Mission Statement

The Safe Space program at Wright State University is a comprehensive and engaging educational program that dares to transform the campus environment for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Ally (GLBTQA) students, staff and faculty.

Through its bold educational programs, individuals and offices are identified that provide a network of support for the emotional, psychological, social and physical well-being of our GLBTQA community.

Download: Safe Space Manual (PDF)

History

In 2005, the Rainbow Alliance launched an initial Safe Space Campaign by creating a Safe Space manual and Ally Sticker to encourage our allies in Wright State University’s faculty and staff to identify themselves on campus by putting visible Safe Space symbols on their office doors.  By displaying the Safe Space symbol, they would let GLBTQ (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) students know that those faculty and staff were people they could turn to who believed in equality, would be supportive of GLBTQ student needs, could give advice, or just be someone with whom they could talk to and feel safe and comfortable.

As of the 2008-2009 academic year, a new Core Team came together to revitalize the Wright State Safe Space Program by updating the 2005 manual, instituting a comprehensive ally training program for faculty, staff and students, creating a website, and renewing the Safe Space Sticker Campaign.

Training

About the Program

The Safe Space Training Program is a comprehensive 3 hour session and provides potential new allies with information on how to support the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning community. The training will include a panel of students who will share their experiences as members of the GLBTQA community.  Allies attending the entire 3 hour training will have the option of completing a Safe Space Pledge and being listed on this site as an Ally.  Allies completing the pledge will be provided with the Safe Space emblem to display inside or outside of their offices.

About the Trainers

The program consists of a core team of volunteers from Counseling & Wellness, Office of Student Activities, Women’s Center, Rainbow Alliance, LIVE and Beta Beta.  We are always interested in expanding our team of trainers.  If you are interested in joining the training team after attending the Safe Space Training Program please contact Susan Ross, Graduate Assistant, Office of Student Activities at 775-5570 or susan.ross@wright.edu.

Register for Training

If you are interested in registering for Safe Space training on one of the dates listed below, please complete the registration form available by clicking below.

09/20/13 1-4 p.m.
11/13/13 9 a.m.-noon
02/06/14 9 a.m.-noon
03/28/13 1-4 p.m.

Request a Training

Training requests are fulfilled in the order they are submitted.  Because training requires the coordination of many facilitators’ schedules, the more open you can be with the date and time for your request the greater likelihood the request can be filled by our team.

The training team may combine training opportunities with permission from requestors to maximize participation.

If you have any questions regarding training scheduling, please contact Susan Ross, Graduate Assistant, Office of Student Activities at 775-5570 or susan.ross@wright.edu.

