Prospective Students
Welcome to the University of Michigan! The University of Michigan and the Spectrum Center are committed to providing and maintaining a safe space for all students.
Making the transition from a high school environment to a college environment is a challenge for everyone, and there are many factors that will influence your decision. The more comfortable you feel at college, the better you will do, and the more enjoyable your college years will be. The choice to be open about your sexuality or gender identity shouldn't be made by a college environment that is unfriendly towards LGBTQ students.
The University of Michigan welcomes and encourages applications from LGBTQ identified students. In considering whether the University of Michigan might be a good fit for you, we have provided some answers to questions that might be helpful as you make your decision to attend UofM! We invite you to browse this section to help you answer questions about the LGBT, Queer and Ally community at UM and about the Spectrum Center.
If you have any other questions, concerns or feedback, feel free to contact us at spectrumcenter@umich.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the University of Michigan have a nondiscrimination policy which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity?
The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation act of 1973. The University of Michigan is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity for all persons, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, age marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or Vietnam-era status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the University's Director of Affirmative Action and Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator, 4005 Wolverine Tower, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1281, 734-763-0235, TDD 734-747-1388. For other University of Michigan information call 734-764-1817.
- Does the University of Michigan have lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender student organizations?
The University of Michigan has nearly 20 LGBTQ and Ally student organizations that run the gamut from social to political to academic organizations. You can find a full list of these student organizations by clicking here or by following the Quick Link to the left.
- Does the University of Michigan have any openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender faculty and staff members?
Many faculty and staff member who identify as LGBT, Queer or Ally are listed in the LGBT Mentor Guide and may also participate in our LGBTQ Ally Training Program. For a list of Allies, visit the LGBTQ For Allies page.
See also: Request Ally Training
- Does the University of Michigan offer any courses specific to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender legal issues?
Every semester, the University of Michigan provides a wide array of courses across disciplines that apress emerging and lasting issues in the areas of LGBT and Queer issues, sex/gender, gender normativity and culture. For a complete list of courses offered, visit the course guide of your particular school of college, where you can search by keyword, professor and/or term.
See also: LS&A LGBTQ and Sexuality Studies Minor
Graduate Certificate in LGBTQ and Sexuality Studies - Does the University of Michigan offer any form of domestic partnership benefits to faculty, staff or students?
Effective Jan. 1, 2008, a new category of dependent called Other Qualified Adult (OQA) is being offered to all benefits-eligible U-M employees. A set of specific eligibility requirements defines the criteria required for OQA coverage. You can view the requirements on the Benefits Office website:
http://www.umich.edu/~benefits/eligibility/index.htmFor more information on current benefits, refer to the U-M same-sex domestic partner policy:
http://www.umich.edu/%7Ebenefits/events/ssdp/umssdp.htmTo read the University's statements of support for same-sex domestic partners, visit www.umich.edu/~hraa/ssdp/.
For additional information: Benefits
- Have there been any instances of harassment in recent years at the University of Michigan?
Information regarding hate and bias incidents are tracked though the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety.
- Would University Housing be available to me and my partner?
To qualify for Family Housing, students must be legally married or in a same-sex domestic partnership. To register your same-sex domestic partnership with the City of Ann Arbor, visit the City Clerk's Office.
- What is University Housing's Policy on Transgender-identified students?
University Housing strives to serve students who need Gender Neutral Housing or accommodations supportive of transgender individuals by offering such spaces in our residence halls and apartments. These spaces are offered based on their availability as well as on the student's eligibility for on-campus housing (only freshmen are guaranteed on-campus housing) and compliance with published procedures and timetables for applications and contracts. Housing assignments are made on a case-by-case basis that recognizes the variability of individual needs and preferences and the fact that appropriate accommodations may be limited in number. Students are assigned to apartments or residence hall rooms according to their birth gender until sex reassignment surgery is complete. As for all applicants to University Housing, no guarantee can be made that all stated preferences can be met.
Prospective or current students who are interested in a gender-neutral residence hall or apartment space are asked to contact one of the University staff liaisons listed below as soon as possible. They can provide a personal and confidential assessment of options available for the term or academic year desired.
