Strategic Plan

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL and TRANSGENDER

LGBT RESOURCE CENTER

Grand Valley State University

Mission

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center enhances the mission of GVSU by helping to create an inclusive, supportive and affirming environment for all students. The center supports the educational achievement and personal growth of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and intersex students and their allies (LGBTQIA) through direct student support services; education and training for students, faculty and staff; and collaborative relationships with academic units and community organizations.  The Center offers an open and friendly environment that welcomes anyone seeking information on LGBT issues. 

Vision

The LGBT Resource Center is the focal point for GVSU’s proactive approach to assuring that the institution offers an inclusive, supportive and affirming environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and intersex students and their allies.  Among GVSU students, the Center is known for its welcoming environment, wide variety of helpful resources, involvement of peers in center operations, and commitment to trusting relationships honoring privacy and confidentiality.  The Center fosters institution-wide collaborations aimed at aligning GVSU policies, practices and programming with best practices related to addressing LGBT and other human rights issues.  The Center maintains strong connections with community, regional, state and national LGBT and other human rights organizations, drawing on their resources and contributing to their work in supporting the LGBT population and the creation of a safe and equitable society

Values

We promote a culture of respect, compassion, and appreciation for diverse populations and perspectives.

We value liberal education, modeling critical thinking and problem resolution in all that we do.

We value student empowerment, with student voices and leadership shaping the work of the Center.

We value collaborative connections with other members of the university and surrounding community.

We are committed to trusting relationships in which privacy and confidentiality are honored.

Goal 1.

GVSU will have a campus climate of respect, inclusion, equality of  opportunity for LGBT people and other marginalized groups.

Strategies:

• Establish and maintain a fully operational center with staff, space and equipment necessary to serve students who come to the Center and support the programs and other activities of the Center.
• Work in supportive ways with Out ‘N’ About, Allies & Advocates, and the GVSU LGBT Faculty Association toward our common goals.
• Develop and maintain an LGBT and Spirituality Round Table with monthly meetings addressing topics of religion and spirituality of importance to LGBT individuals and the LGBT community.
• Work actively with the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Women’s Center.
• Participate in efforts throughout the University to further equity and inclusion.

 Goal 2.

  Students will have ready access to services they need.

Strategies:

• Develop relationships with other campus organizations that can be of service to students who come to the center.
• Develop relationships with community organizations that can that can be of service to students who come to the center.
• Develop relationships with community professionals that can be of benefit to students who come to the center.

 Goal 3.

Students (LGBT and straight) will have knowledge and critical understanding of issues related to sexual and gender minority populations.

Strategies:

• Develop a library with books and other materials to aid students LGBT research needs and students’ personal inquiries into LGBT topics.
• Provide regular programs on important LGBT topics through the Ongoing LGBT Conference and other programming opportunities.
• To support programming on LGBT topics through co-sponsorship of programs with other campus or off-campus organizations.
• Participate in research projects related to LGBT topics.
• Sponsor an LGBT Writers’ Workshop through which students can learn about LGBT writers and practice their own writing skills on LGBT topics.

Goal 4.

Students will have or be in the process of developing leadership skills useful in promoting a society characterized by equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBT people and members of other under-represented populations.

 Strategies:

• Develop and maintain an LGBT Leadership Round Table with monthly meetings that address skills and issues of LGBT leadership.
• Continue the implementation of the LGBT student mentor program, matching students who are new to Grand Valley with students who know Grand Valley well.
• Provide internship, practicum and volunteer opportunities for students to gain leadership experience in an LGBT organization.
• Recognize the achievement of LGBT students and their allies with a Lavender Graduation ceremony each year.

Goal 5. 

Groups and organizations on campus and in the west Michigan area will work together in smooth collaboration toward equitable treatment and inclusion of LGBT people and other under-represented groups.

Strategies

• Include on the LGBT Resource Center Advisory Committee people from various community organizations dedicated to serving LGBT needs in the community.
• Cooperate with community organizations through co-sponsorship of LGBT programming in the community
•  Work with community organizations and individuals to provide financial support for LGBT students and their allies through scholarships and emergency funds.
• Seek grants to advance and stabilize the work of the LGBT Resource Center.