Purpose

The University of Georgia is a top 20 public institution and continues to advance in many ways. It strives to recruit and retain the best faculty, staff and students to continue a legacy of academic excellence. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Resource Center was created to support the University's and the Division of Student Affairs' missions and goals.

In the 21st century, the University of Georgia is focused on increasing research opportunities; helping students compete in a global economy; and enhancing the learning environment. In addition, the Division of Student Affairs is focused on meeting the needs of students; enhancing the University's learning environment; and committing to a diverse environment.

To meet these goals, the LGBT Resource Center was created with a mission of creating a safe and inclusive environment for the LGBT community within the University of Georgia community through educational experiences, both in and out of the classroom, advocacy, and support services that promote the personal, intellectual, and academic growth of all students. Without such support for the LGBT students, the University of Georgia will not be able to fulfill its own mission and goals.

Below you will find documents that provide an overview of the demonstrated need for services and support for all University students.

In the Shadow of the Arch by the UGA Campus Climate Research Group

Campus Climate for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender People: A National Perspective by Sue Rankin and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

Responding to Hate Crimes and Bias-Motivated Incidents on College/University Campuses by the U.S. Department of Justice

In addition, the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education established specific professional standards for LGBT centers in 2000. They currently include standards on programming, organization, leadership, resource development, legal responsibilities, technology and facilities, equity and access, divesity, assessment and evaluation.

You may also look at the LGBT Resource Center's history page to see a more detailed look at the experiences of our students. This page includes letters, memos and newspaper articles demonstrating the climate for LGBT students and provides historical context.

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Advisory Board

The University of Georgia LGBT Resource Center Advisory Board is composed of students, faculty, staff, and members of the local community. These members are appointed by the Vice President for Student Affairs to represent the Center’s constituencies.

The purposes of the advisory board are:
To provide advice and input to the LGBT Campus Resource Center Director and staff on planning, implementation, and operational aspects of the Center;
To assure that the overall planning and implementation is consistent with the expectations of the Division of Student Affairs;
To advise on the coordination of the activities of the Center within the context of the University and the greater community;
To serve as ambassadors for the Center's goals and objectives

Click here for Advisory Board Procedures.

Click here for the LGBT Resource Center's Strategic Plan.

2008-2009 Advisory Board Members

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Staff, Interns, & Volunteering

Staff
The LGBT Resource Center is currently supported by one full-time staff member, student interns, student volunteers, and Rainbow Chat Discussion Group Facilitators.

Associate Director of Intercultural Affairs and Director of the LGBT Resource Center: Coming Soon

Student Workers
Students that qualify for the Federal Student Worker program may apply to work in the LGBT Resource Center. Student works answer phones, answer questions, and work on special projects in the Center. These positions are for fall and spring semesters.

Dave Lightsey
Student Worker

Dave Lightsey is a senior majoring in sociology. Dave is a Georgia native and a recent transplant to Athens . After a six year stint working in the healthcare industry he decided to return to school to pursue his PhD. While on hiatus he completed his first book “The Bolshevik Perspective on Agrarian Siberian Subcultures.” When not studying and assisting in the LGBT resource center he enjoys spending time with his son Marmaduke.

Ben Nguyen
Student Worker

Ben is a tennis and ping pong addict who is first year at UGA. When he is not smashing balls at people or running around campus for Michael, he is usually being a procrastinazn. However, at heart he is a math and science nerd who stays up all night doing pre-chem labs and weird trig integrals for fun.    

Student Affairs Practicum Student
First-year masters students in the College Student Affairs Administration program are provided opportunities to gain first-hand experience under supervision and guidance of qualified and dedicated professionals in the field of higher education.  The LGBT Resource Center is one of the practicum sites. This position is held during the spring semester.

Community Outreach Intern
The Community Outreach Intern is responsible for programs and outreach to the LGBT students at the University of Georgia. This includes staffing information tables at events, coordinating social functions for the community, organizing the LGBT Book Club, and representing the LGBT Resource Center at community events and meetings. Click on the link to apply for this position.

Publications Intern
The Publications Intern is responsible for creating and distributing LGBT Resource Center information and resources to the community. This includes coordinating the Center's weekly newsletter, designing and distributing program advertising, updating the Center's website, and managing information on Facebook. Click on the link to apply for this position.

Assessment and Research Intern
The Assessment and Research Intern coordinates projects for the Center to ensure that programs and services are meeting the needs of our students. This includes developing instruments, conducting surveys and focus groups, analyzing data, and report writing. Click on the link to apply for this position.

For more information about internships in the Center,
contact the LGBT Center Director at lgbt@uga.edu.

Volunteering at the LGBT Resource Center

Through volunteer support and involvement, the LGBT Resource Center serves all students on the University of Georgia campus. Volunteers help establish an inclusive environment, welcoming all who seek support.  Volunteers are a vital resource and necessary in order to ensure the Center is open throughout the day.

