The University of Michigan believes that PRIDE is a commitment, not just a campaign. The work of LGBTQIA2S+ equity and inclusion is primarily housed in the Spectrum Center. The staff of Spectrum is committed to developing students as individuals and as members of the community, and to enriching the campus experience. Our work is conducted through a student-centered, intersectional lens. We work towards enhancing the campus climate on behalf of LGBTQIA2S+ students, staff, faculty, and community members through education, advocacy, outreach, workshops, programming, mentoring, student advocacy, and community building. The Spectrum Center cultivates strong community connections and facilitates distinct campus partner relationships in order to meet student needs, ensure student success, and create a sense of belonging. We are committed to people-centered work and are dedicated to constructing an inclusive campus community that is free of harassment and discrimination in all forms where social justice inspires community engagement and equity. The University of Michigan strives to build a safe and welcoming campus that is encouraging, supportive and queer-friendly, that allows for thriving and opportunities that enhance the campus culture.
Colleges & Universities
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Add this campus to My Bookbag
Campus Facts & Figures
The Campus Pride Index is an overall indicator of institutional commitment to LGBTQ-inclusive policy, program and practice. How is this calculated?
| Region: Midwest | |
| City/State: Ann Arbor, MI | |
| Locale: Medium City (100,000 to 500,000) | |
| Student Population (FTE): 46,000 | |
| In-State Tuition: $7,600.00 | |
| Out-of-State Tuition: $25,000.00 | |
| Institution Website: http://www.spectrumcenter.umich.edu |
|
Institution Type: |
|
| Doctoral/Research University Master's College/University Baccalaureate College/University Public/State University Residential Campus |
LGBTQ Student Opportunities
 |
Colleges and universities want LGBTQ students, faculty and staff to be out and proud as part of the diversity of the campus community. The Campus Pride Index provides campuses the opportunity to come out as LGBTQ-friendly and take responsibility for continually improving their LGBTQ campus climate.
The Campus Pride Index features LGBTQ student opportunities by highlighting the positive work within higher education across the country. Prospective students and families may choose the best LGBTQ campuses searching the tool based on area of study, cost, location, type of campus and LGBTQ-inclusive policy, programs and practice for their college search.
Reminder: Learn more by signing-up for FREE to participate in Campus Pride's LGBTQ-friendly National College Fair Program in eight different cities and the Campus Pride National Online College Fair.
|
Commitment to LGBTQ Issues
Our Synopsis
The University of Michigan Spectrum Center fosters an environment of community care, support, and connection for students who identify within the LGBTQIA2S+ community. The resources we provide within the center include: CenterSpaces (identity-based discussion groups), Freshpectives (our program for new and transfer students), QTBIPOC gatherings (spaces created for our trans and/or queer students of color), GPS (Our peer mentoring program), MaPPS (Our mentoring program with faculty/staff), and HIV/STI testing. In addition the center hosts university-wide LGBTQIA2S+ programming such as Lavender graduation, LGBTQIA2S+ History Month, Trans Day of Visibility, Pride Month, International Pronouns day, World Aids Day, Intersex Awareness Day, and More. Beyond our initiatives and programming, we conduct education and training through our Allyhood Development workshops, which support individuals and organizations as it relates to inclusivity and advocacy. Ways that students can get involved with the Spectrum Center is by, following us on social media, stopping by our center, or scheduling a meeting with our staff.
Featured Quotes
Why you'll love University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
“The community at UofM has really made me feel welcomed as a queer student. Student life and other student organizations offer a variety of activities and spaces throughout the year where I have been able to meet others and make friends!”
— Michelle, Student
“I feel that we are creating spaces and avenues for queer students on campus to grown and learn more about themselves and create a sense of community. Although work to support queer students on campus will continue, I know that the Center will continue to be a place of advocacy for students on campus.”
— Kaden, Former Staff
“The Spectrum Center is amazing at what they do and helps raise awareness all over campus. Would recommend coming here for support and camaraderie! [We] work at the Spectrum Center and it has been such a wonderful experience. The center has an incredibly warm and inviting feel where you are able to come as your authentic self.”
— Jaime and Tess, Students
“Spectrum Center has been an absolutely stunning essential asset in my experience at the University of Michigan. Spectrum Center truly supports the LGBTQ+ campus community community however possible. Recently, I went to Spectrum Center with my dream of starting a theater organization for LGBTQ+ stories and storytellers. Without the help of Spectrum Center, my dream never could have become the reality it has.”
