Division News & Statements
GVSU recognized as among nation's best LGBT-friendly universities
May 12, 2016
Grand Valley State University has been recognized as one of College Choice's "50 Best LGBT-Friendly Colleges and Universities." Colleges and universities are recognized by College Choice for "committing time and resources to equipping their students, staff, and faculty with tools that encourage education, support, safety, and inclusion campus-wide for the LGBTQ community and its allies." Grand Valley received a score of 84.59 out of 100, and was ranked 37 overall. Grand Valley is one of only two institutions of higher education in Michigan, including the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, to be ranked among the 50 Best LGBT-Friendly Colleges and Universities. College Choice cited the strong social justice oriented mission of Grand Valley's Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center as one of the elements which contributes to GVSU's LGBT-friendly climate.
"We strive to create a comfortable and supportive educational space for queer and trans students on campus while remaining mindful of ongoing challenges," Marla Wick, assistant director of the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center said. "It is a privilege to serve the LGBTQIA community, and we are always looking for ways to do better and have a more positive impact on the campus as a whole."
GVSU also receives 4 out of 5 stars on the Campus Pride Index, "an overall indicator of institutional commitment to LGBTQ-inclusive policy, program and practice.