In 2003, an advisory board was created to provide recommendations on supporting the LGBTQ+ community at James Madison University. Existing for many years, this board worked to see that a program was created to institutionalize the support that LGBTQ+ students received. Once that mission was completed by the hiring of an Assistant Director, the board disassembled without a clear goal in 2013. In spring 2019, the advisory board was reinstated, in order to continue supporting the work of SOGIE, as well as provide guidance on campus-wide issues affecting LGBTQ+ students. 

Creating intentional change that transforms JMU into a welcoming community where all students belong.

The SOGIE Advisory Board consists of representatives from each area of student affairs. There are also staff members that represent key areas of campus, and faculty that are connected and committed to LGBTQ+ issues on campus. 

• Campus Pride Index Review: reviewed our campus pride index to see where the advisory board should focus its efforts; completed 12/2019
• Alumni Group: provided support and connection from SOGIE to the new Alumni Association LGBTQ+ group, The Lavender Chapter; completed 10/2020
• Trans @ JMU Resource Guide: creating a website and booklet with all the information that transgender students will need when they come to JMU; completed 11/2020
• LGBTQ+ Guide for faculty and staff: creating an online guide of best practices for LGBTQ+ individuals for faculty and staff.
• HR Hiring Practices: connecting with HR to see what practices we have that make our hiring practices more welcoming to LGBTQ+ candidates.
• Gender Neutral Bathrooms: Looking at the buildings on campus that do not have Gender Neutral Bathrooms and how to have bathrooms designated in those buildings.
• Campus Training Inventory: creating a list of LGBTQ+ trainings on campus and outside resources that can be used for LGBTQ+ competency training.
• Bias Reporting System: updating our bias reporting system and finding ways to ensure that students are aware of this system.
• Evaluating LGBTQ+ Policies: Looking into some policies relating to LGBTQ+ students on campus to make sure we are offering the best environment and support.

Rob Alexander, Department of Political Science

Jeremy Hawkins, Off Campus Life

Kathryn Rathgeber, Office of Disability Services

Christine Robinson, Department of Justice Studies

Kristen Kelley, Learning Centers 

Magali Laitem, Counseling Center

Logan Zeigler, Center for Civic Engagement

Carson Lonett, Student Affairs

Matthew Hunsberger, Dean of Students

Emma Gibbons, University Career Center

Kirsten Mlodynia, Libraries

Betsy Gentry, University Health Center

Julie Slifer, Community Service Learning

Will Brown, Information Technology

Mallory Powers, Orientation and Transition

Justin Whetzel, LLI

Nikki Gilbert, Residence Life

Courtney Morse, Student Affairs Marketing

If you have ideas that you would like to share with the SOGIE Advisory Board, please email them to sogie@jmu.edu.

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