Responsibilities:
Serve as first point of contact when students, faculty, staff, and visitors enter the Center.
Perform administrative assistant duties including answering phones and maintaining a clean environment.
Provide tours of the Center to visitors.
Serve as a peer helper.
Provide resources and referral tools to students in need of extra support.
Attend volunteer meetings.

Optional Responsibilities:
Assist in revising printed and online materials.
Assist in researching topics on LGBT related subjects.
Organize materials for outreach programs, such as Safe Space, Rainbow Chat, and online resource.
Design posters and bulletin boards.
Assist Lambda Alliance with special events and projects.

Commitment:
The Center is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Each day, volunteers are needed to staff the front desk. Volunteers are asked to commit to a work schedule for the semester dictated by the amount of time she/he has available. Students may volunteer from 4 hours to 20 hours per week.

Qualifications:
Must be an enrolled undergraduate, graduate, or professional student at the University of Georgia
Must be willing to serve as a positive support resource for the LGBT community
Must agree to treat others with respect and dignity.

Fill out the Volunteer Application Form

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Donate to LGBT

The UGA Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Resource Center is one of a growing number of such centers in the southeast and the country. Opened in 2005, the Center provides students with programming space, support services, educational programs, and a library of 700+ books, videos and journals. The Center is now seen as the student union for many LGBT and ally students on campus. Your support will enable the Center to continue to expand programs and services that impact student success at UGA!

Please consider making a contribution to support the programming and support services of the LGBT Resource Center including but not limited to educational resources, per diem and honorarium expenses, food/reception, emergency support funds, and programming supplies.
Feel free to contact me at 706-542-4077 to talk about the many ways that you can support the work being done for our students.
Thank you for your support!
Michael

What can your gift do for our students?

$10/month       One LGBT journal not carried by the UGA library
$25/month       Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner
$50                  Tassels for Lavender Graduation
$100                Safe Space stickers for faculty/staff
$250                Ten videos/books for the library
$500                Lavender Graduation Reception
$1000              One Semester of Faculty in Residence Lunches
$5000              Honorarium for campus speaker
$10,000           Emergency support fund for students
$25,000           Endow programs and services
$100,000         Endow Lavender Graduation

There are naming opportunities for the LGBT Resource Center and the Center’s Library. Call Michael Shutt at 706-542-4077 for more information.

 Donate Here https://asg.citp.uga.edu/archgiving/index.asp?brand=gafund&page=makegift&accntcat=85&theaccnt=&account=30912860&amount=50&otheramt=0

Faculty and Staff can also have contributions taken directly out of their checks.

Faculty/Staff may also give through payroll deductions. Download the form here. Enter “Arch Foundation-Student Affairs-LGBT Resource Center” on the form.
http://www.alumni.uga.edu/gafund/PayrollDeductionwebform.pdf

What are students and alumni saying about the LGBT Resource Center ?

Natalie, Shawna and Kitty

"The LGBT Resource Center has provided me with a safe, welcoming space to make friends, get work done, and to be who I am without having to explain or justify who I am. The personal support and fellowship I have found here has been the defining factor in my happiness and emotional well-being at UGA."

--Shawna Scott, Student, 2009

"With a campus catering to over 32,000 students it's hard not to get lost in the crowd. A place to study or just a nice place to hang out can sometimes be hard to find. The LGBT Resource Center has become a second home to me. Its friendly environment creates a wonderful place to surf the net, study, hang out with friends or take a nap on one of the most comfortable couches in the world."

--Katherine “Kitty” Burdette, Student, 2009

Patrick and Chris

"The Center has provided me with a safe haven on campus that I did not have my first two years. It has enabled me to engage in enlightening and thought provoking conversations with diverse groups of people that I otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to meet. Its creation sent the message to me that the university does value diversity and that it is making strides to make sure that all students feel safe and comfortable, and to ensure that everyone has a great college experience. It has allowed me to grow as a person by allowing me to challenge my ideas and my beliefs about myself and what it means to be a member of the LGBT community in a place where I feel comfortable.

The wide range of programs and events that are offered in the center have allowed me to expand my social network and my awareness of the resources available to me on campus. Having a staff and an advisor in the center that are available from 8-5 everyday gives me comfort and lets me know that someone is always available for me to talk to about my issues and concerns. The wide range of magazines, books, and other resources available at the center allow me to stay connected with the LGBT community outside of UGA."

--Chris Stokes, Student, 2008

"The LGBT Resource Center was a saving grace for me. The center was an amazing place for me to develop my leadership abilities while letting me discover who I am. I left UGA with a strong sense of self and direction, and I owe so much to the UGA Resource Center . The Center was so much more than just close friends and valuable information; it was truly an experience in self discovery."

--Patrick Miller, Alumnus, 2006

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