Be an Ally

52 Ways to be an Ally on the Wright State Campus
 

For All
  1. Change your language to be as inclusive as possible.
  2. Try not to assume heterosexuality or gender identity.
  3. Take time to think through your personal feelings about GLBTQA people.
  4. Avoid tokenizing GLBTQA individuals.
  5. Work to ensure the safety of GLBTQA individuals. This safety includes physical and psychological safety, as well as the ability to act without fear of stigma, oppression, or violence.
  6. Report bias-related incidents to the Wright State Bias Incident Response Team (see http://www.wright.edu/students/stu_affairs/birt.html) so that the university community can record and address these incidents.
  7. Challenge heterosexist and homophobic statements (e.g. “That’s not funny…”) not because it’s politically correct to do so, but because it builds a safer, more inclusive campus.
  8. Bring a Safe Space panel to your classroom, student organization, or residence hall.
  9. Support the creation and use of gender-neutral restrooms and single user restrooms. Avoid staring or attempting to label people’s gender identity in the restroom.
  10. Donate to, or organize a fundraiser for, the GLBTQA student scholarship at Wright State.
  11. Attend a Rainbow Alliance meeting or event.
  12. Volunteer for one of Rainbow Alliance’s special annual events.
  13. Follow up with a student or colleague who publicly takes a stand on GLBTQA issues. Support these individuals publicly and privately.
  14. Include GLBTQA students and colleagues in all informal group outings for classes and departments.
  15. Make it your personal policy to not “out” people, regardless of how open they are, unless you have their permission.
  16. Make it your personal policy to resist introducing people (either in person or in conversations) as your “gay friend” or “lesbian colleague” unless their sexual orientation is relevant or unless you also introduce your “straight friend” or “straight colleague.”
  17. Make it your personal policy to not automatically assign characteristics to people based on their perceived or actual gender identity. Notice how your interactions with others change when you do this.
  18. Offer to be part of someone’s support network as s/he is coming out.
  19. Remind others that individuals who are coming out are more than their sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. Affirm the human dignity of all.
  20. Learn more about community resources such as PFLAG.  Attend an event and then tell others widely about your attendance, just as you would about other aspects of your life.
  21. Invite GLBTQA students to provide feedback about whether they feel included on your floor, department, or classroom. Provide opportunities for ongoing feedback.
  22. Challenge yourself to not buy into stereotypes.
  23. Engage in friendly discussions of GLBTQA concerns.
  24. When updating on current events, include GLBTQA news, events and happenings.
  25. Show your support by wearing GLBTQA pins, bracelets, or t-shirts.
  26. When you hear someone ask, “What’s GLBTQA mean?,” stop and explain.
  27. Avoid guessing who is GLBTQ and who is not.
  28. Commit to being an ally all day, every day, regardless of whether anyone is witness to your acts.
  29. Educate yourself and others about how to be an ally.
  30. Volunteer in the GLBTQA Resource Room.
  31. Familiarize yourself with the materials and resources available in the GLBTQA Resource Room. Visit the space!
  32. Visit the website www.wright.edu/glbtqa.
  33. Join the Allies listserv for the latest in news as well as and local and campus happenings.
For Faculty & Staff
  1. Prominently display your Safe Space sticker on your office door or at the entrance to your workspace.
  2. Designate your classroom as a Safe Space. Add a disclaimer to your syllabus and enforce it.
  3. Ask GLBTQA constituents for feedback about how your office might better support or serve them. Ensure that there are ongoing opportunities for feedback.
  4. Revise your syllabus to include GLBTQA films, articles, or other readings.
  5. Join Allies, the GLBTQA staff and faculty organization.
  6. Support GLBTQA issues in department meetings; speak up and voice your support so that your GLBTQA colleagues are not the only voices for equity.
  7. Ensure that Wright Way Policy 4001—which includes protections for sexual orientation and gender identity/expression—is upheld.
  8. Respect the request of transgender individuals to go by their preferred names and pronouns.
  9. Add a variety of partner status options in your unit’s paperwork.
  10. Health service providers, sexual violence prevention educators, student affairs advocates, and counselors, among others, should be comfortable with sexual health issues and terminology for GLBTQA individuals.
  11. Include GLBTQA stories and materials in publicity for your unit.
  12. Be open and prepared to discussing how GLBTQA issues affect students’ financial aid, career options, relationships with family, etc.
  13. If you are not able to answer a question or help a GLBTQA student or colleague, be ready to ask for assistance from the Safe Space Core Team.
  14. Invite partners (not spouses) to join in departmental social outings.
For Resident Assistants
  1. Normalize GLBTQA issues by bringing them up in your first floor meeting.  Insist that all individuals are welcome on your floor.
  2. Plan a program or make a bulletin board about GLBTQA issues.  The Safe Space Core Team would be happy to provide resources and ideas!
  3. Check in with your known GLBTQA residents to ensure that they feel included and welcome on your floor.
  4. If their assigned roommate refuses to live with them, give GLBTQA students options and a voice in how the complaint is addressed.
  5. Make a special effort to connect new WSU students to on-campus resources such as Rainbow Alliance, the GLBTQA Resource Room, and the Women’s Center.

