Table of Contents Section 1:
Introduction
Section 2:
Supporting LGBTQ Students in High School
Section 3:
Helping LGBTQ Students through the Admissions Process
Section 4:
LGBTQ Centers and Community Support
Section 5:
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Section 6:
Community Resources and Advocacy
Section 7:
Further Readings and Bibliography
Section 8:
Additional Campus Pride Resources
Document Created by: Eric Felix, University of San Diego Erik C. D. Belmal, Rio Hondo College With the support of:
Introduction The transition from high school to college is an extremely important time in the lives of young people. It is at this stage in life that “reality conditions start to play an important role” (Sharf, p. 225). For this reason, this time is marked by excitement, fear, uncertainty, and many other complex emotions. These emotions are magnified in unique ways for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) students. Since our profession is ever evolving to meet the needs arising from societal change, it is vital that we develop a knowledge base and skill set to help LGBTQ students deal with these emotions (Campos, p. 244). Although visibility of the LGBTQ community has increased over the last two decades, LGBTQ students continue to experience malefic social and health issues at a disproportionate rate when compared to non-LGBTQ students. LGBTQ students’ experience of social, legal, and institutional discrimination is further complicated by the fact that they often do not have access to adequate support systems. This resource guide is intended to assist educators, counselors, and students services professionals in supporting LGBTQ students through the college admission process and their subsequent transition to life at postsecondary institutions. The American School Counselor Association’s (ASCA) Position Statement on LGBTQ youth calls school counselors to “promote equal opportunity and respect for all individuals regardless of sexual orientation/gender identity.” This same document requires that school counselors be professionals who “work to eliminate barriers that impede student development and achievement and are committed to academic, career, and personal/social development of all students.” Similar mandates are articulated in the National Association of College Admission Counselor’s (NACAC) Statement of Good Practices. NACAC requires that its constituencies develop “programs and services in postsecondary counseling, admission, and financial aid to eliminate bias related to ethnicity, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, political affiliation, national origin, and disabling conditions.” Clearly, the onus is on us, as student services professionals, to cultivate the knowledge necessary to be able provide all students with what is needed to be academically and personally successful. In this way, working with LGBTQ students is not about social, political, or religious ideology, but about serving and supporting students as they seek to realize their goals for college and career.
References American School Counselor Association. (2007). ASCA position statements: The professional school counselor and LGBTQ youth. Campos, D. (2005). Understanding gay and lesbian youth: Lessons for straight school teachers, counselors, and administrators. Lanham, MD: Rowaman and Littlefield Education. Sharf, R. S. (2010). Applying career development theory to counseling. (5th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning. National Association for College Admissions Counseling. (2001). Statement of principles of good practice: For members of the National Association for College Admission Counseling.
Supporting LGBTQ Students in High School This page contains resources to support LGBTQ students in the pre-college years. These are resources to educate school communities about homophobia, gender identity, and sexual orientation issues. These organizations support students and counselors alike in promoting a safe, welcoming climate for all students.
Gays and Lesbians Initiating Dialogue for Equality GLIDE offers a speaker’s network that works toward eliminating homophobia with interactive and age-appropriate presentations. Their presentations confront myths and stereotypes that often result in homophobia.
Gay-Straight Alliance Network The network is a youth leadership organization that connects school-based Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to each other and to community resources. The GSA Network supports young people in starting, strengthening and sustaining GSAs to create safe school environments, educate the school community, and in fighting discrimination, harassment and violence in schools. This resource can help you start a chapter at your local school or gain additional resources to support students.
Gay,Lesbian and Straight Education Network GLSEN is among the nation’s foremost organizations committed to creating bully-free, hate-free, LGBTQ accepting schools. This organization offers a wealth of resources for educators that include various campaigns (THINKB4YOUSPEAK, Ally Week, Day of Silence), professional development opportunities, and informative research on LGBTQ issues. GLSEN also provides lesson plans, curricular tools, information on teacher training programs and more.
