Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Joint Diversity Statement
In alignment with the mission of San Diego State University, the Office of Housing Administration and Residential Education Office value and embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. Through collaborative efforts, we are committed and aspire to provide enriching living and learning environments that both support and challenge our students as global citizens, compassionate leaders and ethical innovators. We embrace our shared voices and value the diversity of our social identities. Together, we are constantly learning and moving forward with diversity, equity and inclusion practices through our programs, policies, facilities and partnerships.
In an effort to create living environments that support all students to thrive, we provide the following programs, resources and campus partnerships to serve students in on-campus housing.
Learning Communities
We offer 22 different Residential Learning Communities (RLC) within housing. In an RLC, students live alongside peers with shared academic or co-curricular interests and are enrolled in a connected set of academic courses to help produce smaller, more intentional communities that promote student success. Their education is supported by Residential Education staff through related social activities and one-on-one mentorship.
Several of the RLCs are associated with SDSU’s Cultural Centers. The Cultural Centers support student success through a framework that addresses equity, justice and inclusion. Centers facilitate the learning and growth of traditionally underserved students through programs and events that educate the campus; facilitation of intergroup dialogues to address pressing issues; and advocacy with campus stakeholders to create an institutional climate that supports our students.
Affinity Groups
Affinity groups are dedicated “spaces” within the residential communities to bring together students with common identities or experiences and build community.
A space for African-American and Black students to freely express themselves, honor their heritage and celebrate their unique gifts.
A space for Latinx students who want to learn, educate and share their stories. A space where Latinx students can feel empowered and connect with one another to find a sense of belonging.
A welcoming and inclusive environment for 2SLGBTQIA+ students to meet other members of the Pride community. A space to engage in thoughtful discussions surrounding current social, cultural and political issues.
A space for Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) students to build community, share knowledge, and celebrate their unique identities and experiences.
A space where students can share their experiences as first-generation students and provide insight on how Housing can better support this population.
Gender-Inclusive Housing
Gender-inclusive housing is an option in which two or more students share a room and community bathrooms regardless of their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. It is a housing option that broadens students' choices and helps ensure living arrangements that are welcoming and inclusive for all members of our community. Gender-inclusive housing may be especially appealing to:
- Students who are questioning or in the process of discovering their gender identity
- Students who do not wish to identify themselves by gender
- Members and allies of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
To apply for gender-inclusive housing, select the "Gender-Inclusive" option on the license agreement in the Housing Portal.
Lived Names
Housing is committed to maintaining an inclusive community that fosters a supportive and affirming living environment. Housing aims to support and uplift trans, non-binary, agender, and all genderqueer students. As such, Housing will use lived names on non-legal documents and correspondence. Students may request to update their lived or legal name on file with SDSU by following the Name & Gender Change Procedures. Upon updating your lived or legal name with my.SDSU, here is how you can expect your lived name versus legal name to be used in correspondence from Housing:
Where Will My Lived Name Appear?
Correspondence that is Not Legal in Nature
Before and throughout your time living on campus, you will receive email communications to your @sdsu email address that are not legal in nature and will address you by your lived name. Such communications include:
- Housing assignment email (July)
- Move-in Guide email (August)
- Health & Safety Inspections email (ongoing)
- Housing closure emails (ongoing)
- Miscellaneous communications from Housing (ongoing)
Housing Portal
As you navigate through the Housing Portal to complete the license agreement process, your lived name will be used. Any correspondence through the Housing Portal, including service requests, health and safety inspections, and correspondence with potential roommates, will use your lived name.
Key Envelope
Upon check-in, you will receive a key envelope labeled with your lived name.
Door Name Tag
The exterior of your room, suite, or apartment door will be labeled with your lived name.
Mail to Campus UPS Store
The UPS Store on-campus will direct mail to your lived name.
Where Will My Legal Name Appear?
Correspondence that is Legal in Nature
Before and throughout your time living on campus, you will receive email communications to your @sdsu email address that are legal in nature and will address you by your legal name. Such communications include:
Contractual Notices
- Student / Student Leaders / Staff Housing License Agreement (upon completion of license agreement)
- Sophomore Success Addendum (upon completion of license agreement)
- 11.5-Month License Agreement Addendum (upon completion of license agreement - if applicable)
- COVID-19 Notice & Disclosure (upon completion of license agreement)
- COVID-19 Addendums (upon completion of license agreement)
- Guarantor (upon completion of license agreement)
- Guideline for Maintaining an Approved Animal within the Residential Community (if applicable)
- 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit (if applicable)
- 3-Day Notice to Quit (if applicable)
- Past Due Payments (if applicable)
- Extension Agreement (if applicable)
- Abandonments (if applicable)
- Collection of Personal Belongings (if applicable)
Mail to your Permanent Address
Before and throughout your time living on campus, you will receive direct mail to your permanent home address that will be addressed to your legal name. Such mail pieces include:
- Move-in postcard (June/July)
- Sophomore housing lottery postcard (December/January)
Your personal information, including your permanent address, may be updated in my.SDSU.
For any questions or concerns, please contact your residence hall coordinator. Your residence hall coordinator's contact information can be found at the bottom of your community’s web page.
For additional resources, please visit The Pride Center.
Equitable & Affordable Housing
Housing has launched a development initiative to support first-generation and EOP (Educational Opportunity Programs) students and students from low-income households who are unable to experience the transformational on-campus living experience due to financial need. By reducing housing and food insecurities for our students, we ensure students have the basic needs and services to maintain maximum focus to achieve their educational goals. Visit Support Residential Students to learn more about our initiative.
Student Leader Training
Residential student leaders including Resident Advisers (RAs) and Community Assistants (CAs) participate in Social Justice, Diversity & Inclusion training sessions each semester. Student leaders also complete the Identity Allyship Awareness Certificate program which includes trainings and discussions on power and privilege, implicit bias, microaggressions, inclusive communication and creating a strong sense of self.
Campus Partnerships
We work together with Student Disability Services (SDS) to ensure residential students with disabilities have access to appropriate support and services that minimize physical and academic barriers within the learning communities. When proper documentation from a licensed professional is provided to SDS, accommodations may include, but are not limited to:
- Emotional support animals
- Additional refrigeration space for medications
- ADA compliant living spaces with lowered peepholes, lowered bed frames, roll-in showers, bathtubs with grab bars and seat, wider clear passage ways to accommodate mobility, adjusted heights for tables and desks
- Flashing lights and bed shakers to signal alarms
We work together with the Economic Crisis Response Team (ECRT), which connects students with resources, both on and off campus, to get students through an immediate food, housing or financial crisis. To request assistance from ECRT, complete the ECRT Form.
