonates with prospective residents. 

Improvement 6: Visual and Interactive Content, Visual Presentation, Ease of Navigation, Tone, and Accessibility 

Practically, there is a lack of visual aids on the GIH website. Providing infographics, videos, or virtual tours of spaces in GIH would make the web pages more interactive and appealing, beyond acting as good resources for incoming students. Additionally, clear headings, bullet points, and concise language would help improve the organization and readability of the website. This would enhance ease of navigation and ensure the website’s content is accessible for all students. A shift in tone towards something more approachable, student-friendly, and affirming would serve well across all writing on the website. It is important that the language used resonates emotionally with LGBTQ+ students and is easy to understand for all readers.