Main Campus Allies List

NAME  DEPARTMENT
Abrahamowicz, Dan Student Affairs
Acosta, Julia Educational Leadership
Allbright, Barb Student Support Services
Appleman, Ashley Student Union & Event Services
Arunkumar, Vik Residence Services
Atkins, Diana Registrar Office
Attenweiler, Jennifer Residence Services
Ayers, Kara CWS
Bak, Brittany School of Professional Psychology
Baker, Andy Teacher Education
Bange, Stephanie Educational Resource Center
Barnhart, Amy Financial Aid
Bartow, Evan E.  
Beckermann, Carleen Career Services
Beemer, Elizabeth Office of Student Activities
Bell, Chelsea ORS
Bell, Michael Raj Soin College of Business
Bergdahl, Jacqueline Sociology
Blessing, Nicole Iezzi Residence Services
Bolds, Nycia UCIE 
Bonza, Angela Office of Disability Services
Borders, Stephanie  
Bornstein, Dara Dunbar Library
Bossetti, Christina Residential Assistant
Bower, Rebekah (Becky) KNH
Brackman, Benjamin Residential Assistant
Brady, Barry School of Professional Psychology
Brame, Rachel Residence Services
Brown, Hunt Earth & Enviromental Sciences
Brown, Lori Registration
Brown, Meagan  
Brun, Carl Social Work
Bryant-Case, Kristina Educational Leadership
Bullock, Barbara Institutional Research
Burnworth, Daniela Counseling & Wellness Services
Campbell, Janae Residential Assistant
Chelette, Murry Residential Assistant
Chery, Richard Residential Assistant
Chetcuti, Wendy Police Department
Claflin, Dragana Psychology/312 B Fawcett
Clark, Jacob Resident Assistant
Coconis, Michel Social Work
Cole, Rebecca Advancement
Condi, Kimberly CWS
Cooksey-James, Tawna 104 University Hall CONH
Copella, Andrea Residence Services
Copella, Katie Residence Services
Corbett, Drew Campus Recreation 
Corbitt, Eric Student Union & Event Services
Cullen, Christiria ORS
Cunningham, Shana Residence Services
Cunningham, Sherry Residence Services
Cyan, Gail UCIE 
Dakan, Daniel University College
Daly, Kimberly SUAO
Danals, Rick Student Activities
Darkow, Dan Resident Assistant
Davis, Will University Libraries
Dean, Helen Enviromental Health & Safety
Deedrick, Katie Student Support Services 
Deer, Joe Theatre, Dance and Motion Pictures
Delgado, Kolina Counseling & Wellness Services
Denman, Janet Theatre, Dance & Motion Pictures
Denney, Jean Disability Services
Denny, Sarah Residence Services
Depp, Edward Affirmative Action Programs
Dickey, Garrett Resident Assistant
Dickstein, Gary  Community Standards & Student Conduct
Dindo, Carl CWS
Donathan, Ryan ORS
Donohue Darla CEHS, Student Services
Dorsten, Kylie Office of the Registrar
Druffel, Ryan Residence Services
Duke, Lisa Career Services
Dulle, Jamie Community Standards & Student Conduct
Edmiston, Taylor  
Ellenburg-Kimmet, Tanya Digital Service, University Libraries
Evans, Dominick Student Activities
Eziolisa, Uju Resident Assistant
Fiehrer, Justin ORS
Finch, Megan Resident Assistant
Finegan, Dr. Colleen Teacher Education
Flood, Antonique University College - AATS
Floyd, Jackie Psychology Dept. 
Fogarty, Holly Residence Services
Foster, Joshua Residence Services
Frantz, Shalagh School of Professional Psychology
Frantz, Todd Office of the Registrar
Fredley, Richard A. Residence Services
Fredley, Sarah R. Resident Services
Frick, Erin Counseling & Wellness Services
Friedman, Kitty CATS
Gammon, Hannah Counseling & Wellness Services
Garber, Debbie COSM Admin
Gepperth, Jason Ohio's STEM Ability Alliance (OSAA)
Gilbert, Stashia Student
Glover, Norman Residence Services
Gonzalez, Lenny Student Activities
Graham, Marianne Community Standards & Student Conduct
Grandy, Brittney Resident Assistant
Greaney, Brendan Disability Services
