LGBTQIA Student Services Advisory Committee

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Student Services Advisory Committee

The LGBTQ Student Services Advisory Committee is charged with establishing programs and services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer student community here at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. The goals of the Committee are to promote the safety and success of students and enhance the quality of their lives and to facilitate and support a collaborative approach to establishing programs and services for LGBTQ students.

The LGBTQ Student Services Advisory Committee is charged with examining four specific areas:

1. Programming (Pride Month, National Coming Out Day, Socials): Coordinate programs specifically that cater to LGBTQ students in an effort to create supportive environments and promote retention.
2. Education (Comm[unity], Trainings): Develop and coordinate educational efforts that inform the entire campus community regarding LGBTQ issues.
3. Policy and Procedure Review (Bias Response Protocol, Hate Crimes, Non-discrimination): Review and respond to SMCM policies and procedures that directly affect LGBTQ students. Guide departments in the creation and implementation of new policies and procedures.
4. Services and Resources (Rainbow Room, Funding, Student Org Support, Wellness Services): Ensure that LGBTQ student needs are being met through appropriate institutional responses and delivery services. Support existing resources, increase available resources and facilities ease of access to resources for LGBTQ students.

Committee Make Up:

This should be a standing committee with members to include:

• Assistant Director of Student Activities – chair (Vacant)
• Students (3) one being a representative of the undergraduate LGBTQ student
• Organization (Courtney Robinson, Saspa Brooks, and Vacant)
• Faculty (3, with one being from the WGSX program) (Vacant, Amy Henderson, and Katie Gantz)
• Staff (1) member from outside of Student Affairs (Alan Lutton)
• Faculty/Staff Advisor to the undergraduate LGBTQ student organization* (TBD)
• Interim Chief Diversity Officer (Kelsey Bush)

Committee Structure:

Membership would be for one academic year, with the committee meeting as needed. Meetings would be arranged as the need arises specifically to incidents and issues on campus. Members may be asked to establish subcommittees in order to focus on specific issues.