LGBTQ+

SOGI

SOGI stands for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. Since we all have a sexual orientation and gender identity, it includes all of us.

ALLY

An ally is someone who supports and stands by people who are in a minority group or who are discriminated against, even though they do not belong to that group themselves.

Events and Trainings

Our Approach to Gender and Sexual Diversity

1．Available procedures and support

2．Facilities

Restrooms on Campus

Changing rooms

Changing rooms used for classes are separated by gender.
Changing rooms for extracurricular activities and other non-class use are located in the following three locations:

• Gymnasium B1F Judo/Kendo Hall (men only)
• Gymnasium 1F (women only)
• Hoffman Hall Training Center (segregated men’s and women’s rooms)

Currently, there are no gender-neutral changing rooms, private changing rooms, or shower rooms. For students who wish to use a non-gender segregated changing room, please use “Restroom for Everyone (Minna no Toilet)” that are equipped with changing tables.

“Restroom for Everyone” equipped with changing tables can be found in the following locations:
Bldg. No. 2　1F and 4F
Bldg. No. 3　B1F～5F
Bldg. No. 4　6F
Bldg. No. 6　2F～6F, 17F

Dormitories

Sophia University operates and manages 3 dormitories.

Sophia Dormitories

• Edagawa Men’s Dormitory (men only)
• Soshigaya International House (for both men and women)
• Arrupe International Residence (for both men and women)

Living areas at the Soshigaya International House and Arrupe International Residence are separated by gender.

Contact: Center for Student Affairs, Dormitory Section

In addition to Sophia dormitories, the university also provides information regarding　other designated and/or recommended dormitories and student apartments, etc. operated by cooperating companies. These include housing options that includes with or without meals, those with private/shared kitchens and bathrooms, etc. (Please note that requests may not be fully met due to room availability or other reasons.)

Housing information website

3．Efforts to address the need to collect gender information

Sophia University is currently reconsidering the need for collecting gender information on campus as part of its efforts to create an environment that respects diversity. Based on this basic policy, we will gradually remove the “Gender column” for those deemed unnecessary after a university-wide review.

Basic Policy on the Collection and Use of Student Gender Information

• Sophia University shall collect and use gender information only when there are reasonable grounds to do so; based on the recognition that gender information is a matter of personal dignity, values, and way of life, and after careful consideration on the necessity of collecting gender information.
• Although the information submitted upon enrollment includes gender information, the university shall strictly manage the information in accordance with the “Handling of Personal Information” (Privacy Policy). This information shall only be used by faculty and staff involved in carrying out specified purposes.
• Gender information shall only be included in course registration lists for faculty members when such information is required for class operation but will not be included on certificates issued by the university (academic transcripts, graduation certificates, medical certificates, etc.).
• The administrative sections, faculties, and graduate schools, etc. shall not collect gender information individually after enrollment except when there are reasonable and unavoidable reasons, such as the examples listed below.
• Even when collecting information for reasonable reasons, we understand that gender verification may cause mental distress to some members; and therefore, the university will be mindful of response options and the voluntary nature of responses, as described in the principles below.
• We will continuously review our policies by verifying the necessity of collection and use.

Principles for collecting gender information after enrollment (except in cases where the University cannot change the information based on laws and regulations)

• Respondents will be asked to choose from the following options: “Male”, “Female”,” Non-binary”, and “Prefer not to respond”.
• Different wording or open-ended questions are allowed when the collection of relevant information is for research purposes and there is a need for such approaches.
• When possible, responses regarding gender information should be optional.

Cases where there would be reasonable grounds for collecting and using gender information

• Collection and use of gender information in forms and items specified by external organizations such as government offices.
• Collection and use of gender information for the use of facilities and equipment, such as entry to competitions, etc. that require gender distinction.
• Collection and use of gender information when required for medical purposes.
• Collection and use of gender information to confirm the gender ratio for the purposes of implementing measures to eliminate gender discrimination.
• Collection and use of gender information for academic research, social surveys, and statistics.

To Sophia Students

“Student Information Service” has been established so that students who do not know which department to consult or are not sure whether they should consult with the university can feel free to ask questions or make inquiries.
Depending on the details of the consultation, students will be connected to various departments of the Health and Wellbeing Center, other departments of the university and to external organizations if it’s needed.