Recreation Services is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. By creating an inclusive environment and providing programs that support our diverse perspectives, we preserve the spirit of community.  It is essential that all have the opportunity to exercise their right to express individual human and cultural identities as well as affirm all backgrounds, abilities, and fitness levels.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | ISU Recreation Services Non-Discrimination Policy

  • Iowa State University and the Department of Recreation Services does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance, 3350 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.
  • Recreation Services is committed to assuring that its facilities, programs, or services are free from discriminatory, inappropriate, and disrespectful conduct or communication.
  • Verbal or written abuse, threats, intimidation, violence, or other forms of harassment towards participants or staff will not be tolerated.
  • All participants and staff are expected to respect the rights of others and to be civil, effective citizens of the ISU community.
  • Recreation Services patrons may participate in programs and utilize facilities in a manner consistent with their gender identity.

Locker Rooms and Restrooms

Recreation Services policy states that patrons may utilize any space and facility in a manner consistent with their gender identity. This includes all locker rooms and restrooms. There are gender inclusive restrooms located in State Gym next to the Administrative Offices and in Beyer Hall on the lower level between the locker room entrances leading into the pool. Individual locking, changing/showering rooms are located in State Gym in the hallway south of the pool right before entering the locker rooms. Here is a map of all the gender-inclusive restrooms on campus:

Transgender Policy for Eligibility & Participation in Intramural Sports Activities and Sport Clubs:

All individuals shall be permitted to participate in the Iowa State University (ISU) Recreation Services Intramural (IM) Sports Program (i.e. Leagues, tournaments, etc.), and Sport Clubs program in a manner consistent with their gender identity. While sport programs are typically offered in gender-based divisions, ISU Recreation Services seek to provide opportunities for all students to participate in its programs inclusive of gender identity. If an individual or team is unsure of which division would be most appropriate in which to participate, please contact the the Intramural Sports office to help determine which division would most appropriately fit the participation needs of the individual or team.

Adaptable Fitness and Aquatic Equipment

Recreation Services is constantly working to improve our programs, facilities, and equipment to be more accessible for our Cyclones. In addition to compliance with all building ADA laws (such as ramps, elevators, pool lifts, etc.), Recreation Services also provides new adaptable equipment located on the second floor of State Gym near the East State Gym basketball court. The second floor has specialty fitness equipment, hand ergometer, rope pulley, swing-away seats, adjustable starting positions, and an adjustable lat pulldown, This new equipment is wheelchair accessible and can be adjusted to accommodate all abilities. Building entrances are equipped with ADA automatic door openers for ease of travel between spaces. Each pool located in State Gym and Beyer Hall include aquatic lifts to aid any patrons in entering the lap lane portions of the pool.

Facility Attire Policy:

Recreation Services strives to maintain a clean, safe, and inclusive environment while honoring personal workout clothing preferences.

  • Shirts/tops, shorts/pants, and closed-toes shoes must be worn at all times other than in the pool and locker rooms.
  • Clothing cannot display offensive language.
  • Appropriate, clean, closed-toe, non-marking, athletic shoes are required in all activity areas.  Street shoes or shoes that mark the floors are prohibited.
  • Clean attire that is intended for swimming must be worn in the pool and hot tub (no workout clothes).
  • We do not require gender-specific attire within any of our recreation facilities. Participants are encouraged to wear attire that best honors their workout experience.

Intramural Team Name Policy:

Recreation Services is committed to assuring that its programs are free from discriminatory, inappropriate, and disrespectful conduct or communication; therefore we reserve the right to disallow any team name that we feel may be unacceptable due to a racial, sexual, or is otherwise degrading in nature. We ask that all team names, upon submission, not contain profanity and/or not be racial or sexually explicit in nature. In the event we need to remove a team name we will change the team name to the Captain’s last name and offer the team a chance to change their name.