Campus Climate and GLBT Students

University students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT) may experience particular challenges because of how others perceive and treat them as a result of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. The challenges may prevent students from achieving their full academic potential. Higher education advocates for diversity and multicultural understanding but GLBT students may not find their campuses especially welcoming. An assessment of GLBT campus climate at a rural university will examine the experiences for students, faculty and staff. The results may be used to determine the level of programmatic, learning and policy changes needed to improve the climate for GLBT students, faculty and staff.