Moving On Up: ������Ƶ Earns 4.5 Stars in Campus Pride Index

By Van Nhi Ho

In working to make ������Ƶ an inclusive environment, offices and departments such as the Women's Gender & Sexuality Center (WGSC) have initiated policy changes and created dynamic programming that centers LGBTQ+ students. Follow the journey to being nationally recognized for this with Van Nhi Ho, graduate coordinator for LGBTQ+ initiatives in the WGSC. 

The is a nationally recognized assessment that evaluates universities on their LGBTQ+ friendliness. The index assesses institutions on a range of criteria, including policy, residential life, student development and retention, student life and much more. The rating system provides resources and information for potential LGBTQ+ students, helping them make informed decisions about where they wish to pursue their higher education. ������Ƶ received 4.5 stars in the latest assessment.

When ������Ƶ was first evaluated on the CPI, it received 3 out of 5 stars. While this rating indicated that the university had some support and resources for LGBTQ+ students, it was evident that there was room for improvement. Recognizing the need for change, the WGSC embarked on a journey toward enhancing its inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community. We knew we needed to start the change internally.

This began with starting conversations with faculty on how they can make their classrooms and curriculum inclusive. These conversations began to inspire change through student organizations and different faculty departments to create those internal changes for our LGBTQ+ students. 

Below are the major changes observed that led to the rating increasing 1.5 stars:

Policy Inclusion

������Ƶ reviewed and updated its policies to ensure that they were LGBTQ+ inclusive. This included changes to non-discrimination policies like Title IX, housing and restroom accommodations.

Counseling & Health

������Ƶ began to encourage and promote students to use support services for LGBTQ+ students. This includes providing resources for mental health, support groups like Transcendence – a group for transgender, transitioning and/or questioning students – and Ace Space – a group for asexual, aromatic, demisexual and/or grey students – and foundation programs like "A Whole New Closet," which offers transgender applicants financial assistance for their transitioning needs.

Student Life

It was of utmost importance for the ������Ƶ community to actively promote and support LGBTQ+ student organizations. These organizations include and the , also known as QTPOCS. Encouraging students to create safe and brave spaces provides a platform for students to connect, advocate for and celebrate their identities.

Additionally, we began organizing LGBTQ+ celebratory events and programs, such as PrideFest, to foster a sense of community and belonging for students. October was been filled with events that celebrated and acknowledged LGBTQ+ history, including our 2023 Pride Flag Raising, the , showcasing the Cured Documentary, a panel discussion with out (of the closet) professionals and many more that are upcoming this semester. 

Academic Life

The university launched various educational initiatives to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and promote inclusivity, including workshops and training for faculty and staff and LGBTQ+ history events. In addition, the Women’s, Gender and Sexuality minor has contributed to this score as it offers a wide range of topics for students interested in learning more about advocacy work and the history of women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights.

The impact of these institutional changes has been significant.

Students at ������Ƶ report feeling safer, more supported and valued in the campus community. The increase in the Campus Pride Index rating to 4.5 stars reflects the dedication and hard work that the university has put into creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students.

������Ƶ's journey from a 3-star rating to a remarkable 4.5 stars on the Campus Pride Index is a testament to our commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming campus environment. By implementing changes in policies, support services, and education, the university has made significant progress in supporting its LGBTQ+ community. This transformation not only benefits the LGBTQ+ students at ������Ƶ but also sets an example for other institutions looking to create more inclusive and welcoming environments for all their students. It's a testament to the power of dedication, awareness and action in making higher education more equitable and accessible for all.

If you are interested in learning more about these resources, how to get involved in the community, or become an ally, please check out the WGSC homepage or check out our resource on Being LGBTQIA+ at ������Ƶ. 

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