Universal Locker Room

In response to student and community interest, Recreation & Wellbeing now proudly offers a universal locker room, where members seeking additional privacy can feel safe, comfortable and welcome.

The universal locker room, with its completely private changing rooms, showers, and toilets, can be used by all members, regardless of who they are or how they may identify. These spaces are inclusive of members with disabilities, members of all gender identities, and any who wish for privacy for any reason. Members may use the locker room that suits their needs and identity.

The locker room, the first of its kind in the UC system, has many unique features including:

406 lockers (both day-use and long-term rental)
16 individual changing rooms, including three accessible
Five private toilets, including two accessible and one that includes an adult changing table
Seven private showers, including two accessible, all with low-flow showerheads
Four shared sinks with motion-activated faucets
Slip-resistant flooring
Energy-efficient LED lighting
Benches made from repurposed/reclaimed wood

If you are interested in locker rentals in our new universal locker room, please let our staff know next time you’re at the RSF. Students will be given temporary priority consideration for locker rentals, after which all Recreation & Wellbeing members will be eligible.

What does "universal" mean?
add
- The universal locker room, with its completely private changing rooms, showers, and toilets, can be used universally by all members, regardless of who they are or how they identify. These spaces are inclusive of members with disabilities, members of all gender identities, and anyone who wants additional privacy.

Why was it built?
add
- In the past, we had heard that some members felt uncomfortable only having a traditional choice of locker rooms and way to access the Spieker Pool. In coordination with the ASUC Student Union student government (elected student officials who represent the UC Berkeley student body at large), it was determined that a number of students and members would benefit from this change, and thus the new universal locker room will create a safe space to use lockers and access the facility. We will also continue to have our gendered (male, female) locker rooms for those that wish to use them.
- The creation of this locker room is also aligned to Berkeley values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

How do locker room rentals work there?
add
- This facility contains 406 lockers (both day-use and long-term), 16 individual changing rooms, seven private showers, five private toilets and four shared sinks.
- At this time, locker rental rates remain unchanged. If you are interested in locker rentals in our new universal locker room, please let our staff know next time you’re at the RSF.
- Students will be given temporary priority consideration for locker rentals, after which all Recreation & Wellbeing members will be eligible.

What is the protocol for using the universal locker space? Are there private changing areas and/or showering areas? For example, can one undress in the main space?
add
- Members are asked to refrain from changing in the common areas, instead using the private changing rooms to disrobe/change.

What if I'm a disabled person with an attendant - can they have a locker next to mine?
add
- We will make every effort to accommodate our disabled members. For attendants, this will be subject to space availability. Nevertheless, attendants are certainly welcome to join a disabled member to attend to their needs.

I'm gender-nonconforming, do I have to use the universal locker room?
add
- You are not required - the universal locker room is for those members who wish to use it. Please utilize the locker room that suits your needs and identity.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at recsportslockers@berkeley.edu.

Statement in support of the transgender members of the UC community

About the Universal Locker Room

Our groundbreaking universal locker room, the first of its kind in California, was recognized with the silver award for excellence by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), the industry association for student affairs organizations in higher education, which recognizes the contributions of members who are transforming higher education through outstanding programs, innovative services, and effective administration.

Participation in recreation and wellness activities can have a profound impact on a student’s collegiate experience – helping to reduce stress, increase self-confidence and build a strong sense of community. The universal locker room allows us to better serve our campus community, including those who may prefer a non-binary or all-gender option, more privacy, or require disability accommodations.

UC Berkeley photo by Brittany Hosea-Small