Creating a Safe Space: Armstrong LGBTQ Initiative

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Creating a Safe Space Armstrong LGBTQ
Initiative

• Dr. Ella Howard, Assistant Professor of History
• Katherine Alt, Liberal Studies, Class of 2012

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Inspiration for Safe Space

• Strategic Plan Values
• We value and respect diversity.
• Strategic Plan Goal 1
• Armstrong will foster student success.

Armstrong GSA at Savannah Pride 2010
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Accomplishments 2011-2012

• Film Series
• Safe Space Curriculum
• Pre-Workshop Information
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Facilitators Manual
• Resource Guide
• Curriculum Assessment

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Accomplishments 2011-2012

• Logo and Website Development

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Primary Partnerships

• Student Affairs
• Leadership team, Counseling Services
• Academic Affairs
• Faculty advisory board
• Faculty on film panels
• Lane Library LGBTQ Subject Guide
• Advancement
• Marketing and Website Development
• Business and Finance
• University Police
• Presidents Office

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Next Steps

• Next steps for this grant
• Finalize and deliver to Student Affairs
  Pre-Workshop Information, Curriculum, Resource
  Guide, Website, and Curriculum Assessment
• Deliver proposed timetable
• Suggested next steps for Student Affairs
• Continue LGBTQ cultural programming through
  Multicultural Affairs
• Market Safe Space to Armstrong community
• Launch Safe Space workshops
• Facilitator John Mitchell, Counseling Services
• Inverted classroom model
• Preview of Curriculum

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Issues on Campus

• Residence on campus / roommates
• Records
• Financial aid
• Facilities (restrooms and locker rooms)
• Retention (inclusivity)

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Role Play Supporting

• Listen
• Clarify
• Know your limits
• Refer

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Supporting LGBTQ students

• Dr. Evans is a well-liked faculty member on
  campus she often builds strong relationships
  with her students. One day, during Dr. Evans
  office hours, a student, Alex, visits. He comes
  to tell Dr. Evans goodbye because he has
  withdrawn from his classes. When Dr. Evans asks
  why, Alex tells her that he came out to his
  parents over the weekend and now they are
  refusing to pay for his tuition and residence.
  Alex plans on leaving school and getting a job in
  the area since his parents also refuse to let him
  move back home.