Spectrum Center(LGBTA)

Our office serves lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people as individuals and as groups, including students, staff, faculty, alumni, allies, their friends and families and the community at large. Recognizing that not all members of our communities identify with the terms lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, we broaden our scope to include those members who are not represented by these words. We are committed to fostering student and personal development and to cultivating an inclusive, open, and supportive community through education, collaboration, advocacy, programming, and resource provision.

Hearing From Students

Composition and Selection:

The Advisory Board for the Spectrum Center serves as a think tank and (help if you have the time) in the following areas: Fundraising, Policy Development, Legislation and Trends that the office should be aware of regarding LGBT students in particular and all students in general.  The group consists of invited faculty, staff, students and community members.  Nominations are encouraged and may be provided to the LGBT Director.

Organization:

The Board meets twice a semester.  Membership is reviewed on an annual basis and is limited to no more than 20 members.

Evaluation:

The staff and the board conduct evaluation of the board’s effectiveness.

View the application/nomination form

What's New

New Staff

Letter from the Vice President of Student Affairs welcoming newly admitted students for 2005:

The University will interpret and apply the prohibition against sex discrimination in its equal opportunity and non-discrimination policies to include discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.—February 23, 2005. For information on the Provost’s complete statement. For information on the steps to operationalize the decision, please visit http://spectrumcenter.umich.edu/

The Career Center has resources for those students who are approaching a job search and are concerned about identifying employers that value LGBTA employees. Click HERE to visit the site and also check out the Center's on-site library with books about LGBTA job searching strategies.

The Spectrum Center now has a new Department of Public Safety liaison, Officer Conners. Spectrum Center will work with Officer Conners on matters affecting LGBT students, faculty, and staff, in an effort to support and maintain positive, respectful treatment of the LGBT community by DPS.

Jackie Simpson was hired in as the Director of LGBT Affairs in June 2006.   Jackie has been at the University of Michigan since 1997.  She was previously the Associate Director of Student Activities and Leadership.  She has over fifteen years of Student Affairs experience.  She holds a Master's degree in Counselor Education and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Spanish Literature from the University of North Carolina- Greensboro.  Before coming to Michigan, she worked in Residence Life at Iowa State University and before that as the Director of Boarding at the American International School of Mallorca, Spain.

LGBTA has hired one new Assistant Director:

Fleurette King

Fleurette comes to the University of Michigan with a wealth of experience in training and education not only in the area of sexual orientation and gender indentity/expression but in all areas of social justice.  She has served as an independent consultant to higher education institutions on issues related to diversity, a Multicultural Affairs Coordinator and Hall Director at Loras College and as a Program Services Coordinator at DePaul University.  The office is very excited to have someone such as her who will bring the knowledge, skills and passion needed for the work of our office, the Dean of Students and the Division of Student Affairs.

New Look

In addition to the new staff, the Spectrum Center also has a new look.  We painted the office this past summer which has added to the vibrancy and aliveness of the office.  We also purchased a new computer in the student work area.  The lounge area can easily accomodate large group meetings.  Finally, new bookshelves have arrived, which will increase the size and circulation of the library.  Students are encouraged to visit the office and see all the great changes during Open House, which will take place on September 5 from 4-6PM.

New Website

Please visit our website at http://spectrumcenter.umich.edu/.  We hope that you will find it helpful and easy to read.  We have added more areas of information.  In addition, please make sure to look at our Programs sections for the latest updates on our programming for next academic year.

New Protection

In February, 2005, Provost Paul Courant issued a statement informing the University community that "the University will interpret and apply the prohibition against sex discrimination in its equal opportunity and non-discrimination policies to include discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression." To read the statement, visit our website.

Please visit our website http://spectrumcenter.umich.edu/ for the latest updates regarding Gender Identity and Expression.  In addition, you will find a link with information about Gender Identity and Expression (definitions, terminology, etc.)

Getting Your Voice Heard

• How to Become a Student Advisor to the Division of Student Affairs and Its Units
• DSA Advisory Board & Meeting Schedule (pdf)

Resources

• Academic Calendar
• Expect Respect
• Professional Development
• Safety
• UM*Events Calendar