7 GREAT QUESTIONS TO ASK WHILE VISITING CAMPUSES:

1. Is there a resource center with support services for LGBTQ students and does it have paid staff?

2. Are there any LGBTQ and Ally student organizations that plan regular social activities and educational events for LGBTQ people? How is it funded?  Is there a meeting space and is it visible and centrally located?

3.   Is there an LGBTQ studies program and are there LGBTQ course offerings?

4.   Is there faculty and staff training, including for public safety officers, for sexual orientation and gender identity issues, experiences, and concerns?

5.  Are there support groups and counseling services offered for LGBTQ students and is health center staff trained to address health issues of concern to LGBTQ students?

6.  Are programs offered around topics of sexual orientation and gender expression in new student orientation programs?

7.   Is there a way to be matched with an LGBTQ-friendly roommate on the housing application? Are there gender-inclusive housing and gender-inclusive single-occupancy restrooms and shower facilities in campus housing? Is there training for residence life staff regarding concerns and experiences of LGBTQ people?

Thanks to Campus Pride for their benchmarking tools and the Campus Pride Index.  Go to  www.campuspride.org to access the Index and more information.

“SINCE 2007, THE CAMPUS PRIDE INDEX HAS BEEN THE PREMIER LGBTQ NATIONAL BENCHMARKING TOOL FOR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES TO CREATE SAFER, MORE INCLUSIVE CAMPUS COMMUNITIES.  THE FREE ONLINE TOOL ALLOWS PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS, FAMILIES/PARENTS AND THOSE INTERESTED IN HIGHER EDUCATION TO SEARCH A DATABASE OF LGBTQ-FRIENDLY CAMPUSES WHO HAVE COME OUT TO IMPROVE THE ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE AND QUALITY OF CAMPUS LIFE.”