• 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 Vance, Graduate Assistant, Office of Student Activities at 775-5570 or vance.49@wright.edu.

    Register for Training

    If you are interested in upcoming training sessions please click below on the date and complete the registration form.

    Summer/Fall Dates to be Announced Soon!

    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 Vance Graduate Assistant, Office of Student Activities at 775-5570 or vance.49@wright.edu.

  • Be an Ally

    46 Ways to be an Ally on the Wright State Campus
     

    For All
    1. Change your language to be as inclusive as possible.
    2. Don’t 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 meeting or event of LIVE, Rainbow Alliance, or Beta / Beta.
    12. Volunteer for one of LIVE, Rainbow Alliance, or Beta / Beta’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.
    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.
    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.
  • 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
    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