It Gets Better The It Gets Better Project was created to show young LGBTQ people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach – if they can just get through their teen years. The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBTQ community that they are not alone — and it WILL get better.
Safe Schools Coalition The Safe Schools Coalition is an international public-private partnership in support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth that helps schools - at home and all over the world - become safe places where every family can belong, where every educator can teach, and where every child can learn, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Helping LGBTQ Students through the Admissions Process The outreach, recruitment, and admissions practices by higher education institutions vary; this section assists with helping LGBTQ students navigate the college application process. For LGBTQ youth, these decisions can be critical. On top of the standard academic criteria, they are seeking a place that provides a safe, accepting environment that allows them the opportunity to be themselves and find others like them. Below are resources to assist LGBTQ students in finding welcoming and inclusive institutions.
Campus Pride’s LGBT-Friendly Index LGBT and ally youth and their families have a reliable, up-to-date resource to help in finding the right college. The dynamic technology of the Index makes it easy to navigate, and the various campus profiles provide a tailored look at LGBT campus life.
Campus Pride’s Top 10 Trans-Friendly Colleges and Universities These 10 colleges and universities have demonstrated their commitment to the trans community by implementing many trans-supportive policies, including adding “gender identity and/or expression” to their nondiscrimination policies, offering gender-inclusive bathrooms, locker rooms, and housing options
Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals The Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals is committed to ensuring equity for LGBT students, faculty, administrators, staff, and alumni at postsecondary institutions through meetings, research, and professional development. The directory maintained on their homepage is especially helpful for finding LGBT resource centers at particular colleges and universities.
Factors to Consider in Choosing a University This is a great resource for students in choosing colleges to apply to, allowing them to consider a variety of factors that range from LGBT Inclusion and Residence Life Policy to Campus Safety. Find this resource at http://www.campuspride.org/tools/factors-to-consider/.
LGBT-Friendly National College Fair Series These fairs take place in the fall in various regions of the United States. Participation is free for all students and their families. Fairs have been held in previous California cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco.
National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,Transgender, and Allies Concerns Commission This site is a compilation of resources, links, and basic information for academic advisors about the LGBTQ community. It tends to have an academic focus but is also aimed at student affairs professionals who work in academic advising.
LGBTQ Centers and Community Support The following is a list of centers dedicated to serving the LGBTQ community throughout the California/Nevada region. These centers typically offer mental and physical health services, social activities, support groups, and youth groups. For center specific services, please visit the appropriate homepage.
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada http://www.thecenterlv.com/
The Diversity Center (Santa Cruz,CA) http://diversitycenter.org/programs/
Spectrum Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,and Transgender Center (North Bay Area,CA) http://www.spectrumlgbtcenter.org/
Gay Central Valley (Fresno Area,CA) http://www.gaycentralvalley.org/
San Francisco Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,and Transgender Community Center http://www.sfcenter.org/
Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center http://saccenter.org/
Gay and Lesbian Alliance of the Central Coast http://www.ccgala.org/
Pacific Pride Foundation (Santa Barbara Area) http://www.pacificpridefoundation.org/
Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center http://laglc.convio.net/site/PageServer
The Center,Long Beach http://www.centerlb.org/
The Center (Palm Springs Area,CA) http://thecenterps.org/#
The Center Orange County http://www.thecenteroc.org/
North San Diego County Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,and Transgender Resource Center http://www.ncresourcecenter.org/
San Diego Lesbian,Gay,Bisexual,and Transgender Community Center http://www.thecentersd.org/
Scholarships and Financial Aid FinAid.org Financial aid opportunities for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Students
HRC LGBT Student Scholarship Database Human Rights Campaign has complied a comprehensive list of scholarships, fellowships, and grants for LGBT and ally students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
PFLAG National Scholarship Program PFLAG is a national non-profit organization with over 200,000 members and supporters and over 350 affiliates in the United States.
The Point Foundation The Point Foundation provides financial support, mentoring, leadership training, and hope to meritorious students who are marginalized due to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. There are a variety of scholarships available.
