University earns 5 starsits highest ranking ever on Campus Pride Index
Northern Illinois University is ranked among the most LGBTQ-friendly universities and colleges in the country.
The national LGBTQ-inclusive policy, programs and practices have set the bar high. Campus Pride IndexNIU was recently awarded a 5-star ranking, the highest possible rating and university’s highest ranking.
This is a tool LGBTQ+ youth, their families, and allies can use to find colleges and universities. It’s an exciting way to show who we are and what our students do, said Molly Holmes. Gender and Sexuality Resource Center(GSRC) and advisor for the LGBTQA Residential Community.
The Campus Pride Indexes highlighted the GSRC and the residential community where students can get support from faculty and staff. NIU profile.
The online tool is free and can be used by prospective students to search a list of LGBTQ-friendly colleges. Campus Pride IndexThe premier LGBTQ benchmarking tool for universities and colleges to create safer, inclusive campus communities.
NIU’s 5-star ranking is based on a thorough survey. It is a testament not only to the universitys commitment and the programs and resources available to LGBTQ+ students but also to their commitment to supporting them. Diversity, Equity and InclusionAs a whole, as indicated in the universities Vision, mission and valuesThe Strategic Enrollment Plan(First unveiling in 2019).
All Huskies are included in numerous programs, classes, and initiatives on campus that promote a sense of belonging, inclusion, and value.
Among the many programs are: Profile for NIUs Campus Pride IndexShowcases Training for LGBTQ+ Allys and Trans AllysThe GSRC provides the following services: Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality, LGBTQ+ Speakers BureauThe LGBTQ+ student group, Prism.
NIU offers a campus experience that allows LGBTQ+ students and their allies to have community and pursue academic or extracurricular interests that are inclusive and inclusive of their identities.
Trevon Smith, fourth-year student, is a Prism President, GSRC staff assistant, and member of LGBTQ+ Speakers Bureau. He has also experienced the resources highlighted by the Campus Pride Index often.
“This is big for everyone here at NIU, especially the queer and trans students., he said. We can hold our campus to a high standard when it comes to the support and care of our LGBTQ students with this five-star rating. This rating of five stars is not a stopgap. It’s a reason to raise the bar and the ground floor.
Research and studies have shown queer and transgender students do a lot of research before applying to colleges and universities, according to studies. Katy JaekelDr., Ph.D. is an associate professor of Higher Education, and vice chair of The Presidential Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
She has worked with trans students and queer students for many years to study the reasons they chose NIU. She also teaches courses on how different student populations experience higher learning.
Dr. Jaekel stated that LGBTQ+ students should look for inclusive classes, academic programs, and faculty in addition to resources such as the GSRC or the LGBTQA Residential Community.
Dr. Jaekel explained that while we have these things, the 5-star ranking will help us communicate the nuances of NIU. It also shows that the campus values them as people and has policies that make sure they are considered Huskies.
As summarized by NIUs Campus Pride Index profile GraduateAnd Undergraduate programsThe Center for the Study of Women, Gender and Sexuality offers students the opportunity to major, minor, or obtain certificates in Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies, LGBTQ+ Studies, Womens and Gender Studies, and Womens and Gender Studies.
And resources, like the Bureau of LGBTQ+ speakersThe TransAction Task ForceAll Huskies have the opportunity to participate in campus activism and education through various outlets.
Dr. Jaekel explained that one of the things which helped us rise was the fact that our university highlighted student voices. We have always been very vocal in our efforts to support these students. But, without their advocacy and support, we wouldn’t be able to do it without them.
The rating shows that NIU leadership, including President Lisa FreemanAnd Executive Vice President and Provost Beth IngramListen to students and accept their suggestions.
Dr. Jaekel stated that this is one of the greatest things about our institution. An administration that values student feedback is a great thing. An institution that is open to change would be something I consider very powerful.
Gender-inclusive restroomsAccessible accommodations are available on campus for all students, including transgenders. NIU students have the ability to use the facility.preferred/proper name optionInMyNIUandupdate students’ names on their NIUOneCardIDs without paying a fee
NIU is proud that it is an affirming and empowering campus for LGBTQ+ students, regardless of their intersectional identities, the profile states.
University leaders claim that more students are coming to campus as a result of the university’s efforts to improve visibility and representation.
The LGBTQA Residential Communities has reached its highest ever capacity (46 residents with a 10-person waiting list, as opposed to 12 when it was opened in 2014).
Dr. Jaekel explained that Molly and her team are the ones who have made this possible. It has been a lot work to push this forward. Her efforts on campus have been exceptional, I believe.
Holmes stated that connections between students and faculty were maintained even in the midst of the pandemic. They were strengthened through virtual opportunities, new and dynamic ways and university-wide partnerships.
She said that NIU’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts recognize the fact that many students have multiple minoritized identities, and require multiple types of support.
Holmes spoke about the Campus Pride Index rating. Holmes said that it was a holistic acknowledgement of diversity and equity and how inclusive we are. It’s been great to see our efforts rewarded.
