GLBTA Pride Center Mission

Mission
The mission of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Allies (GLBTA) Pride Center at Bridgewater State University is to support the learning and development of GLBTA students and their peers, and to foster a campus climate of inclusion and equity.

Goals
We strive to meet our mission through achieving the following goals:

•  Support the learning and development of GLBTA students and their peers by providing
  • Independent and collaborative programming with university departments, the regional community, and area colleges and universities on GLBTA topics of interest
  • GLBTA-specific and -inclusive services, programming, and events
  • Current and accurate GLBTA resources, information, and referrals
  • Confidential support and developmental counseling for students with GLBTA identity and related concerns
  • Advocacy and support for GLBTA issues, history, and contributions into the curriculum and pedagogy at BSU
     
• Foster a campus climate of inclusion and equity through
  • The development and implementation of a strong campus Safe Zone program
  • Outreach to and collaboration with other underrepresented groups 
  • Educational and professional development programs for faculty and staff that address GLBTA student development and needs 
  • In partnership with Affirmative Action and Campus Police, advocacy and support to GLBTA students, faculty, and staff who experience harassment, discrimination, bias incidents or crimes
  • Advocating for campus services, policies, and procedures that reflect BSU's commitment to full inclusion and equity for all

Departmental Student Learning Outcomes
The below learning outcomes are general learning outcomes that the department aims to achieve for all students who access departmental resources and programming. Learning outcomes tied to specific programs include the below general learning outcomes as well as several learning outcomes specific to said programs. For example, each LGBT History Keynote Session has its own unique learning outcomes that change annually depending on the keynote. However, the specific learning outcomes of each program reflect one or more of the general departmental learning outcomes.

Intellectual Growth (e.g., critical thinking in problem solving; uses information from a variety of sources to arrive at a conclusion or decision; applies new information to a new setting or advocacy efforts. Also see Appreciating Diversity for additional intellectual growth opportunities)

• Critically examine issues of social justice, and power and privilege based on sexual orientation and gender identity in a variety of contexts (e.g., legal, financial, political, interpersonal, psychological, social, anthropological, etc.)
• Research and critically examine arguments used for and against GLBT rights
• Critically examine the existence of individual, societal, and personal bias against the GLBT population
• Understand the difference between sexuality and gender, and sex and gender
• Understand the distinction between sexual orientation, sexual orientation identity, and sexual behavior
• Understand the distinction between gender, gender identity, and gender expression Understand the distinction between public vs. private sexual orientation and gender identities
• Understand sexual and gender identity development
• Understand the many and complex factors comprising sexual orientation and gender identity and expression
• Research GLBT issues and apply that information to advocacy and programming efforts

Appreciating Diversity (see also Intellectual Growth)

• Learn about GLBT issues, history and culture
• Understand  the intersection of sexual orientation and gender identity with race, class, SES, and other social identities
• Gain awareness of social justice issues
• Compare and contrast one's own social identity with others and analyze how one's identity impacts their experiences
• Identify one’s own privileges and oppressions
• Understand that there is a wide variety in healthy human sexuality and gender
• Develop effective interpersonal relationships with people from backgrounds other than one's own understand how culture, politics, economics, and social issues differ amongst individuals and have an impact on groups in creating positive social change

Social Responsibility/Civic Engagement

• Increased awareness of issues of social justice, power and privilege, dominant and subordinated group dynamics
• Ability to identify and name instances of bias or oppression as they arise
• Develop effective strategies for dismantling oppression (e.g., policies, laws, behaviors, language)
• Increased commitment to social justice and eradicating personal/internalized, societal, and institutionalized oppressions
  

Ambassador Learning Outcomes

Student Employee Learning Outcomes

Last Modified: January 20, 2011