LGBTQIA+ Community Center

An on-campus, safe space dedicated to advocating for the needs of LGBTQIA+ students and their allies

The Worcester State University LGBTQIA+ Resource 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.

Message from President Barry Maloney

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.

Campus Pride Index

In the Spring of 2021, the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunity, 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.

Chosen Name and Pronoun Forms and Policy

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 Director of Employee Services, Sue Moore at smoore5@worcester.edu.

For more information about records and data collection, please see our Chosen Name and Pronoun Policy.