In October, 2002, Dr. Bettina Shuford, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Director, Center for Multicultural and Academic Initiatives (CMAI) convened a task force to investigate the campus climate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students at Bowling Green State University and make recommendations on how to improve the climate for these students. The Task Force’s charge was to identify program and service needs of students as they relate to LGBT issues.

The Task Force used a variety of approaches to assess and develop recommendations regarding the campus climate for LGBT student issue: Interviews with faculty, non-student affairs administrators, and Student Affairs unit heads; focus groups with students; an online survey of the BGSU student population; and a benchmarking study comparing BGSU’s LGBT programs and services to 12 other institutions.

LGBT students and non-LGBT students appear to have very different perceptions of what the campus is like regarding LGBT issues. On portions of the survey that were answered by both LGBT and non-LGBT students, their answers were different on almost all non-demographic items, with LGBT students holding more negative views of, and experiences with, the general climate. In interviews and focus groups these differences were even more evident. Participants who identified themselves as LGBT had very harsh characterizations of the campus climate and administrative support, while participants who identified themselves as heterosexual generally characterized the environment as more mixed – reporting a climate that had both elements of support and elements of challenge. LGBT students indicated that, with few exceptions, they found the campus an unsafe place to be “out.” On average, they felt uncomfortable mentioning their sexual orientation in almost all settings on campus. LGBT students reported that they lack sufficient LGBT role models among faculty, administration, and graduate assistants, and they fear for their physical safety on campus.

Student Affairs directors felt their units were open to, and accepting of, students who were LGBT. They often felt that they and their staffs did not know what the specific needs of LGBT students were, and that they might lack the knowledge to provide those services once they knew their needs.

In the benchmarking study, it was found that eight of the 12 institutions surveyed have an office that addresses LGBT issues. Of the seven institutions that currently have an LGBT office, four are staffed by full-time employees. All 12 of the institutions have a student organization for LGBT students. All 12 institutions sponsor the same sort of basic LGBT programming and funding for LGBT offices comes from a variety of sources.

The Task Force generated 13 recommendations used to determine short-term and long-term goals for the Center for Multicultural and Academic Initiatives and the Division of Student Affairs in addressing LGBT student concerns.

From 2002 to 2004 CMAI hired their first graduate assistant for LGBT Programs and Services, Mr. Anthony Papini. Anthony was a master’s graduate student in College Student Personnel. Anthony started the first version of the Safe Space Workshop and various other programs and services for LGBT students at Bowling Green State University.

From 2004 to 2007 CMAI hired their second graduate assistant for LGBT Programs and Services, Mr. Nicky P. Damania. Nicky was a master’s graduate student in Career and Technology Education, Training and Developing. Nicky was given the task of caring out the 13 recommendations from the Task Force. He was also responsible for creating BGSU’s first LGBTA-Q (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, ally, queer/questioning) Resource Center and start many more programs and services for LGBT students at BGSU

The LGBTA–Q Resource Center affirms lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identities, ally, queer, and questioning identities. We provide education, outreach, programming, consultation, community development, and advocacy services. The LGBTA-Q Resource Center provides a safe environment that is welcoming to all. Our aim is to increase visibility and awareness of issues surrounding gender and sexuality; enhancing a sense of connection and community among LGBTA-Q faculty, staff, students, alumni; and the BG community. Fall of 2006, The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students (2006) named BGSU as one of the top 100 LGBT friendly institutions.

Next, CMAI’s LGBT Programs and Services gives a warm welcome to Ms. Annie Russel. Annie is a doctoral graduate student in Higher Education Administration. Stay tune to see what wonderful programs and services she will bring and exciting and new develops as LGBT Programs and Services soar to enhance LGBTA-Q life at BGSU.

2003-2004 Task Force on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Student Concerns