Pride Foundation Pride Foundation’s mission is to work with organizations, leaders, and students in the Northwestern United States who are working toward LGBTQ equality. They accomplish this work through scholarships, grants, and various initiatives. Scholarship applicants must be current or future students at postsecondary institutions in the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Safe Schools Coalition: Scholarships and Grants Page A growing number of organizations want to provide financial support for college bound students, whether they have been thrown away by parents or they just need extra help to complete their education. Many of these scholarships and grants are for youth involved in social activism, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Some are also for students with LGBT parents, again regardless of the student's orientation or identity.
Scholarships for LGBT Students A growing number of scholarships are devoted exclusively to students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Some scholarships are available nationally, and other scholarships are exclusively devoted to students from specific geographic regions.
*Individual Institutional Scholarships As you narrow down your college list, make sure to explore each schools financial aid site or scholarship database for LGBTQ scholarships available.
Community Resources and Advocacy Equality Forum Equality Forum is a national nonprofit and 501(c)(3) GLBT organization headquartered in Philadelphia. Equality Forum undertakes high impact initiatives, produces documentary films, highlights GLBT history and presents the largest annual national and international GLBT civil rights forum.
GLBT National Help Center The GLBT National Help Center provides free and confidential peer counseling by telephone and over the internet. This organization also offers a hotline and email address specifically for LGBTQ youth counseling. GLBT National Help Center additionally maintains a resource database with more than 15,000 listings.
Human Rights Campaign The Human Rights Campaign is the largest organization working toward LGBTQ equality. Some of HRC’s work includes advocacy at the federal and state levels, dialogue with religious leaders to create more affirming environments, and coming out resources. HRC works to connect youth from across the country working toward equality. Internships are available for undergraduate and graduate students.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force focuses its efforts on developing the grassroots powers of LGBT communities and their allies. This organization provides training to help advance pro-LGBT efforts and defeat anti-LGBT efforts. Areas in which the Task Force is involved include youth policy and college policy.
Parents,Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons, as well as their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides the opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.
The Trevor Project The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth through its national free and confidential hotline. The Trevor Project homepage also has hosts online LGBTQ youth communities and an online messaging support system.
Futher Readings and Bibliography Creating Safe Environments for LGBT Students: A Catholic Schools Perspective Editor: Michael J.Bayly Publisher: Taylor & Francis,Inc.
Date: 2007
Being an LGBTQ ally educator at a Catholic school can sometimes prove to be a complex endeavor. Creating Safe Environments for LGBT Students is a guide for educators who want to create a learning environment that respects and values diversity. This book utilizes the Safe Staff training model and provides the curriculum for five sessions that are grounded in Church doctrine and Catholic social teaching. The book contains systematic directions for facilitating sessions, spiritual readings, handouts and topics for discussion.
Dignity for All: Safeguarding LGBT Students Author: Peter DeWitt Publisher: Corwin,a Sage Company
Date: 2012
Peter DeWitt, author of Dignity for All Students: Safeguarding LGBT Students, is himself a practicing educator. DeWitt’s vocation as an educator allows him to write a book whose target audiences are his own colleagues and constituencies– school administrators, teachers and parents. The focus of his book, as the first chapter indicates, is to provide a voice for “The Silent Minority,” LGBTQ students. To make schools conducive to educating all students, DeWitt suggests changes from the classroom to the school boardroom, detailing steps toward reform in curriculum and school board polices. The book concludes with notes about how institutions of higher education are better assisting LGBTQ students.
LGBT Youth in American Schools Author: Jason Cianciotto & Sean Cahill Publisher: University of Michigan Press
Date: 2012
Jason Cianciotto and Sean Cahill’s book, LGBT Youth in America’s Schools, provides a scholarly and real-life account of the way public policies marginalize young people. The book’s introductory chapters provide a social science foundation for understanding the LGBT experience in American schools. The middle chapters of the book evaluate school polices, federal, state, and local laws that shape the experience of LGBTQ students. The final section of the book presents a research agenda to guide and shape future policy reform. Every chapter of the book contains vignettes of LGBTQ students’ experiences that provide context for the matters Cianciotto and Cahill describe.