Green, Melissa Miami University (MSW)
Green, Shamon University College - AATS
Greening, Kacey School of Professional Psychology
Gregory, Rhea Resident Assistant
Halberg, Katie Communications & Marketing
Hamilton, Dustin CWS
Hammock, Marie ORS
Harmon, Matthew Student Government
Harris, Angela CWS
Harris, Charlotte Dean CEHS
Harris, Kamille Resident Assistant
Harris, Roderick Student Government
Hart, Mary Writing Center
Hayes, Christopher ORS
Hembree, Lucas Lake Campus
Hendricks, Alicia NCBP - Neuro Science, Cell Bio and Physi
Henneke, Kyle Resident Assistant
Herbe, Amanda Undergraduate Admissions
Heschel, Jessica CWS
Higginbotham, Keith Counseling & Wellness Services
Highlander, Tyler Resident Assistant
Hirschfeld, Carla Computer Science (adjunct)
Hochstein, Dave Psychology Dept. 
Hockaday, Linda CEHS- Student Services
Hofmeyer, Lindsay Student Government
Hogan, Christopher Community Standards & Student Conduct
Holbrook, Patrick ORS
Holdgreve, Scott  
Holdheide, Sandi Lake Campus Student Services
Holmes, Jeramy ORS
Hopkins, David President
Houseknecht, Valarie CWS
Howes, Joyce COSM Student Services
Hudgell, Justin Resident Assistant
Hudson, Andrew-Bryce Bolinga Center 
Irani, Taronish Counseling & Wellness Services
James, Marue Resident Assistant
Jenei, Szilvia School of Professional Psychology
Jensen, David Resident Assistant
Johnson, Brittany Resident Assistant
Johnson, Brooke BIE
Johnson, Margaret Graduate Student- International Business
Johnson, Matthew ORS
Jones, Carol Business Enterprise Center
Kang, Nardeep Counseling & Wellness Services
Kelbley, Jessica ORS
Keller, Jeremy Student Government
Keucher, Gina Student Activities
Kimball, Alicia  
Kimberlin, Anthony Resident Assistant
Kirksey, Khadija Resident Assistant
Kollman, Kathleen College of Liberal Arts
Krouse, Susan University College
Lamp, Debra Student Activities
Lanflisi, Katie CWS
Lasky, Nova CEHS Dean's Office
Lauterbach, Evelyn Student Services Advising - Lake Campus
Lightner, Karli RCA
Lindsay, Andre Resident Assistant
Littell, Tim University College
Lloyd, Morgan Resident Assistant
Lopez, Cynthia Residence Services
Lotz, Jennifer Counseling & Wellness Services
Loy, Nicole College of Nursing & Health
Loyle, Kellen Resident Assistant
Luchin, Karen Biomedical Sciences PhD Program
Luneke, Angela Registrar's Office
Magnusson, Anna Advancement/Alumni
Marquis, Ashley Residence Services
Marshall, Cynthia English Department
Martin, Piper University Libraries
Mathies, Bonnie Dean - Lake Campus
Maykut, Jenny Residence Services
McDermott, Ron CEHS/ OPFE
McGinley, Sarah English
McKenzie, Meggan Residence Services
McMillan, Jacqueline Enrollment Management
McNeary, Keturah Enrollment Management
Meade, Bria Resident Assistant
Merkle, Aubrey Campus Recreation/ G.A. Fitness & Wellness
Metzner, Michelle English Department
Meyers, Zach Resident Assistant
Mileo, Theresa Office of the President
Miller, Andy Resident Assistant
Miller, Lauren Central State University Counseling Services
Miller, Lucas A.  
Miller, Sarah ODS
Mirelez, Iris Financial Aid
Money, Jennifer Grad Student
Moor, Tarryn WSU-SOPP
Moore, Ryan Resident Assistant
Morgan, Lindsay Honors
Morris, Kathy VP Student Affairs
Motter, Sarah Resident Assistant
Murphy, Chris CEHS Office of Student Services
Murray, Margaret Women's Center
Muschert, Julia Miami University (MSW)
Myers, Katherine Disability Services
Myrick, Jasmine ORS
Narayanan, S College of Engineering & Computer Science
Nettleton, Caleb  
Nguyen, Mai Asian Hispanic Native American Center
Noble, Mary Resident Assistant
O'Connell, Haley CWS