Possible residence hall assignments can include:
- single or double rooms with a private bathroom
- single or double rooms where a unisex bathroom is in close proximity
- single or double rooms with attached bathroom shared with another single or double room
Possible apartment assignments (must be sophomore or above in class standing) can include:
- One- or two-bedroom apartments with kitchen and bath
The following staff members are available throughout the year to discuss residential options related to gender identity or gender expression on a confidential basis:
Jackie Simpson
Director, Spectrum Center
734 763-4186
jdsimps@umich.edu
- What is the climate of Ann Arbor towards the LGBTQ community?
See answer below.
- What have some students said about being an out member of the LGBTQ community at University of Michigan?
Here are what some of our students had to say:
For a city of Ann Arbor's size, there are quite a few splendid options. What really struck me when I visited was that the main dance club offers a dance night on Friday nights, perhaps the most profitable night for dance clubs. To dedicate that night to queers means that there must be a sizable population to which to cater, but also that the club was totally open to the idea of having a "gay" night.
Aside from Necto, there is another gay bar/restaurant/bookstore venue in the historic part of town. You'll quite often see professors there, many of whom you didn't know were gay! In fact, the name of the gig is the /aut/ Bar. As the name suggests, don't be surprised if you're "auted" when you go!
There's always something to do for LGBT students. If going to a club or bar doesn't interest students, there are often movie or game nights put on by various groups, dances, speakers, and IM teams that students can participate with.
I have never had a negative reaction in any class. In fact, my professor for computer programming (a subject where you might not expect to find allies) was my strongest supporter last year after the election, in which Michigan passed a constitutional amendment redundantly banning same-sex marriage. My current math professor is comfortable using masculine pronouns with me (I use both masculine and feminine pronouns to describe myself).
Of course, the experiences of these four students don't represent the entire spectrum of LGBTQ identities or experiences. However, it's worth noting that in the summer of 2006, The University of Michigan was named one of the "Best of the Best Top 20" campuses in the nation for LGBT students in The Advocate College Guide fot LGBT Students.
- Are there specific resources or services for LGBTQ people of color?
Yes! The Spectrum Center sponsors programs throughout the year which address the intersection of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and race and ethnicity. Also, there is a student group called Relate which is for LGBT people of color.
- What are some of the social outlets in the community?
The Spectrum Center has a strong partnership with the LGBTQ Resource Center for Washtenaw County, called the WRAP Resource Center, please visit them for a listing of community events. Yearly events include OutFest, the Reel Pride Film Festival, Hotter than July, Camp Trans, and OutLoud Chorus concerts.
- What are some of the programs that the Spectrum Center and LGBT student groups provide?
- Gayz Craze - Welcome Week Activity, week before classes begin in the Fall - LGBT Commission
- Spectrum Center Open House- Early September
- Speakers Bureau Panels--on-going, all year, reach 5500 students per year
- Ally Program--monthly trainings
- Celebrate Bisexuality Day - September
- National Coming Out Week - second week of october
- Transgender Day of Remembrance- November
- Flaming Menorah Party - Hanukkah - Ahava
- Queer Soiree - Around Valentine's Day - LGBT Commission
- Lavender Graduation in April is one of our annual events.
- Spring Pride- Second semester- around March
- Flames on Ice - all the lgbt and ally students go ice skating for the night - LGBT Commission
See the Programs section of this website for more information.
- Are there scholarships specifically for LGBTQ-identified students?
Scholarships are available through the University of Michigan Lesbian and Gay Alumni Association.
- What is the LGBT Ally program?
See the For Allies section of this website for more information.
- How does the University of Michigan compare to other schools in the US in terms of being LGBT-friendly?
The University of Michigan compares very favorably to other colleges and universities for being LGBT-friendly. The University of Michigan Spectrum Center was founded in 1971 as the Human Sexuality Office and was the first college office of its kind in the country. In the summer of 2006, The University of Michigan was named one of the "Best of the Best Top 20" campuses in the nation for LGBT students in The Advocate College Guide fot LGBT Students.