Safe Spaces: Making Schools and Communities Welcoming to LGBT Youth Author: Annemarie Vaccaro,Gerri August and Megan S.Kennedy Publisher: Praeger
Date: 2012
This book offers a comprehensive view of the complex lives of LGBT youth of all ages, from kindergarten through college. Drawing on a wealth of research collected from first-person accounts of students, family, educators, and community members, the authors not only chronicle the struggles of LGBT youth but also describe models of inclusive school and community environments.
Additional Campus Pride Resources Personal Campus Inventory Quiz: This tool includes general questions relevant to all prospective students as well as questions geared specifically toward LGBT students such as "Describe your ideal campus environment. What academic disciplines are offered? What is the campus community like? How does the campus look and feel? What does the visible commitment to LGBT students look like?" and "What extracurricular activities interest you? Which of these involvement opportunities relate to or could relate to being LGBT?"
LGBT-Inclusive Factors in Considering Your Campus Priorities: This resource lists a variety of factors and asks students to rate them on a scale of importance from 1 to 5. Factors include LGBT and ally student groups, LGBT resource center/office, LGBT studies/courses, nondiscrimination policy inclusive of sexual orientation, high number of out faculty/staff, visible LGBT students of color, safe space training program, gender-neutral bathrooms, etc.
Individual Action Plan for LGBT College Seeker: This resource asks students to reflect on their answers to the "Personal Campus Inventory" and the "LGBT-Inclusive Factors in Considering Your Campus Priorities" in order to form an overall approach to choosing a college and identify their top five campus choices. It also asks students to reflect on what factors they need to learn more about, the challenges that they may face in researching these, and the resources that can help overcome those challenges.
The Campus Visit Scorecard for LGBT Students and Their Parents/Family Members: The idea with this resource is that students can actually take the scorecard with them on their campus visit and/or talk with an admissions counselor over the phone to answer these questions. They can fill the scorecard out for each campus and then compare.
There are also several other resources available on the Campus Pride website at www.campuspride.org.
Top 10 Criteria LGBT Students Look For In A Campus Before you begin looking for LGBT-friendly campuses, there are a few important questions to ask yourself; Do you know what you're looking for? Even more, do you know what exactly you want or need in a college in terms of LGBT issues? Hearing perspectives from other out LGBT high school students can help you to consider all your choices. Following is a top 10 list compiled form feedback of LGBT high school students searching for the best LGBT campus. Keep this list close by as you narrow down your LGBT campus choice. Think about whether any of these LGBT issues matter to you and how much they may impact your college decision.
1.ACTIVE STUDENT ORGANIZATION ON CAMPUS For many campuses, it all started with a queer student organization creating positive change. LGBT students want to find a sense of community with their peers. LGBT student organizations provide social, educational, and leadership opportunities, which many students ask for in a college campus. Such groups are critical to the well being of LGBT students as a social network, support system, and outlet for activism. Some students inquire about groups specific to gender identity/expression, students of color, religion, and special interests/activities. What do you want in LGBT student organization on your future campus?
2.OUT LGBT STUDENTS "Where are the queers?" That is how one LGBT high school student put it. Prospective LGBT college students look for other LGBT students to be visible and active in all aspects of the academic setting and campus life.
3.OUT LGBT FACULTY AND STAFF LGBT students have stated their desire for visible role models to identify with and to provide insight into the local community. Out LGBT faculty and staff can serve as advisors and be a common thread of support throughout the college years.
