Center for Trans and Queer Advocacy

West Chester University is committed to exploring and open to providing safe campus housing for all students. Single occupancy housing is available in our traditional residence halls. Suite style housing is available in our South Campus Apartments and University Student Housing residence halls.

You can access information using the resources below:

• WCU Managed Housing
  • Traditional Residence Halls
  • South Campus Apartments
• Contact: Housing

  610-436-3307

• University Student Housing
  • Suite Style Housing
  • Village Apartments & East Village Apartments
  • Lavender Garden
    • The Lavender Garden themed living floor is a community open to first-year students and a small group of returning students looking for an affirming, inclusive, and supportive living experience. Lavender Garden is open to students of any gender identity or gender expression. Residents can look forward to participating in social and educational programming. These programs are designed to embody the values of belonging, social justice, intersectionality, and wholistic wellness as well as learning how to access resources on campus. There are two gender inclusive bathrooms on the floor, including shower facilities.
• Contact: USH Communities

If you would like an advocate to assist you in making your request, please contact

Center for Trans and Queer Advocacy

or at 610-436-3147

West Chester University has identified a number of single-occupancy restrooms on campus.

To find a list of single-stall bathrooms :

1. Go to Campus Maps
2. Scroll down to Accessibility/Inclusion
3. Click on Gender-Inclusive Restrooms

These restrooms were either initially created as single occupancy (original) or converted to single occupancy to provide more private bathroom facilities for the campus community (converted). In the converted restrooms, please make sure to lock the door when entering!

There is one single-occupancy shower on campus on the first floor of the Student Recreation Center.

Please be aware that West Chester University has been undergoing construction and renovation. Updated information will be posted soon.  To find the nearest single-stall bathroom near you, check out our gender-neutral bathroom map. 

A TRANS RAM'S GUIDE TO NAME CHANGES FOR WCU FACULTY & STAFF WCU

West Chester University recognizes members of its community who use and identify with first names that are different from their legal names. A chosen or preferred name is crucial in regard to trans and queer identity and will impact their ability to successfully navigate the campus environment. Therefore, the University has established this policy that allows preferred first names to appear in select University systems and records, even if individuals have not changed their legal names. While anyone is welcome to use a preferred name, this policy was developed to respond to the needs of transgender and non-binary communities, international communities, and anyone who prefers the use of a name other than their legal name. 

Preferred name changes may be revoked when the name is deemed inappropriate, including, but not limited to, any of the following reasons: avoidance of a legal obligation, fraud, obscene language, or misrepresentation. A preferred name request that is denied may be appealed to the Vice President of Student Affairs (students) or Vice President of Finance and Administration (employees), or their designees, if new information that was not previously available is presented that might change the nature of the request.  All appeals must be made in writing, within 30 days of the notification of the denied request. 

**Please note that students and employees will only be permitted to change a preferred first name once per semester. A one-time waiver of the fee to update the student or employee identification card with the preferred name will be provided. Subsequent changes will result in an applicable fee. University identification cards for students and employees are managed through the Ram Card Office by Student Services, Inc. (SSI). 

Instructions on how to complete a preferred can be found in A TRANS RAM'S GUIDE TO NAME CHANGES FOR WCU FACULTY & STAFF WCU i .

A student or employee’s preferred first name will be used in place of the person’s legal name in select University systems and records as follows:

• University identification card
• Official email display name
• Phone directory
• Class and grade roster
• Diplomas
• Commencement
• Select student activities records 
• Student Information System (RamPortal account)
• Learning management systems (e.g. D2L)
• University communications and mailings
• Press releases
• Social media

Legal names will be used for official University records, including, but not limited to, the following:

• Legal documents and reports produced by the University 
• Student account statements
• Financial aid and scholarship documents
• Transcripts
• Enrollment and degree verifications
• Employment and personnel records
• Paychecks, tax documents, and other payroll documents
• Benefits enrollment

*Students may choose to restrict directory information, including the listing of their (legal or preferred) name, by completing the Request for Nondisclosure of Directory Information. View the form here . This is done through the Registrar's Office.

If you would like an advocate to help you make these requests, please contact the Center for Trans and Queer Advocacy, or by phone at 610-436-3147

If you are interested in viewing the University's Official Preferred Name Policy, you can view  The Preferred Name Policy. 

Individuals will be held responsible for any actions under their signature with the use of your Preferred or Legal Name.   

CTQA Coloring Book

Trans Joy Coloring Book

Trans Joy Coloring Book part 2

Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference
PTWC is now the largest conference in the world for transgender, gender-nonconforming, non-binary and intersex people. It has grown into a 3-day conference with free general admission to attendees and a thriving professional track for medical, behavioral, and legal providers. It has grown to provide a safe, affirming, and inclusive space for children in our Kids Camp and Youth Space and so much more! This conference typically takes place during the summer.