Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Student Services

Students smiling and touching index fingers.

FAQ's

Welcome to WMU and the Office of LBGT Student Services. The following are the most common questions that prospective and incoming students have of WMU, the campus community, and resources.

ACADEMICS

Does WMU provide any LGBTQ courses?

Yes, the department of Gender and Women's Studies offers several courses depending on interest and availability. You can check their course offerings here.

Are there any scholarships for LGBTQ students?

Yes, scholarships are available for returning LGBTQ students to assist with tuition and attending conference. Financial assistance is also available for trans students to obtain a replacement Bronco ID card if they have not legally changed their name. Check out our scholarship page.

Is there a library with LGBTQ resources, journals, books or media on campus?

Yes, the Office of LGBTQ Student Services has a library that can be accessed during open office hours, Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm.

CAMPUS LIFE

Does WMU provide training sessions for LGBTQ inclusion?

Yes, faculty, staff, and students are not required to take LGBTQ trainings, but are welcome to sign up for Safe on Campus training.

What are the housing options for LGBTQ students?

WMU Housing and Residence Life tries to make accommodations for LGBTQ students to be placed according to how they identify. Spectrum House is an LGBTQIA+ living and learning community available to undergraduate students.

Where are the gender-neutral bathrooms?

WMU abides by Michigan building codes regarding multi-stall gendered restrooms. We have both a map and a list of gender-neutral, single-stall accessible bathrooms that are located throughout campus.

What support groups exist for LGBTQ students? What social events are offered specifically for LBGT Students?

The Office of LBGT Student Services offers twice monthly groups such as Ace Space, Bi-Weekly Pan, Trans Thursday, and others depending on student leadership availability.

Our office offers the following annual events:	Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) include:
Fall Fab Fest Friendsgiving Dinner Finals Study Jams Lavender Graduation	OUTspoken, Out for Business Queer Artists (Quartz) WMU chapter of National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA)

How big is the LGBTQ community at WMU?

In 2012, WMU did a general campus climate survey where almost 6,000 people (students, faculty, staff, and administrators) completed the survey. Of those who filled it out, 12.3% identified as LBGT (~690 people).

A campus climate survey was issued in spring 2024, updated data will be available soon.

How welcoming is WMU?

WMU's non-discrimination policy includes both sexual orientation and gender identity/expression since 2006. WMU is ranked by Campus Pride as the top 5 LBGT campus in the state of Michigan and the top 35% in the Midwest region.

Are WMU's LGBTQ community and programs addressed during student orientations?

Students who participate in fall orientations will have a campus tour where they will stop at the Adrian Trimpe Building to learn about the Office of LBGT Student Services in addition to other departments within the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI).

Can I have a preferred name? And where will my name be displayed?

Yes, you can have a preferred name displayed in several areas including (but not limited to) your email, instructor forms, and eLearning. New students are encouraged to communicate their preferred name before receiving their Bronco Card to avoid paying a $30 replacement fee. If you have a legal name change, the replacement Bronco ID fee is waived.

Legal Name	Preferred Name
Admissions Correspondence Commencement Program Degree Verification Enrollment Verification Federal & State Agency Reporting Financial Aid Student Accounts Transcripts	Bronco Card Degree Works* Elearning Email Address & Display Name First-Year Experience Programs GoWMU Instructor Forms** People Search

* Preferred name will appear in addition to the legal name.

** Including class lists, midterm and final worksheets, academic concern, and incomplete grade forms.

LEGAL

Where can I go if I am being discriminated against on campus?

The Office of Institutional Equity handles all instances of complaints and discrimination. You can also report an incident using their online form.

OFF-CAMPUS

What's the LGBT community like within Kalamazoo?

The city of Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo County prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. Kalamazoo County also offers a county ID option where applicants must produce documents totaling 300-400 points on the ID program's system. There are several LBGT-friendly organizations in the community including OutFront Kalamazoo, CARES, Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative, and more.