4.LGBT-INCLUSIVE POLICIES Campus policies demonstrate a commitment and a standard for students to follow. They are a campus promise of sorts. LGBT-supportive campuses have "sexual orientation" in their nondiscrimination policy. Another indicator of LGBT support, although it currently appears in a smaller number of campus policies, are the words "gender identity or expression" in the campus nondiscrimination statement. Other indicators of LGBT-inclusiveness are a campus policy for same-sex domestic partner benefits or trans-inclusive health benefits. Each of these policies expresses an acceptance level of the campus and its commitment to LGBT issues.
5.VISIBLE SIGNS OF PRIDE Rainbow flags and pink triangles are socio-environmental influences that can create a sense of openness, safety, and inclusion in the campus community towards LGBT issues. Their prominent presence also sends a clear signal that it is "okay to be gay." Other visible signs would include an Ally or Safe Space/Safe Zone program.
6.OUT LGBT ALLIES FROM THE TOP DOWN Allies are essential to LGBT students, especially those found in LGBT-friendly college administrations. LGBT students listen for top-level administrators such as the president, vice president, or a dean to include LGBT issues in the campus dialogue. Visible allies are also important in the classroom and in student life on campus. Listen for examples of how allies stand up for LGBT students on campus.
7.LGBT-INCLUSIVE HOUSING AND GENDER NEUTRAL BATHROOMS The options for LGBT-theme housing and gender-neutral bathrooms are elements that foster an LGBT atmosphere conductive to living and learning.
8.ESTABLISHED LGBT CENTER/OFFICE ON CAMPUS Many LGBT students check right away to see what committed campus resources are available. One of the most easily recognizable and visible support services is an established LGBT center/office on campus. Such a place allows for queer students and allies to build friendships, find support, and learn about LGBT issues. They also serve as the hub of LGBT campus life. A college that has an LGBT center or office shows a commitment to LGBT students that goes beyond words, especially if the center/office has dedicated paid professional staff. Remember that it may not be realistic for a smaller campus to have a separate center/office, but you can look beyond that for other LGBT commitments and resources.
9.LGBT/QUEER STUDIES ACADEMIC MAJOR OR MINOR Some LGBT high school students are looking for a campus with outlets to study LGBT issues. Their passion in life is to not only get a degree but also take classes where they can learn about LGBT identity, politics, and history. For some, that may mean graduating with an academic major or minor in LGBT/Queer Studies.
10.LIBERAL ATTITUDE AND VIBRANT LGBT SOCIAL SCENE LGBT students want to be accepted fully and not merely be tolerated. A vibrant LGBT social scene may mean different things to each individual student. Some LGBT students want to live on a campus that offers queer entertainment choices, whereas others prefer relying on the local city for activities. Whatever you need, take note of the liberalness and the queer life on campus. Then, determine what you desire.
PERSONAL CAMPUS INVENTORY QUIZ INSTRUCTIONS: Learn more about yourself and what you are looking for when picking the best LGBT campus. Utilize the worksheet as a preplanning step to answer key questions about what you desire. Then go on the search to find it!
1.
What do you identify as your passion or academic pursuits? What would be your dream job after college? Please describe.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
2.
Describe your ideal campus environment. What academic disciplines are offered? What is the campus community like? How does the campus look and feel? What does the visible commitment to LGBT students look like? Be as specific as possible.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
3.
What extracurricular activities interest you? Which of these involvement opportunities relate to or could relate to being LGBT? List all examples.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
4.
How much money do you want to spend per year going to a college or university? What's your overall budget for living expenses, books, and tuition?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.
In what region of the country do you want to go to college? Do you have limitations imposed by costs that are keeping you close to home?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
6.
What about the type of institution, the campus size, and the diversity? Do you prefer a private or a public institution? How large or small do you want the campus population to be?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
LGBT-INCLUSIVE FACTORS IN CONSIDERING YOUR CAMPUS PRIORITIES Please determine where the following LGBT-inclusive factors rank to determine what's important in choosing your best fit for an LGBT college/university. Ask yourself the question: How important is it to have _________________ on my future campus? Use these responses to prioritize your interests and figure out your top campus choices. Compare this to the Gay Point Average ranking and to what you look for on your campus visit.
