Frequently Asked Questions

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.

The University of Michigan has nearly 20 LGBTQ and Ally student organizations that run the gamut from social to political to academic organizations. View a full list of these student organizations.

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 Allies page.

See also: Request Ally Training

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

For information on University employee benefits, refer to our Benefits page.

Information regarding hate and bias incidents are tracked though the University of Michigan Department of Public Safety.

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.

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:

See answer below.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

Scholarships are available through the University of Michigan Lesbian and Gay Alumni Association.

See the For Allies section of this website for more information.

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.