04 Feb Reimagining Campus Comfort: The SRC’s Inclusive Changing Room for All
- The Student Recreation Center has opened a new single occupancy changing room.
- The new facility features is open for all SRC members, regardless of gender or mobility status.
A Space for All
A student swings ropes for a workout at the SRC / Credit: ASICSUF on Flickr
Among all the major events in the year 2024 leading to 2025, is the need to accommodate the ever-changing climate of society, including inclusivity in public spaces. Cal State Fullerton’s Associated Students Inc. (ASI) is taking a step towards making its campus a more inclusive space. The Student Recreation Center (SRC) opened a new single occupancy changing area that any patron, regardless of gender or mobility status, can utilize.
The new changing area is a single room located on the first floor of the SRC in between the men’s and women’s changing rooms, meant to provide a safe space for users to change comfortably without worry. Fully equipped with a sink, shower, toilet and mirror, these amenities also come with mobility aids like a shower seat and handrails throughout the room.
“We wanted to have the option for students and patrons that may not identify as male or female, but also, for the people that may not be comfortable changing or utilizing public locker rooms or showers,” stated JP Gale, the Director of the SRC. “This space is really for anybody that wants to use it.”
The creation of inclusive spaces at CSUF has been happening since 2016, with the implementation of all gender restrooms throughout campus, including the SRC and the Titan Student Union. This changing room is the next step to giving Titans the best possible experience when visiting the SRC for a workout.
A Dream Turned Reality
A group of intramural players gather in the SRC. / Credit: ASICSUF on Flickr
The SRC opened its doors in 2008, a period when the focus on inclusive spaces was less prevalent. While it continued its operations as expected, the changing world started revealing areas that needed more inclusivity. The need for spaces dedicated to gender nonconforming individuals and those with mobility issues became apparent, especially in places meant for everyday use. It was then decided that there needed to be a more inclusive alternative to the changing rooms at the SRC.
“Not everybody’s comfortable using other locker rooms, so it’s important for us to provide a space that allows everyone to comfortably access and utilize the Student Recreation Center,” stated Gale.
While there had been discussions surrounding an opening for a single occupancy changing room such as this, these plans were halted when the pandemic shut down campus. The opening of the changing area was delayed until this past year, when ASI pushed to make the space available, aiming to attract more students and staff to the SRC.
“By providing these private spaces, the SRC is demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity, creating a welcoming environment that values and respects the diverse needs of our Titan community,” said Andrea Ramirez Rivera, ASI’s Chief Inclusion and Diversity officer.
The creation of the single occupancy changing room is one step toward continuing to make the CSUF campus a safe and inclusive place for Titans to reside.
Looking to the Future
A student taking part in a climbing game at the SRC rock wall. / Credit: ASICSUF on Flickr
“The SRC is demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity, creating a welcoming environment that values and respects the diverse needs of our Titan community,” said Rivera. “I hope this serves as a call to action for other areas on campus to follow in solidarity, creating spaces where every individual feels respected and valued.”
The SRC has taken the step to make the Cal State Fullerton campus a more accepting and welcoming environment. These inclusive spaces are necessary for the campus to thrive in today’s world.