Ogletree, Holley CWS
O'Sullivan, Olivia Resident Services
Papadakis, Jennifer College of Science & Mathematics
Patterson, Dana Murray Bolinga Center 
Paul, Kelli Student Government
Perciful, Michael School of Professional Psychology
Peters, Sarah CWS
Philpot, Candace Administration
Pitts, Tammie WSU- Lake Campus
Poch, Eric Registrar Office
Polk, Simone Student Services
Powers, Steve Residence Services
Prochaska, Lawrence Biochem/ Mol. Bio. 
Rakoczy, Ryan ORS
Redd, Emily L. Residence Services
Reporter, Shernaz  
Riley, Brandee Student
Robinson Jr., Calvin Residence Services
Rose, Megan Residential Community Association
Rotsinger, Sarah CWS
Rubins, Melissa Teacher Education Dept.
Rumbaugh, Stephen Communications & Marketing
Savage, Adrienne Dunbar Library
Scanlan, Kalie ORS
Schaad, Amanday CWS
Scharer, Greg Alumni Relations
Scheidt, Pamela Center for Healthy Communities
Schiml, Patricia Psychology Dept.
Schmalstig, Karen Office of Disability Services
Schoppelrei, Elizabeth Student
Schraeder, Daniel Residence Services
Schuyler, Philip Residence Services
Schweickart, Tiffany Student Government
Scott, Monique Residence Services
Seiter, Angela Registrar's Office
Semones, Suzanne Earth & Environmental Sciences, Chemistry
Shank, Jennie VP Student Affairs
Siesky, Gene School of Professional Psychology-Ellis Institute
Skira, Aaron Financial Aid
Smith, Courtney Biological Sciences
Smith, Heather ORS
Smith, Joyce Student Health Services
Smith, Melissa Enrollment Management, Transfer Student Center
Smith, Tami Registrar
Snyder, Chantelle Raj Soin College of Business
Snyder, Hannah ORS
Sol (Soloman, Mark) Registrar's Office
Sommers, Kimberly School of Professional Psychology
Spencer, Amanda Raj Soin College of Business
Spencer, Eric  
Spencer, Stephanie Career Services
Stamas, Emily Boonshoft School of Medicine Marketing & Communication
Staruch, Carole Social Work
Statt, Victoria (Tori) Teacher Education
Steele, Tracey Department of Scoiology/Anthropology 
Stojsavljevic, Andrea Rainbow Alliance
Stokes, Tamarus Curriculum & Instruction
Strong, Tiffany Resident Assistant
Stuby, Cole Resident Assistant
Sudkamp, Thomas Provost
Sweeney, Robert President's Office
Swinning, Hilary Resident Assistant
Teasdale, Anthony Counseling & Wellness Services
Theis, Melissa Wright State SOPP
This, Craig Office of Institutional Research
Thomasson, Elise Modern Languages
Thurau, Andrea ORS
Toller, David Counseling & Wellness Services
Turpin, Jennifer Campus Recreation
Underwood, Tim Counseling & Wellness Services
Usserman, Alyson ORS
Vance, Susan SA/GLBTQA
Vandegrift, Guy Physics
Vanzant, Cindy Women's Center
Vernooy, Jeffrey Office of Disability Services
Virzi, Jessica School of Professional Psychology
Vith Sarah Vice President's Office for Student Affairs
Viviano, Josh Residence Services
Vlasnik, Amber Women's Center
Watkins, Michael ORS
Webb, Jennifer SOM -Community Health - CGHSMP
Wehmeyer, Susan University Libraries
Weinzimmer, Julianne Sociology/ Anthropology
Wellinghoff, Tiffany Institutional Research
White, Jessica University College
White, Marcia ORS
Whitlock, Joe Environmental Health & Safety
Wichie, Ryan Resident Assistant
Wilder, Heather WSU SOPP
Wiley, Gayle CEHS, Student Services
Wilhoite, Valita Student Activities
Willer, Cassiey Resident Assistant
Williams, Jessica CWS
Wilson, Christine English
Wilson, Renee Resident Assistant
Winters, Kathy Campus Recreation
Wolfe, John Technology, Academic/ Intructional, Programs & Services (TAPS) 
Young, Ashlyn  
Young, Jolene ORS
Young, Samantha Resident Assistant
Zinnecker, Matt Residence Services

*Updated 01/08/13