About LGBTQ+ Student Services
Mission, Vision & History
Mission
The mission of LGBTQ+ Student Services is to ensure that students of all gender and sexual identities, including Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning are supported at the University of Dayton. Guided by our Catholic and Marianist values, we cultivate a campus environment where the dignity of each person is respected and valued, and each person is a full member of the community. We support LGBTQ+ students by connecting students, staff, and faculty with resources and services, providing educational programs and workshops available to all members of the UD community, and developing students who are committed to leading positive social change.
vision
The vision of LGBTQ+ Student Services envisions a campus environment where all students, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, feel welcomed, respected, safe, and valued as full members of the University of Dayton community.
History
In March of 2014, the Student Government Association (SGA) passed a resolution seeking additional and enhanced support services for students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning (LGBTQ+) at the university. In July of 2014, the Vice President for Student Development convened a Task Force, comprised of faculty, staff, and students, charged with identifying all current services and programs in support of LGBTQ+ students at UD, benchmarking peer institutions, and making recommendations for improvements in support services. The LGBTQ+ Task Force submitted its report in November of 2014 with recommendations in four areas:
1. Education & Training – Educate campus community on LGBTQ+ issues and corresponding Catholic & Marianist teachings
2. Visibility & Services – Fostering visibly supportive environments which allow for healthy and safe identity development
3. Policy – Assess current policies and adjust as needed
4. Climate – Promote a positive and inclusive climate for LGBTQ+ students
In August of 2015, the Graduate Assistant for LGBTQ+ Support Services was hired in order to create, manage, and implement campus-wide education regarding sexual orientation and gender identity in alignment with Catholic and Marianist values, and to connect students with LGBTQ+ resources and support.
Today, the Brook Center houses a full-time staff member, the LGBTQ+ Student Services Coordinator, who provides campus wide educational programs and workshops, connects students with resources to foster safe and healthy identity development, and is committed to cultivating an inclusive campus climate for students of all sexual and gender identities.