Students who live in a theme community, will have the opportunity to engage in programs like movie night, group discussions, dinners, and have increased exposure to opportunities on and off-campus. Students will be part of a close-knit community that encourages academic success, promotes supportive and safe environments, supports personal growth, cultivates social responsibility, and creates leaders.
The Esports/Life Skills Themed Community at Whittier College offers students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a community that blends their passion for gaming with the development of key life skills. Whether you're an entry-level gamer or an aspiring esports competitor, this community provides a space where residents can connect over shared gaming interests while also honing skills that will benefit them both on and off the screen.
Through regular programming, students will have opportunities to engage in the competitive world of esports. At the same time, they will have opportunities to participate in workshops and discussions focused on building life skills such as job interviewing, time management, communication, teamwork, and other life skills. These activities will be designed to help students develop the abilities they need to succeed in their academic, personal, and professional lives.
Residents will have the chance to grow as both gamers and individuals in a supportive environment that values collaboration, skill-building, and personal growth. By living in this community, students will not only level up their gaming abilities but also gain the practical skills needed to navigate the challenges of college life and beyond.
Gender-inclusive housing at Whittier College provides an affirming, safe and welcoming theme community option for students who identify and/or share the following lived experiences: genderqueer, transgender, currently transitioning, discovering their gender identity, gender, gender fluid, non-binary, or anyone who respects and appreciates students with the above identities and lived experiences. Students may room with an individual of a different gender or sex. Residing in the gender inclusive community is voluntary and open to all Whittier students.
Values
Application Process
You may request to reside in the gender inclusive community by selecting the Themed Gender Inclusive Housing option during the room draw process. The Office of Housing & Residential Life will contact you via your Whittier email with further instructions. Gender inclusive housing is entirely voluntary and never mandatory. Roommate pairings in this community will not be based on gender identity, allowing students to room with a person of a different gender or sex.
The Latinx Theme Community provides an environment where Latinx students can reside with others, share experiences, and participate in meaningful connections that will benefit their college experience. In partnership with the Office of Equity & Inclusion, this theme community provides many opportunities to study, socialize, promote cultural enrichment and awareness, and continue to grow academically. Residing in this community is voluntary and open to all Whittier College Students.
Sankofa Collective-themed community housing at Whittier College will provide an environment where Black and African-American-identifying students can reside with others, share experiences, and participate in meaningful connections and leadership opportunities to benefit their college experience. This themed community offers many opportunities to study, socialize, promote cultural enrichment and awareness, and continue to grow academically. The themed community partners with the Office of Equity and Inclusion and is open to all Whittier College students
Sankofa is an Akan term that means “to return, to go back and get it, to seek.” It is the idea that in our past, we find the power and strength to create a brighter future. “Sankofa” affirms that our past gives us the necessary context we must use to move forward.*
You can apply to be a part of a Theme Community when you complete your housing application. Simply indicate your preference under "Theme Communities." Each Theme Community has a strict capacity and space will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents approved to live in a Theme Community will receive notification in early or mid-July.
Residents chosen to live in a Theme Community are expected to be active members of the community and to commit to their housing arrangement. Room changes will not be permitted until the third week of the semester. Only double room occupancy spaces are available in the Theme Communities. All first-year students, regardless of major, identity, or background, are encouraged to apply for space in a Theme Community.
If you would like to live with a specific roommate in a Theme Community, you must both choose the same Theme Community in the housing application and name each other as desired roommates when prompted. You will be placed with your preferred roommate, as space allows, if this step is fulfilled and the application is completed. Please be sure to cancel all other pending roommate requests in order to reduce confusion during the placement process.
First-year students are not required to live in a Theme community but are strongly encouraged to do so. Since space in the Theme Communities are limited, it is advised that you do not request to live in a Theme Community if you are unsure about your choice when you submit your housing application. You may email the Housing & Residential Life during the summer to check on availability if you change.
Yes, gender inclusive housing is available to all Whittier students who prefer it.
Gender inclusive housing at Whittier College provides an affirming, safe and welcoming community living option for students regardless oftheir gender identity or biological sex. This means that students may live with an individual of a different gender or sex. Gender inclusive housing is voluntary and any student can choose to participate.
Currently, at least 265 public and private schools in the United States offer gender inclusive housing or maintain a policy that supports this option.
Any student who is eligible to live on campus may apply for and reside in gender inclusive housing. Students who may be interested in the gender inclusive housing option should contact Housing & Residential Life at residentialLife@whitter.edu.
Visit the room draw page for more information.
Harris A has been designated the gender inclusive residential hall.
Students may request room changes by following the normal room change procedures.
Residential Life cannot guarantee that your roommate will identify in any particular way. Students may apply to live in gender inclusive housing for many reasons. While gender inclusive housing was designed to offer comfortable and safe options for students who identify as trans, are questioning their gender identity, or do not identify with a gender binary, any student can choose to participate.
The request will be handled through a confidential process and staff will not ask for more information than is required to meet the student's housing needs. Housing & Residential Life recognizes that students are not all alike and have different needs and desires. We will address concerns on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to Housing & Residential Life via email prior to the application deadline should any special circumstances require consideration.
There are no dedicated male or female bathrooms in the gender inclusive hall (Harris A). The bathrooms are shared by all members of the community regardless of gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sex.
It is Whittier College’s practice that students select their rooms. We encourage parents/guardians and students to communicate about selecting a room and about any concerns or questions that arise during this process.
For more information on Gender Inclusive Housing at Whittier College, please email gih@whittier.edu. For more information about LGBTQ+ resources or how to get involved on campus, please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion. Whittier College community members who witness, hear, or experience a bias should report the incident using the Bias Reporting Form.
Whittier College prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, creed or religion, national/ethnic origin, marital, pregnancy or parenting status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/gender expression, military status, disability in the school environment, or on the basis of any other characteristic protected under local, state or federal law, including all academic, educational and extracurricular activities and programs administered, operated or sponsored by, or related to the College. The full Whittier College Policy on Nondiscrimination, Grievance Process, and Civil Rights Investigation Protocol is available here.
