What is it like to be LGBTQ at Elon?

Good question!  If you're into data, you can find our Campus Pride results here.  We are constantly working to improve these scores!  If you'd prefer a more personal look, contact one of our LGBTQ Student Ambassadors.  They'll be happy to talk to you about their experiences here!

Overall Campus Climate Score:

Star ranking system is based on a five star continuum of progress for LGBT-Friendly policies, programs, and practices. Three stars represent the mid-range score possible. The overall campus climate score is broken down for comparison purposes. You may click each area to learn more about the criteria used to reach the specific star ranking.

 3 of 5 Stars

Sexual Orientation Score   4.5 of 5 Stars
Gender Identity/Expression Score   2.5 of 5 Stars

LGBT-Friendly Break-Down by Inclusion Factors:

LGBT Policy Inclusion 3.5 of 5 Stars
LGBT Support & Institutional Commitment2 of 5 Stars
LGBT Academic Life 2 of 5 Stars
LGBT Student Life4 of 5 Stars
LGBT Housing & Residence Life1.5 of 5 Stars
LGBT Campus Safety 2 of 5 Stars
LGBT Counseling & Health4 of 5 Stars
LGBT Recruitment and Retention Efforts4.5 of 5 Stars

Lavender Graduation!

Each year, the LGBTQIA Office holds a special graduation ceremony to celebrate LGBTQIA graduates.  This year's ceremony will be on May 19th at 4pm, in the Isabella Cannon Room in the Center for the Arts.  We hope you will be there to celebrate with us!

To sign up to participate in the ceremony, click here.

Frequently asked questions about Lav Grad:

1) What is Lavender Graduation?
• This ceremony congratulates and celebrates the achievements of LGBTQ undergraduate seniors and graduate students (who graduated in December 2012 or will graduate in May 2013). It’s basically an opportunity for us to thank you for your contributions to the LGBTQ community and/or the Elon Community in general. A reception will follow the ceremony.

2) Why should I participate?
• Lavender Graduation rewards you for your accomplishments while a student at Elon. It also serves as a formal “goodbye” to the community.  You will be able to serve as an example and inspiration to the Elon community, particularly fellow students.  Plus, you'll get a rainbow tassel and an LGBTQIA Alumni t-shirt!

3) Who attends Lavender Graduation?
• Everyone is welcome! We hope to have students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents all attend the ceremony. If you have individuals you would like to invite to watch you participate, simply have them RSVP to lgbtq@elon.edu by Sunday, April 29th. 

4) Will I miss my “real” graduation?
• No, you will not.  Lavender Graduation is held on May 13, well before real graduation.

5) Do I have to be an LGBTQ leader or extensively involved with LGBTQ issues?
• No, you do not.  Lavender Graduation is held to celebrate all sorts of achievements by LGBTQ students.

6) What should I wear to the ceremony?
• Don’t worry: no caps and gowns for this ceremony!  Most participants in the past have chosen to dress “business casual,” but you are welcome to dress as you wish.

Need help getting a job?

Start planning. Students who are LGBTQI also face unique challenges--and opportunities!--in job searching and internships. Career Services wants to help. Start here with their webpage of resources on career planning, job networking, internship leads, and sites about companies that offer benefits and safe environments. There's also a list of LGBT Professional Associations on the same page--whether you are queer, trans, or a great ally, these are organizations you might want to work for and with to help make the world a better place for all of us. Don't forget about a face-to-face meeting--everyone has unique career goals and needs. Contact René Jackson, who is up on all the latest in LGBTQ stuff.