The University of Arizona

 

Survey Will Assess Needs of Campus LGBTQ Community

Old Main

The LGBTQ Affairs Office is located in Old Main.

The confidential survey seeks the opinions of UA employees and students.


By Rebecca Ruiz-McGill, University Communications
February 28, 2008

LGBTQ Affairs is conducting a campuswide survey to assess needs and resources for members of The University of Arizona community who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning.

The survey, which is open to anyone but specifically seeks the opinions of LGBTQ students, staff and faculty, is available online and will gather key data that has never been collected en masse at the University of Arizona campus before.

LGBTQ Affairs is a new office at the UA that works to build, sustain and strengthen a safe, inclusive and open environment for employees, students, alumni, parents and guests of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

Cathy Busha, who previously was director of programs at Wingspan Southern Arizona’s LGBT Community Center, serves as the office’s director. In the three months since she began, she has met with various campus LGBTQ clubs, and has also connected with clubs, organizations, programs and services for the greater UA community. Her efforts are aimed at gathering an initial review of resources, support, challenges and needs.

So far, Busha is optimistic about what she has found but she says more surveying needs to be done. “The comprehensive survey will gather the UA community’s input on the campus’s strengths and needs and their feedback will be used to improve safety and inclusiveness for everyone with particular emphasis on LGBTQ students, faculty and staff.”

The needs assessment will be distributed via existing campus LGBTQ e-mail lists using an online survey tool that provides a confidential method of gathering and processing information.

“Our goal is to reach as many UA LGBTQ staff, students and faculty possible," Busha said. She hopes grassroots efforts and word-of-mouth will encourage even more people to participate.

Busha is driven by the belief that people should feel safe and welcomed in their work and learning environments.

Her position at the UA was created in the fall of 2007 by President Robert N. Shelton based on recommendations of the University's LGBT Advisory Council. This new position brings the UA into line with 136 other college campuses across the country that have professional staff to serve the LGBTQ campus community. The UA has recently become a member of the National Consortium of Directors of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Resources in Higher Education.

LGBTQ Affairs is housed within the Dean of Students office. In addition to serving students, the office serves as a resource for LGBTQ staff, faculty and alumni, as well as the greater UA and Tucson communities.

© 2009 Arizona Board of Regents