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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does GVSU do to make campus a safe place for LGBT students? 2. What opportunities exist at GVSU for LGBT people? 3. Is there special support for LGBT people? 4. Is there Housing available for me and my partner? 5. Does GVSU offer same-sex partner benefits? 6. Are there LGBT student organizations on campus? 7. Does GVSU offer any courses related to LGBT subjects? 8. What are some social outlets off campus? 9. Are there scholarships for LGBT students? 10. Is there specific support for LGBT students of color? 1. What does GVSU do to make campus a safe place for LGBT students? During the summer of 2009, Grand Valley took the LGBT Friendly Campus Climate Index assessment. We are happy to report we received 4.5 out of 5 stars. With only 18 campuses nation-wide with a 5 star rating, Grand Valley has made great strides and can be counted among the most friendly schools in the nation. Specifically, at Grand Valley sexual orientation and gender identity are protected class statuses. We have a LGBT-friendly Department of Public Safety (DPS). They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even on holidays and breaks! GVSU also implemented a new Bias Incident Protocol. If you ever think you are a victim of a bias incident or hate crime, you can immediately contact DPS or a faculty or staff member whom you trust. Speaking of faculty and staff, we also have an Allies and Advocates training program for all interested faculty and staff. The A&A website will give you a listing of all faculty and staff here at GVSU that will have open doors for everyone! These items and more make Grand Valley a safe and supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff! 2. What opportunities exist at GVSU for LGBT people? There are many opportunities here for both LGBT students and allies. Out ‘n’ About, our Gay Straight Alliance serves the whole student body as a place for support and friends. Graduate Queers and Allies is a place for graduate students who are LGBTQI or an Ally can connect and help educate and serve the community. There are also over 200 student organizations at GVSU, which are very open and affirming as well. You can also volunteer with our office by helping plan events, by receiving an upperclass mentor (or being a mentor yourself). 3. Is there special support for LGBT people? Besides our center, which offers a ton of support to LGBT students, faculty and staff, as well as to members of the community, there are many departments on campus that are supportive and welcoming of LGBT students. Housing and Residence Life, the Counseling Center, Department of Public Safety, Office of Multicultural Affairs, and the Women’s Center – just to name a few! Just look for stickers for Allies & Advocates, Safe Harbor or "An open door where all voices are heard" (the one with the colorful dots on it) in the windows of offices all over campus! 4. Is there on-campus housing available for me and my partner? While the Housing and Residence Life department is supportive of LGBT residents, there is currently nothing specific available concerning partner housing. Please visit the housing website: www.gvsu.edu/housing for more information or contact their office directly at 331-2120. 5. Does GVSU offer same-sex partner benefits? No, but GVSU does offer Household Member benefits. 6. Are there LGBT student organizations on campus? Yes! Out ‘n’ About is our LGBT student organization and you can visit their website by clicking here. You can also begin your own student organization through the Office of Student Life: studentlife.gvsu.edu. 7. Does GVSU offer any courses related to LGBT subjects? Yes! Most of them are offered under the Women and Gender Studies or Liberal Studies departments. Here are some examples: LIB 325 – Understanding the Gay Life Cycle HST 371 – History of Gender, Family, Sexuality WGS/CJ 310 – Sexual Orientation and the Law WGS 324 – Introduction to Lesbian and Gay Studies WGS 380 – Lesbian, Gay & Queer Literature 8. What are some social outlets off campus? Please check out the Further Resources page. 9. Are there scholarships for LGBT students? Yes! Please visit the scholarship page! 10. Is there specific support for LGBT students of color? The Center is currently developing programming and working closely with the Office of Multicultural Affairs to create support specific to LGBT students of color. Have an idea? Contact us! |
| Last Modified Date: October 14, 2009 | |
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