Oakland University has recently been ranked as the most inclusive university in the state of Michigan for LGBTQIA+ students. This is partly due to the efforts across campus to create offices, organizations and programs for students, staff and faculty to use who all identify as part of the LGBT community.

In addition to what is listed below, Oakland offers gender-inclusive housing options, and the option for housing employees to have their preferred pronouns listed on their name tags. In addition, OU has a preferred name policy, which allows students to use their preferred name on Moodle and in the classroom.

Gender and Sexuality Center

Currently located in Vandenberg Hall during the Oakland Center construction, the Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) offers safer sex supplies, such as condoms and dental dams, as well as providing informational documents about LGBT issues, women’s health issues and information on sexual assault.

The GSC also offers a peer mentoring program, where underclassmen can connect with upperclassmen who know what it is like to be in the LGBT community at Oakland. The program was the first in the state and began in 2008. Freshmen or first-year transfer students can apply to connect with a mentor by visiting https://oakland.edu/gsc/programs-support/peer-mentoring/.

Gender Neutral Bathrooms

Oakland University has over 20 gender neutral bathrooms across campus. While there is none in the Oakland Center currently, newer buildings such as Oak View Hall and the Engineering Center have them.

According to the GSC’s webpage, gender neutral bathrooms benefit not only transgender and gender non-conforming campus community members, but they also aid disabled individuals who need a larger bathroom as well as families with small children.

A full list of where to find gender neutral bathrooms on campus can be found at https://oakland.edu/gsc/gender-neutral-restrooms/.

SAFE on Campus Training

One of the services offered to students, faculty and staff at Oakland is SAFE on Campus training. This training educates attendees in a 45-60 minute long course about LGBT terminology and being an ally to the community. There are two different types of training: basic and advance.

Most Oakland University Housing workers receive SAFE training as well.

Any organization can request a SAFE training session for their particular organization, and interested participants can join in public training sessions. Information regarding times and locations can be found at https://oakland.edu/gsc/programs-support/safe/.

LGBTQIA Employee Resource Group

The Resource Group began in 2004, and is located in the Graham Health Center. The group aims to foster an accepting place for all members of faculty and staff to learn about LGBT issues on Oakland’s campus through events and discussions.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month, and more details regarding how to join mailing lists and getting involved can be found at https://oakland.edu/lgbtqia/meetings/.

The Gay Straight Alliance

The Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) is a student organization which puts on weekly meetings allowing members of the LGBT community and straight and cisgender allies to come together and talk about different topics pertaining the LGBT population. The organization is well known for the Drag Show, hosted in the spring of every academic year.

The GSA can be found at their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/gsaatou/.