LGBT FACTORS: 5 Most Important 4 Very important 3 Important 2 Relatively Important 1 Not Important LGBT and Ally Student Groups........................................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
LGBT Resource Center/Office...........................................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
LGBT Social Activities ......................................................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
LGBT Educational Events.................................................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
LGBT Studies/Courses......................................................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
Nondiscrimination Policy Inclusive of Sexual Orientation ..............................................................1
2
3
4
5
Nondiscrimination Policy Inclusive of Gender Identity or Expression..............................................1
2
3
4
5
High Number of Out Faculty and Staff ............................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
High Number of Out LGBT Students ...............................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
High Number of LGBT Allies Who Are Faculty and Staff.................................................................1
2
3
4
5
High Number of Allies Who Are Students .......................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
Visible LGBT Students of Color........................................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
Visible Trans-Identified Individuals ..................................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
LGBT Student of Color Organization(s) ...........................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
Safe Space/Safe Zone or Ally Training Program ................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
LGBT-Sensitive Fraternities and Sororities ........................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
LGBT-Sensitive Religious and Spiritual Opportunities ......................................................................1
2
3
4
5
LGBT-Sensitive Campus Police .........................................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
LGBT-Sensitive Health Services ........................................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
Gender-Neutral Bathrooms...............................................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
LGBT Student Scholarship Opportunities ........................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
Support Services for Transitioning Students .....................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
LGBT Dating Options.......................................................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
LGBT Dance Clubs/Bars ...................................................................................................................1
2
3
4
5
INDIVIDUAL ACTION PLAN FOR LGBT COLLEGE SEEKER INSTRUCTIONS: An action plan for an LGBT college seeker comprises many of the same aspects as it does for other prospective college students. However, there are certain LGBT considerations to keep in mind. Please complete the planning worksheet based on the considerations and priorities from your Personal Campus Inventory Quiz. The result will be a list of deadlines with an action plan that you can use to keep on track during your quest as an LGBT college seeker.
1.OVERALL APPROACH Describe your overall approach to choosing a college or university based on the responses from your Personal Campus Inventory Quiz. What are your needs and priorities? These can be LGBT-specific or more broadly oriented to your self-identity.
2.IDENTIFY YOUR TOP FIVE LGBT CAMPUS CHOICES NAME OF COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
________________________________________________________
Particular Reason(s) for Selecting This Campus:
_______________________________________________________
Application Deadline:
_______________________________________________________
Application Requirements:
_______________________________________________________
Testing Requirements:
_______________________________________________________
Possible Dates for Campus Visit:
_______________________________________________________
NAME OF COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
________________________________________________________
Particular Reason(s) for Selecting This Campus:
_______________________________________________________
Application Deadline:
_______________________________________________________
Application Requirements:
_______________________________________________________
Testing Requirements:
_______________________________________________________
Possible Dates for Campus Visit:
_______________________________________________________
NAME OF COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
________________________________________________________
Particular Reason(s) for Selecting This Campus:
_______________________________________________________
Application Deadline:
_______________________________________________________
Application Requirements:
_______________________________________________________
Testing Requirements:
_______________________________________________________
Possible Dates for Campus Visit:
_______________________________________________________
NAME OF COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
________________________________________________________
Particular Reason(s) for Selecting This Campus:
_______________________________________________________
Application Deadline:
_______________________________________________________
Application Requirements:
_______________________________________________________
Testing Requirements:
_______________________________________________________
Possible Dates for Campus Visit:
_______________________________________________________
NAME OF COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY:
________________________________________________________
Particular Reason(s) for Selecting This Campus:
_______________________________________________________
Application Deadline:
_______________________________________________________
Application Requirements:
_______________________________________________________
Testing Requirements:
_______________________________________________________
Possible Dates for Campus Visit:
_______________________________________________________
3.
