Clark University supports the well-being and success of our LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff – on this page you will find current on-campus resources.
Please Note: This is an evolving collection of resources and we encourage any questions, additions, or adjustments; please reach out to us at isea@clarku.edu
Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy
- Here at Clark, both gender identity and sexual orientation are covered within our Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Policy. You can read the full policy here.
All Gender Bathroom List
- The original gender-neurtal bathroom project was spearheaded by Oliver McCormick ’24 and was a continuation of work started by previous student groups. As of Spring 2024, we have a full updated list here. Moving forward, it is our practice to include at least one all-gender restroom in any newly constructed or significantly renovated building.
Private Changing Spaces in Kneller Athletic Center
- Athletics consulted with the Office of ISEA in Fall 2022 to put together a working group (trans students and staff) to address these needs, which resulted in the creation of: curtained off and signed “Gender Inclusive Area” in both the Women’s and Men’s Locker Rooms (Kneller), designated private Changing Areas in both the athletics locker rooms (locker room A) and in the fitness center. Speak with any student proctor in the lobby of the Kneller for more info and/or find the signage available throughout the space.
Campus Inclusive Housing Policy
- Clark University is committed to providing safe and inclusive housing for students of all gender identities. In accordance with our Gender Inclusive Housing Policy, all students in University housing may choose to live with a roommate or suite-mates of any gender. Additionally, all gendered spaces are assigned based on students’ self-identified gender. Returning students are able to select their own roommates and suite-mates during the spring Housing Selection process. New first-year and transfer students are able self-identify their gender and indicate what gender identities they are comfortable living with when completing the housing request form. Want to discuss your options with a member of our team? Email reslife@clarku.edu.
Chosen Name, Pronouns, and Gender Identity
With the migration to the new CUWeb platform, students and staff will be able to edit/choose their Personal Pronouns, chosen name (may be listed as ‘preferred name’), and gender identification from a drop down list on their own.
- For students: changing these items through CUWeb will see changes in rosters and canvas – the learning management software. Students can get a new ID with the new name at no cost – please contact the Office of Identity, Student Engagement, and Access or the Office of Diversity and Inclusion if you need help with this. Additionally, your display name on email can be adjusted and changed to reflect Chosen Name.
- Use of Legal Name / Legal Name Change: A student’s legal name may show up in areas (timesheets, official transcripts, medical records, or other files that require use of legal name.) For any student that has gone through the process of a legal name change and wants to adjust all campus records accordingly should present legal name change paperwork to the Registrars Office, email them at registrar@clarku.edu for questions or more info.
- For staff: there will be areas where legal name can show up, e.g. leave reports, in the CUWeb portal under employee information, registration as a vendor for reimbursements, and enrollment for benefits. Questions or concerns about use of legal name can be directed to Human Resources at HR@clarku.edu.
- New hires can work with HR to ensure creation of email and display names match their chosen name.
Trans and Queer Inclusive Staff Policies:
- Ability to self designate Chosen Name, Pronouns, and Gender Identity (see above)
- Clark offers coverage to same-sex spousal equivalents as well as all legally married couples for both medical and dental plans.
- Clark offers health coverage (medical and counseling) to trans staff and/or their partners or families (who are trans) if that employee is on a family plan that covers partners and children. Additionally, Clark’s plans offer coverage for gender affirming care (e.g. medical procedures) with prior authorization consistent with the provider’s medical necessity guidelines.
Office of Identity, Student Engagement, and Access
- Associate Director for Gender and Sexuality: Serves as primary staff member responsible for programming and initiatives serving LGBTQIA+ Students within the Office of Identity, Student Engagement, and Access.
- Primary Office serving the needs of LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and First-Gen Students
- Programming: LGBTQ+ History Month; TDOR; Pride Week; Gender and Sexuality Calendar
- Trainings: Creating Inclusive Spaces Training
- Affinity Spaces: Queer and Trans Students of Color (QTSOC) and Trans and Gender Diverse Support and Discussion Group (TGD)
Center for Counseling and Personal Growth
- Staff Clinician and LGBTQ+ Specialist : Serves as primary clinician within Counseling and Personal Growth that focuses on LGBTQIA+ support.
Prism – LGBTQIA+ Student Organization
- For more information and preview of previous programming, head to PRISM’s engage page (may require clarku.edu login).
Career Connection Center
- Find more info at the “Resources for LGBTQIA+ Students” page on the Career Connections Center website or reach out to Career Connection Center staff at cservices@clarku.edu
Clark LGBTQ+ Alumni Association
- The Clark LGBTQ+ Alumni Association (CLAA) is committed to the integration of personal and community power to support, and celebrate LGBTQ+ Clarkies. The group aims to build solidarity among LGBTQ+ alumni and students, to provide positive experiences and brave spaces on and off campus, and to advocate for current students. For more information and how to get involved, go to the CLAA website.
Gender and Sexuality Task Force
- Chaired by the Associate Director for Gender and Sexuality, this group is a committee of students, faculty, and staff that meet monthly to address projects, programming, and the state of LGBTQIA+ efforts at Clark. Any one interested in joining can email isea@clarku.edu
Goddard Library – Databases and Resources
- A few database examples:
- Many of Goddard’s other scholarly databases also index journals / publications that focus on topics of gender and sexuality. These resources are readily discoverable through the library website (Database A-Z list) and/or through librarian recommendations for any faculty/staff/student working on projects or expressing interest in these topics.
- A search of Goddard Library catalog yields a significant number of results for monographs focusing on trans, queer, and LGBTQIA+ topics. Students can utilize the subject search (and specify Goddard Library) and have access to almost 1800 books around LGBTQ+ topics. If there is something that students are looking for and Goddard doesn’t have, they can try to get it through the purchase request form.
Health Services
- STI Testing: Most often will be covered by insurance with no out of pocket cost to the student. Students should check with individual insurance plans to confirm coverage. Students can call for an appointment and Health Services can typically meet with a student in 1-2 days.
- Gender Affirming Care: Health Services does provide access to different means of gender affirming care for trans or gender diverse students; any student can make an appointment with Health Services to learn more. Please note: Gender affirming care is supported by our student health care plan – as with any health insurance, students may need to call their provider for more information, guidance, and/or coverage concerns.