We acknowledge the Algonquin Anishinaabeg Nation on whose traditional and unceded territory we live, learn, grow and share our ways of knowing and belonging. Housing and Residence Life Services supports Carleton University’s commitment to diversity as a source of human excellence, cultural enrichment and social strength.
Our goal is to provide students with an environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion and is free of discrimination, injustice, and violence. We are dedicated to fostering a community that supports Indigenous sovereignty, reconciliation, and inclusion. We are committed to ongoing efforts to actively uphold and strengthen these values. To continually reinforce our commitment, we take proactive and reactive steps.
For any queries, feel free to reach out to Carleton Residence.
2SLGBTQIA+ Resources in Residence
We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for students of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. While living in residence, we strive to offer resources and create opportunities for learning and connections. We believe that providing an inclusive and welcoming space for our 2SLGBTQIA+ members is important, and we are committed to creating an environment that is free of discrimination, harassment, and intolerance.
Gender-Neutral Housing
Students can select gender-neutral housing by requesting to share a gender-inclusive pod/room/suite on their Residence Application or Roommate Matching Questions. If this option is selected, gender is not considered a factor in the roommate selection process. This does mean that if you select this option, you may end up sharing a room with a student whose gender identity is different from yours.
Gender-Neutral Washrooms
There are a number of gender-neutral washrooms available within residence.
- Teraanga Commons: 1st floor near Conference Services (room 175).
- Glengarry House: each floor contains a gender-neutral communal washroom, and floors 3-10 also have a private gender-neutral washroom behind the elevator lobby.
- Leeds House: 1st floor lobby (room 119).
- Renfrew House: 1st floor across from the Residence Counselling office (room 142).
- Russell House: 1st floor across from the Russell Triple Lounge (room 160).
- Rideau House: three gender-neutral washrooms on the main level of Rideau House and a gender-neutral washroom on every floor.
- Frontenac: two gender-neutral washrooms in the Frontenac multipurpose room (room 253 – with event access only).
- Prescott: 2nd floor outside of the Prescott multi-purpose room.
- Ravens Roost: accessible to students when the Roost is open.
Residence Counselling
Residence Counselling and Wellness, located in 131 Renfrew House (on the main floor, close to the rear entrance), is a satellite office of Counselling Services and is open exclusively to Carleton students living in residence. Our counsellors offer short-term, trauma-informed counselling for students struggling with a wide variety of concerns and mental illnesses.
Community Connect Groups
Community Connect Groups provide opportunities for residence students to connect with others who share similar identities, lived experiences, interests, or perspectives. These groups are designed to foster belonging, build meaningful relationships, celebrate diversity, and create supportive spaces where students can engage in conversation, learn from one another, and strengthen their sense of community within residence.
We recognize that identities are diverse, intersectional, and unique. Students are welcome to attend any Community Connect Group that aligns with their identity, lived experience, or personal connection to the community being represented.
We offer four Community Connect Groups that meet regularly throughout the academic year. Led by trained student leaders, these groups provide opportunities for residence students to build connections, celebrate diversity, share experiences, and foster a sense of belonging within the residence community. Led by our student staff, these groups host interactive activities, providing residence students with opportunities to connect and share a common aspect of their identity. Below, you’ll find information about each Community Connect Group and the students who may find these communities meaningful and supportive.
You can speak with Residence Fellows, Equity Diversity and Inclusion Community Leaders, Community Advisors, Community Developers or visit our Instagram page to learn more about upcoming Community Connect Group events.
Black, African & Caribbean Community
The Black, African & Caribbean Community Connect Group provides a welcoming and affirming space for students who identify as Black, African, Afro-Caribbean, Caribbean, Afro-Latinx, or members of the African diaspora. The group celebrates the richness, diversity, and contributions of Black and African-descended communities while fostering connection, cultural pride, and belonging.
Students have opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations, celebrate cultural traditions, share experiences, build friendships, and support one another as they navigate university life.
This group may be of interest to students who identify as:
- Black
- African
- Caribbean
- Afro-Caribbean
- Afro-Latinx
- Members of the African diaspora
- Students exploring or reconnecting with their Black, African, or Caribbean heritage
For Black, African, and Caribbean students seeking additional support and recognition opportunities, we encourage you to explore the Teraanga Award for Black Students.
Cultural Connections Community
The Cultural Connections Community Connect Group brings together students from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, racial, linguistic, national, and international backgrounds. This group provides opportunities for students to celebrate cultural diversity, share traditions, learn from one another’s experiences, and build meaningful cross-cultural connections.
Whether students are new to Canada, international students, first-generation Canadians, racialized students, students from multicultural backgrounds, or anyone interested in connecting through culture and shared experiences, this community offers a welcoming environment to build friendships and foster belonging.
