91¿´Æ¬

Skip to content

Open Access Housing

91¿´Æ¬ supports a roommate choice process that allows students to select housing options that best meet their comfort and community preferences. Through this process, students may choose either Single-Gender Housing or Open Access Housing.

Open Access Housing is an optional living choice that allows students to select roommates regardless of sex, gender identity, or gender expression. Students are placed in Open Access Housing only if they actively choose this option during the housing application or room change process.

This option enhances the residential experience by allowing students to share rooms, suites, and apartments based on mutual preference rather than gender designation.

Considerations

  • Participation in Open Access Housing is completely voluntary.
  • Students may choose their own roommates within this option.
  • Students are not required to provide a reason for selecting Open Access Housing.
  • Students who do not select this option will be assigned through the standard housing assignment process. 

First-Year Students

Open Access Housing is primarily available in upper-division residential communities. First-year students who are interested in this option may contact Housing & Residence Life for an individualized conversation about available options and next steps at [email protected] or 405-208-6363.

Community Standards

Students who choose Open Access Housing agree to uphold the following expectations:

91¿´Æ¬ is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the University community.

Residents will:

  • Residents will adhere to all University Housing and Residence Life policies in accordance with the OCU Student Code of Conduct.
  • Contribute to a respectful and comfortable shared living space
  • Communicate openly with roommates regarding shared expectations
  • Demonstrate consideration for guests and community members

Open Access units may include students of different genders, gender expressions, and identities who have mutually chosen to live together.

Students are encouraged, though not required, to have conversations with parent(s) or guardian(s) about t

How to Participate

Students who wish to live in Open Access Housing may select this option within the housing application.

New Upper-Class Students

Students may:

  • Select the Open Access Housing option in the application
  • Form roommate groups with other students who have also selected this option
  • Choose from available rooms, suites, or apartments that match their preferred room type and price range

Returning Students

Returning students may participate through the following processes:

  • Room Retention (Pull-In)

    • Students retaining their current space may pull in roommates from their Open Access roommate group to fill available bed spaces.
  • Room Selection

    • After the room retention phase, students may:
      • Form an Open Access roommate group
      • Select a new room based on availability, room type, residential community, and cost

If a student wishes to request a room change or if a vacancy occurs within an Open Access unit, Housing & Residence Life will work with current residents to identify appropriate placement options. For questions or assistance, please contact [email protected].

What is Open Access Housing?

Open Access Housing is an optional housing choice that allows students to share a multiple-occupancy bedroom, suite, or apartment with others regardless of sex, gender identity, or gender expression. Roommates must mutually agree to live together.

Why does 91¿´Æ¬ offer Open Access Housing?

Through OCU’s roommate choice process, students may select housing options that best support their comfort and community preferences. Open Access Housing enhances the residential experience by allowing students to live with individuals they have mutually selected while maintaining Single-Gender Housing as the standard option.

Who is eligible for Open Access Housing?

Upper-Division, graduate, and professional students may participate in Open Access Housing through the room retention, room selection, room change, and direct swap processes.

Students are placed in Open Access Housing only if they actively choose this option.

First-year students are generally not eligible through the standard housing application process. However, Housing & Residence Life works individually with first-year transgender and non-binary students to identify appropriate housing accommodations.

Which residences offer Open Access Housing?

Open Access Housing is available in upper-division residential communities, including:

  • Methodist Hall
  • Draper Hall
  • Cokesbury Apartments

Who will my roommate be?

Students select roommates through the Housing Application in the online housing portal. Only students who have chosen Open Access Housing will appear in the Open Access roommate search.

How does a room become an Open Access unit?

A room becomes an Open Access unit when all assigned residents have mutually selected the Open Access Housing option and completed the standard room selection or room change process.

Will students be randomly assigned to Open Access Housing?

No. Students are never placed in an Open Access room, suite, or apartment without their request. This option must be selected within the housing application or room selection process.

What if I no longer want to live in Open Access Housing?

Students may request a room change at any time through the Room Change Request Form in the housing portal. All room changes are subject to space availability, and changes in room type or location may affect housing and dining rates.

What happens if a vacancy occurs in an Open Access unit?

If a vacancy occurs, current residents are encouraged to identify a mutually agreed-upon roommate who has selected Open Access Housing. Housing & Residence Life will work with residents to explore available options. If no appropriate placement is available, the space may be reassigned in accordance with housing policies.

Will parents or guardians be notified if a student selects Open Access Housing?

Housing & Residence Life communicates housing assignments directly with students. Students are encouraged, but not required, to discuss their housing choices with their families.

How are bathrooms managed in Open Access apartments and suites?

Students who share apartments or suites will work together to establish expectations for bathroom use and shared spaces as part of their roommate agreement.

Can students live with someone they are in a romantic relationship with?

Yes. Housing & Residence Life does not collect or consider relationship status when making assignments. Students are encouraged to carefully consider their decision and discuss expectations before selecting this option.

I have additional questions. Who can I contact?

Please contact Housing & Residence Life at 405-208-6363 or [email protected].

Back to Top