Offices & Services
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Is there an active LGBTQ student organization?
YES. there are two Student Government Association recognized clubs that regularly meet.
Lambda serves as the organization that provides a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning and same gender loving students to explore their identities. This is a relaxed group that often focuses on support and social activities.
Advocates is the equivalent of a gay-straight alliance and is responsible for LGBTQ related activism on campus. Programs include events such as National Coming Out Day, Day of Silence, Ally Appreciation Week events and QueerFest: Celebrating All Identities.
Is there a campus program for LGBTQ related questions or concerns?
YES. LGBTQ Initiatives falls under the Center for Leadership and Student Involvement (CLSI), which is located in the O’Connor Campus Center (Coop). LGBTQ Initiatives provides educational trainings such as SafeZone, sponsors speakers and authors whose work expands the campus conversation around gender and sexuality, sponsors student conference presenters or participants for local and regional conferences, and offers a safe environment to explore gender identity, gender expression, sexuality, and sexual orientation.
What’s it like living on campus?
Living on campus is an integral part of the learning experience at Colgate. Residential Life can make accommodations to meet a student’s need in the best way possible. While first-year student residence halls are sex-segregated by floor or room, there are more arrangement options for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. For three years, Advocates and Lambda have worked on a proposal to institutionalize a permanent LGBTQ residence on campus.
Colgate students are very active in groups and clubs on campus. Any LGBTQ affiliated group is open to any student, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. These groups are among the most productive on campus--hosting social and educational events, inviting in renowned speakers, activists, filmmakers, and artists to share their knowledge.
Are LGBTQ-sensitive counseling services available?
YES. All members of the Counseling Center are trained to assist students of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, all staff has attended Safe Zone training, which is an educational program about experiences of LGBTQ people, terminology, the coming out process and resources.
Are there other campus offices that are supportive of LGBTQ students and issues?
YES. The Office of the Chaplains, Health Services, and Counseling Center are all confidential services on campus where students can feel comfortable and supported discussing LGBTQ related issues. Additionally, there are faculty, staff and students across campus who have participated in the SafeZone program to mark their desks, offices, or residence hall rooms as safe places on campus. Most departments in the Dean of the College have been through Safe Zone training including; Residence Life, COVE, CLSI, Dean of the College, Health Center, Counseling Center, Campus Safety, Chaplaincy, Career Services and ALANA Cultural Center. Other departments such as Communications, Outdoor Education, Center for Learning Teaching and Research and Human Resources have also attended trainings.
What activities are sponsored on campus for LGBTQ students?
Some programs include: Welcome Mixer, awareness programs for National Coming Out Day, Bisexual Awareness Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Alumni Events, Day of Silence, guest speakers, movie nights, weekly Family Dinner, and Lavender Graduation Ceremony. The LGBTQ Studies minor program also sponsors a number of speakers and invited authors.
Do LGBTQ-related incidents occur on campus?
Unfortunately, yes. There have been reported incidents related to LGBTQ harassment, homophobia, and discrimination. However, harassment and discrimination are not tolerated at Colgate and such incidents are handled seriously. Support can be found with SafeZone trained faculty and staff, university harassment advisors, and the Counseling Center. Colgate is in an ongoing process of learning and growing, and is increasingly more inclusive and supportive.
How does the university respond to such incidents?
Colgate takes all incidents of anti-LGBT bias and harassment seriously. Concerns or complaints can be reported to LGBTQ Initiatives, Campus Safety, university harassment advisers or by clicking the following link (to file a report). Depending on the type of incident and whether the perpetrator is known or not, there are a variety of ways Colgate may respond, including enforcing the harassment policy and student handbook policies.
Can I find supportive faculty and staff easily?
YES. There is an active SafeZone program on campus. Many supportive staff and faculty publicly display the Safe Zone card (with a torch and rainbow flame). Any person that has this card attended the three-hour training and feel comfortable talking with you about questions you may have.
Are sexual orientation included in the Policy on Bias-Related Conduct?
YES. Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination and harassment that are based on race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, age and disability among other personal characteristics. These laws include Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the New York State Human Rights Law. New York State law also prohibits discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, which is defined as an individual’s actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, or asexuality.
Currently, sex and sexual orientation are also included protected categories in Colgate’s non-discrimination policy.
Does Colgate offer domestic partner benefits?
YES. In order for a domestic partner to be included in the programs, a signed application (available from HRD) must be submitted. Colgate University extends the same benefits to persons who meet the university's definition of domestic partner that the university presently extends to spouses of employees to the extent permitted by law and by the underwriting guidelines imposed by the insurance companies. Find more information in the personnel policies and benefits handbook.