FAQs for Prospective Students
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Does the University include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in its non-discrimination policy?
Yes! Sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression are included in the University’s non-discrimination policy.
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Are there active LGBTQ peer to peer connections?
Yes! LGBTQ+ Coalition is a student organization which heads up much of the social and activist efforts among LGBTQ students on campus. In addition, there are two LGBTQ Affinity Groups (Kaleidoscope and Shades of Pride) which students may join.
There will likely be other LGBTQ student organizations on campus during any given year, so please check with the Center for Student Involvement for more information.
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Is there a campus office for LGBTQ student services?
Yes! The Student Center for Equity and Inclusion is home to LGBTQ Campus Life. There is an LGBTQ Lounge space as well as an Associate Director position dedicated to LGBTQ Campus Life. We offer support, advocacy, and programming for LGBTQ students and their allies.
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Where can I find resources on coming out?
You should feel free to speak with any of the SCEI staff or check out our LGBTQ Lounge, which features lots of great resources on coming out, from brochures to books to movies. We also have great allies in CAPS (Counseling And Psychological Services) as well as the Chaplaincy for those seeking more emotional or spiritual support. Finally, our Safe Zone Allies are trained in supporting students through their coming out process.
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How can trans students find resources and support on campus?
To meet the needs of trans students at the University of Richmond, the SCEI has created a one-stop website featuring information, resources, and campus policies. Visit Trans at UR for more information.
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Are other campus offices supportive and inclusive of LGBTQ students and issues?
Support for LGBTQ students on campus is widespread. Here are just a few highlights:
- Our Ally Training Program offers three modules of training: Safe Zone training, Trans Advocate training, and Social Justice Training. Please see the Ally Training page for more info.
- The Office of Alumni and Career Services is a Gold Certified member of Out for Work and works hard to guide the career paths of our LGBTQ students.
- The Office of International Education offers support for LGBTQ students looking to study abroad and many of their advisors are Safe Zone Allies.
- Every staff member in the Student Health Center is a member of Safe Zone, and the office created a web page specifically for LGBTQ health care.
- Nearly all staff members in Recreation and Wellness, Counseling and Psychological Services, the Chaplaincy, Admission, and Richmond College and Westhampton College deans’ offices, among others, have attended the Safe Zone workshop.
- Many Boatwright Library staff are also supportive members of Safe Zone, and they created a special portal to LGBTQ library holdings.
- The Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program offers many courses that include or focus on the experiences and issues of LGBTQ people.
- The Office of the President provides important leadership in improving the campus climate, including spearheading UR’s participation in the Campus Pride’s LGBT College Climate Survey.
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What activities are sponsored on campus for LGBTQ students?
The Student Center for Equity and Inclusion’s LGBTQ Campus Life iniative offers Lavender Graduation for LGBTQ students and allies.
Additionally we offer workshops, discussions, and speakers throughout the year that speak to the LGBTQ experience. Our LGBTQ student organizations, SCOPE (Students Creating Opportunities, Pride, & Equity), and the Equality Alliance in the Law School hold meetings, discussions, and programs throughout the year. Check out our calendar on the LGBTQ Campus Life Home Page for more event information.
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Are supportive faculty and staff easily identifiable?
Several hundred members of the University of Richmond campus community have become members of the Safe Zone program. Most of the members are staff or faculty, and nearly all of them display their Safe Zone sticker, which indicates their eagerness to support LGBTQ students.
Of course, there are many other members of the campus community who have not been able to attend a workshop, but still offer support to LGBTQ students.
For more information on the Safe Zone program, please visit the ally training page.
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Does the University offer trans-inclusive healthcare?
Yes! Trans-inclusive healthcare coverage is now being offered on University medical plans for eligible employees and their covered dependents. Please visit the HR benefits page for more info.