Fayetteville Policies and Procedures  709.0 

Designation of Multi-Occupancy Restrooms, Changing Rooms, and Sleeping Quarters in Public Buildings

  1. Purpose
    The purpose of this policy is to set rules for designating multi-occupancy restrooms, changing rooms, and sleeping quarters for the exclusive use of males or females in compliance with Arkansas law1.  This policy does not apply to a single-occupancy restroom, changing room, or sleeping quarter, or a family restroom, changing room, or sleeping quarter. 

    Employees, students, and visitors to campus are prohibited from entering a restroom or changing room that is designated for the exclusive use of females or males unless he or she is a member of the designated sex or the individual’s use of the restroom or changing room falls within one of the exceptions set out in this policy. 

  2. Definitions
    1. “Changing room” means a room or area in which a person may be in a state of undress in the presence of others, including without limitation a locker room or a shower room or dressing room;
    2. “Female” means an individual who naturally has, had, will have, or would have but for a congenital anomaly or intentional or unintentional disruption the reproductive system that at some point produces, transports, and utilizes eggs for fertilization;
    3. “Male” means an individual who naturally has, had, will have, or would have but for a congenital anomaly or intentional or unintentional disruption the reproductive system that at some point produces, transports, and utilizes sperm for fertilization;
    4. “Multi-occupancy” means a space designed for use by multiple persons simultaneously;
    5. “Restroom” means a room that includes one or more toilets or urinals;
    6. “Sex” means an individual’s biological sex, either male or female; and
    7. “Sleeping quarter” means a room with a bed in which more than one individual is housed overnight.

  3. Designations of Multi-Occupancy Restrooms and Changing Rooms
    The Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management shall designate each multi-occupancy restroom and changing room in every building or related facility occupied by the campus for the exclusive use of females or males.  A sign shall be posted outside of each multi-occupancy restroom and changing room indicating if it is for the exclusive use of females or males.  The Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management may redesignate a multi-occupancy restroom or changing room designated for exclusive use by one sex to a designation for exclusive use by the opposite sex as needed.

  4. Designations of Sleeping Quarters
    The Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Housing or the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Greek Life shall designate each sleeping quarter in every building or related facility occupied by the campus for the exclusive use of females or males.  The Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Housing shall keep a written or electronic record of the designation assigned to each sleeping quarter.  The Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Housing may redesignate a sleeping quarter designated for exclusive use by one sex to a designation for exclusive use by the opposite sex as needed.
     
  5. Use of Exclusively Designated Restrooms, Changing Rooms, and Sleeping Quarters
    Every restroom, changing room, or sleeping quarter that is designated for the exclusive use of females or males shall only be used by a member of the designated sex.  A person shall not be required to share a sleeping quarter with a member of the opposite sex.  A person shall not enter a restroom or changing room that is designated for the exclusive use of females or males unless he or she is a member of the designated sex or falls within one of the exceptions listed below.

    A person is not prohibited from entering a restroom, changing room, or sleeping quarter designated for the exclusive use of members of the opposite sex to:
    1. Perform custodial services, maintenance, or locker room tours when the area is unoccupied;
    2. Render medical assistance or provide aid during a natural disaster, emergency, or serious threat to safety or good order;
    3. Carry out official duties as a law enforcement officer, employee, student worker, or contractor;
    4. Seek shelter during a natural disaster or emergency;
    5. Assist individuals protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, young children, or elderly persons requiring aid; or
    6. Supervise, treat, or address athletes that the individual is overseeing as a coach or athletics personnel during a reasonable time before, during, or immediately after an athletic event if:
      1. The coach or the athletics personnel member verifies that no person is in a state of undress at any time while the coach or athletics personnel member is present; and
      2. More than one (1) adult is present.

        With the written authorization of the Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Management, in order to fulfill functional requirements, a limited number of covered rooms on campus may have their designation changed between events or uses.  The manager of space for such location shall be responsible to ensure that such rooms are clearly designated for exclusive use by one sex with appropriate signage at all times for the entirety of the relevant event.

        Restroom use designation and signage in childcare facilities on campus shall follow customary practices for such facilities. 
  6. Unauthorized Removal or Modification of Signage
    Any unauthorized removal or modification of signage indicating the designated use of a restroom or changing room shall be referred as indicated below and treated as a disciplinary matter.

  7. Policy Enforcement
    This policy shall be posted on the University’s website.

    Any person who encounters a person of the opposite sex in a restroom or changing room designated for the exclusive use of one sex (other than under one of the exception situations above) may report the encounter to the Title IX Coordinator by phone or email at:

    Title IX Office 
    Attn: Title IX Coordinator
    125 Administration Building
    University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR 72701
    Phone: (479) 575-7111
    Email: titleix@uark.edu 
    Website: https://titleix.uark.edu

    The Title IX Coordinator shall forward the matter for review to the Director for the Office of Student Accountability if the alleged violation involved a student, or the Director of  Equal Opportunity, Compliance, and Title IX if the alleged violation involved an employee.  Following a determination that a violation has occurred, the Associate Vice Chancellor for  Facilities Management shall work with the relevant units, as appropriate, to take action to prevent future violations of this policy. 

    Employees shall adhere to applicable privacy laws during the review and response to a violation reported under this policy.

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1 Act 955 of 2025; Ark. Code Ann. § 22-3-2202.

August 5, 2025