This group may be of interest to students who identify as:
- International students
- Newcomers to Canada
- First-generation Canadians
- Racialized students
- Students from multicultural, multi-ethnic, or multilingual backgrounds
- Students seeking cultural connection and community
- Students interested in learning about diverse cultures and perspectives
“I wanted to see what it was about. It made me familiar with the cultures, practices and traditions of other peoples. It also helped me realize how we are not too different. We were all adjusting to a new environment and tackling the struggles of studying far away from home.”
First Year Residence Student
Accessibility & Neurodiversity Community
The Accessibility & Neurodiversity Community Connect Group creates an inclusive and supportive space for students who identify as neurodivergent, disabled, Deaf, chronically ill, living with mental health conditions, or who experience visible and non-visible disabilities.
The group focuses on fostering community, sharing experiences, discussing accessibility and inclusion, celebrating strengths, and providing opportunities for students to connect with others who may have similar lived experiences. The group recognizes that disability and neurodiversity are important aspects of identity and values the diverse perspectives students bring to the residence community.
This group may be of interest to students who identify as:
- Neurodivergent (including but not limited to ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and other learning differences)
- Students with visible or non-visible disabilities
- Deaf or hard-of-hearing students
- Students with chronic health conditions
- Students with mental health-related disabilities
- Students registered with accessibility services
- Students exploring disability identity and community
Queer & Gender Diversity Community
The Queer & Gender Diversity Community Connect Group provides an affirming, welcoming, and inclusive space for students of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. The group aims to foster belonging, connection, peer support, and community among students while celebrating the diversity of queer and gender-diverse experiences.
Students can build friendships, share experiences, explore identity, engage in meaningful discussions, and connect with a supportive network of peers within residence.
This group may be of interest to students who identify as:
- 2SLGBTQIA+
- Two-Spirit
- Lesbian
- Gay
- Bisexual
- Transgender
- Non-binary
- Genderqueer
- Queer
- Questioning
- Intersex
- Asexual
- Aromantic
- Gender-diverse individuals
- Students exploring their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression
Students do not need to have everything figured out to participate. All students seeking community, connection, and support are welcome.
“I wanted to connect with others like me. And I’m glad I went to the meeting. I could only go to the last meeting but I’m so glad I went. It was nice to connect with others more like me and feel more relaxed. That meeting was so nice because I could be more myself without the fear of being judged or worrying about the small stuff I do others find off-putting. I definitely will attend next year!”
Second Year Residence Student
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resources On Campus
If you’re seeking additional EDI resources, numerous options are available across campus designed to help you succeed in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Equity and Inclusive Communities
Equity and Inclusive Communities (EIC) is another support available to students. Their mandate includes:
- advocating for human rights;
- delivering education and enhance awareness on human rights issues; to provide information and training on human rights issues; to promote a barrier-free campus;
- intervening to prevent discrimination and harassment and foster equality regardless of ethnicity, culture, gender, race, sexual orientation or (dis)ability;
- providing training and education regarding sexual harassment and sexual assault;
- providing information, support and referrals to individuals who have experienced a sexual assault;
- promoting Indigenous outreach, retention and culture;
- providing accommodation advice related to religion, disability, family status and pregnancy; to promote education and employment equity.
For more information visit EIC, or their office at 3800 CTTC Building.
Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) Resources
Carleton University Students’ Association (CUSA) offers a variety of services to foster equity, diversity and inclusion on campus, including:
- Carleton Disability Awareness Centre (CDAC)
- Gender and Sexuality Resource Centre (GSRC)
- Mawandoseg Centre
- Racialized and International Student Experience (RISE)
- Wellness Centre
- Women’s Centre
The Gender and Sexuality Resource Centre
The Gender and Sexuality Resource Centre (GSRC) is a safe(r) space for Carleton students wishing to connect with the queer and trans community. The centre is run by Carleton University’s Student Association (CUSA).
Women’s Learning, Advocacy and Support Centre
The Women’s Learning, Advocacy, and Support Centre aims to be a warm and welcoming space dedicated to providing support, education, and resources for individuals who identify as women, as well as anyone interested in gender-based issues. The Women’s Centre provides essential resources including internal/external condoms, pregnancy tests, menstrual products, and resources on gender-related matters.
The Carleton University Engiqueers (CUE)
Carleton University Engiqueers (CUE) is Carleton University’s society for LGBTQ+ engineering students. CUE wishes to act as a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies, primarily in the Carleton Engineering community as well as to network, socialize and support one another.
The Carleton Trans Advocacy Group
The Carleton Trans Advocacy Group (CTAG) is a volunteer-run advocacy group formed to address the needs of trans and nonbinary students, faculty, and staff at Carleton University.
Women’s Only Fitness Centre and Trans & Allies Fitness Space options
The Carleton Fitness Centre also offers a space for members of the trans community and allies to work out with physical and psychological safely. The Trans & Allies fitness hours are run out of the Personal Training Studio.