Determine the most significant LGBT-inclusive factors that you want to learn more about in order to compare your top campus choices. These can be from the Personal Campus Inventory Quiz or other factors you have determined. e.g., high number of LGBT students, LGBT sensitive health services, LGBT social events, etcetera.
4.
Describe any challenge(s) that you might face in researching the LGBT-friendliness of these selected campuses. Please create a list of these concerns.
5.
List resources, people, and/or organizations that can help you overcome any challenges or assist in learning more about your final LGBT campus choice.
THE CAMPUS VISIT SCORECARD FOR LGBT STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS/FAMILY MEMBERS The time has come for the ultimate test - the campus visit. It's time to discover for yourself just how LGBT-friendly and progressive your top campus choices are. Whether or not your campus is listed in this book, you must still put the campus through your own personal test and ask all your questions. To make your campus visit easier, you can easily grade and compare campuses with this nifty LGBT-friendly scorecard. Simply be sure to collect the necessary information during the campus visit to completely answer the questions. Then after all your campus visits, you can tally up your scorecards and see what campus ends up on top. Fill in the * with five of your LGBT-friendly questions to look for on campus. Decide what's most important to ask for your perfect campus choice to measure up. Such questions might include the following:
? ? ?
Visible LGBT students of color? Visible trans-identified individuals? LGBT student of color organizations?
? ? ?
LGBT-sensitive fraternities and sororities? LGBT-sensitive religious and spiritual organizations? M to F and F to M support services for trans students?
NAME OF COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY: 1.
High number of out LGBT students?
2.
High number of out LGBT faculty/staff?
3.
High number of visible LGBT allies?
4.
Significant number of LGBT social events?
5.
Significant number of LGBT educational events?
6.
Visible signs/symbols of LGBT support on campus?
7.
LGBT and ally student organization?
8.
LGBT resource center/office funded by campus?
9.
LGBT Pride Week/Coming Out Week?
10.
Variety of LGBT studies/courses?
11.
Safe Zone/Safe Space or Ally program?
12.
LGBT student scholarships available?
13.
Nondiscrimination policy inclusive of sexual orientation?
14.
Nondiscrimination policy inclusive of gender identity/expression?
15.
Same-sex domestic partner benefits available?
16.
LGBT-inclusive housing options/themes?
17.
LGBT-inclusive health services/testing?
18.
LGBT-inclusive counseling/support groups?
19.
Procedure for reporting LGBT bias, harassment, and hate crimes?
20.
First-Year experience/orientation program inclusive of LGBT issues?
21.
*
________________________________________________________________________________________
22.
*
________________________________________________________________________________________
23.
*
________________________________________________________________________________________
24.
*
________________________________________________________________________________________
25.
*
________________________________________________________________________________________
Once you've finished, it's time to score. Tally up the number of Yes responses and learn the results of your campus visit.
19+ YES RESPONSES: Most LGBT-friendly campus; definitely a worthy contender.
10-18 YES RESPONSES: More than likely LGBT-friendly or at least on the path to being LGBT-friendly, but has apparent areas for improvement, still worthy of further consideration.
1-9 YES RESPONSES: Lacks LGBT-friendly criteria and warrants more research before consideration.
Friendly Reminder Here are some "Not So Queer�questions to ask:
? ? ? ?
When is your application deadline?
?
Do students have to declare a major during the applications period,or can they decide after admission? Is it easy to change majors?
How many applications do you get a year? What is your acceptance rate? Do students live on campus? Is it required? Is off-campus housing available? Is your admissions process a holistic review,or based primarily on GPA and test scores?
FINAL QUEER TIP: Choose if and how you want to come out as LGBT. Some students may want to do this in the application process in response to the essay question, or during the campus visit. Keep in mind that you never know if the individual(s) involved with these processes are LGBT-friendly. But, if that is a concern or becomes an issue, you may want to think twice about going there anyway. It's always your choice!
We hope the information found in this guide helps you and your students to find welcoming and inclusive campuses where all students can thrive. Thank you for reading this resource. Your feedback is greatly appreciated in making improvements.
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