The Worcester State University LGBTQIA+ Community Center works to create an open and inclusive environment for all students, faculty and staff. The center aims to affirm all sexual orientations, forms of gender expression, and gender identities through advocacy, education, and events.
As Worcester State University strives to become one of the most accepting and inclusive campuses, we launch this web site providing information and resources not just for those who identify as LGBTQ+, but for everyone.
We established the Campus Climate Committee several years ago. Survey research the group undertook uncovered that we must do more to improve the experiences of all underrepresented groups, and, especially, those who identify as LGBTQ+. The Gender Identity working group (now the LGBTQ+ Advisory group) has since revamped our policies and procedures in areas such as data collection and campus records related to gender identity, chosen name, and pronouns.
Workshops and skill building sessions were held in academic year 2018-2019 to promote awareness and facilitate implementation of those changes. I appreciate the leadership the Gender Identity working group has demonstrated in moving us forward.
From this site, you can learn about resources available to, as well as the achievements and experiences of, our LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff. I ask you to explore it, and to do your part to make Worcester State University one of the most welcoming and inclusive campuses.
In the Spring of 2021, the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging, in collaboration with the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Group, participated in the Campus Pride Index initiative to evaluate the University’s current environment and review recommended changes as well as a means of measuring future progress. The Campus Pride Index is an overall indicator of institutional commitment to LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs and practices. Worcester State University is proud to receive a Campus Pride Index score of 4.5 out of 5. For more detailed information, please visit Worcester State’s Campus Pride Index.
In a recent update to university policy, students, faculty, and staff can now designate a chosen first name, pronouns, and non-binary gender identity within our information system. Chosen name will be used on internal campus communications wherever a legal name is not necessary.
Your chosen name will be reflected throughout the university’s computer information systems (including course registration lists, OneCard, Blackboard, and email addresses), and will be the official way you will be addressed throughout your daily life in our campus community. Students who would like to update information can visit the Registrar’s Office and fill out the “Chosen Name, Gender Identity, and Pronoun Request Form.”
After the form has been processed, you can update your OneCard and email address. For email address updates, submit a help desk ticket.
Faculty and staff interested in updating their information should contact Employee Services, hr@worcester.edu
For more information about records and data collection, please see our Chosen Name and Pronoun Policy.
The Worcester State University Out and Ally list is a resource provided by the Worcester State University LGBTQIA+ Resource Center. By agreeing to be part of the Out and Ally list, you are helping to promote LGBTQIA+ awareness and visibility on campus in the community.
The Out and Ally List serves as a community engagement resource for all LGBTQIA+ students seeking guidance, academic and non-academic support. Self-identified out and proud members show a rainbow flag icon.
View the Out and Ally List
If you are interested in joining the Worcester State Out and Ally list, please click on the link below
Join the out and ally list
If you would like to have a training for your group, organization, or department please reach out to Steven Edwards (sedwards3@worcester.edu) or Drew Goins (agoins@worcester.edu). 1 on 1 appointments to speak with an LGBTQIA+ Community Center staff member are available; for more information, please reach out to Steven Edwards (sedwards3@worcester.edu).
This 30 minute training discusses all the LGBTQIA+ resources and connection points on campus.
This 45 minute Allyship Training includes best support practices for the LGBTQIA+ community by learning basic terminology, key concepts, and resources.
This training is recommended before taking the Beyond the Binary training.
If you have experienced any form of sexual violence or discrimination based on sex, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, please contact the Title IX Coordinator, Jennifer Quinn (jquinn@worcester.edu, 508-929-8243) to report the incident and receive any support and guidance that may be needed.
Additional Resources:
Worcester State University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination, equal opportunity, diversity and affirmative action, and dedicated to providing educational, working and living environments that value the diverse backgrounds of all people. Worcester State University does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital or parental status, or veteran status.
For more information or to report discrimination please contact the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging.
Worcester State’s Sexual and Relational Violence Education
GLBT: National Help Center: 800-246-PRIDE
National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs: 212-714-1184
Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
Additional Worcester State Title IX resources