— Jack, Student
Highlights & Organizations
Upcoming events
9/2/2023
Pride Outside
10/1/2023
LGBT History Month
11/20/2023
Transgender Day of Remembrance
3/31/2024
Trans Day of Visibility
4/14/2024
Lavender Graduation
Overall Campus Pride Index Score
The Campus Pride Index has a strong theoretical research foundation in LGBTQ current programs, practices and policies for safer, more inclusive campus learning environments. The index tool has been tested extensively since 2001 and recently updated with new, higher LGBTQ national benchmarks in 2015.
The Campus Pride Index is a vital tool for assisting campuses in learning ways to improve their LGBTQ campus life and ultimately shape the educational experience to be more inclusive, welcoming and respectful of LGBTQ and ally people. The index is owned and operated by Campus Pride, the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create safer, more LGBTQ-Friendly learning environments at colleges and universities. Campus Pride commends the campuses participating in the index and their willingness to come out, be visible and actively advocate for improving higher education for LGBTQ people.
Note: Prospective students and families are strongly encouraged to research current state laws for any college/university you are considering. The Campus Pride Index is updated annually and only measures current campus policies, programs and practices. Find information about state laws targeting the LGBTQ+ population on the Movement Advancement Project’s Equality Maps at lgbtmap.org/equality-maps.
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
LGBTQ-friendly break-down by inclusion factors
| Sexual Orientation Score | 5 of 5 |
| Gender Identity/Expression Score | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Policy Inclusion | 4 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Support & Institutional Commitment | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Academic Life | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Student Life | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Housing & Residence Life | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Campus Safety | 4.5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Counseling & Health | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Recruitment & Retention Efforts | 5 of 5 |
| Sections greyed out mean the campus does not offer those services | |
LGBTQ-Friendly Report Card
LGBTQ Policy Inclusion
| Non-discrimination statement inclusive of sexual orientation | |
| Non-discrimination statement inclusive of gender identity/expression | |
| Health insurance coverage to employees’ same sex partner | |
| Accessible, simple process for students to change their name on university records and documents | |
| Accessible, simple process for students to change their gender identity on university records and documents | |
| Students have option to self-identify sexual orientation on admission application or post enrollment forms | |
| Students have option to self-identify gender identity/expression on admission application or post enrollment forms |
LGBTQ Support & Institutional Commitment
| Resource center/office with responsibilities for LGBTQ students | |
| Paid staff with responsibilities for LGBTQ support services | |
| Ally program or Safe Space/Safe Zone | |
| Actively seek to employ diversity of faculty & staff including visible, out LGBTQ people | |
| Standing advisory committee that deals with LGBTQ issues | |
| LGBTQ alumni group |
LGBTQ Academic Life
| LGBTQ studies program | |
| LGBTQ specific course offerings | |
| Actively recruit faculty for LGBTQ-related academic scholarship | |
| New faculty/staff training opportunities on sexual orientation issues | |
| New faculty/staff training opportunities on gender identity issues | |
| LGBTQ faculty/staff organization |
LGBTQ Student Life
| LGBTQ & Ally student organization | |
| LGBTQ & Ally graduate student organization | |
| LGBTQ social fraternity/sorority | |
| Regularly plans LGBTQ social activities | |
| Regularly plans educational events on transgender issues | |
| Regularly offers educational events surrounding intersectionality of identities for LGBTQ people | |
| LGBTQ-inclusive career services |
LGBTQ Housing & Residence Life
| LGBTQ living space, theme floors and/or living-learning community | |
| Roommate matching for LGBTQ students to find LGBTQ-friendly roommate | |
| Gender-inclusive housing for new students | |
| Gender-inclusive housing for returning students | |
| Gender-inclusive/single occupancy restroom facilities in campus housing | |
| Gender-inclusive/single occupancy shower facilities in campus housing | |
| Trains residence life and housing staff at all levels on LGBTQ issues and concerns |
LGBTQ Campus Safety
| Procedure for reporting LGBTQ related bias incidents and hate crimes | |
| Active ongoing training for hate crime prevention | |
| Active outreach to LGBTQ students and student organization | |
| Trains campus police on sexual orientation issues | |
| Trains campus police on gender identity/expression issues | |
| Supports victims of LGBTQ sexual violence and partner violence |
LGBTQ Counseling & Health
| LGBTQ counseling/support groups | |
| Trans-inclusive trained counseling staff | |
| Free, anonymous and accessible HIV/STI testing | |
| LGBTQ-inclusive health information and safer sex materials available | |
| Trans-inclusive student health insurance policy which covers ongoing counseling services | |
| Trans-inclusive student health insurance policy which covers hormone replacement therapy |
LGBTQ Recruitment & Retention
| Annually participates in LGBTQ admission fairs | |
| LGBTQ student scholarships | |
| LGBTQ mentoring program to welcome and assist LGBTQ students in transitioning to academic and college life | |
| Special Lavender or Rainbow Graduation ceremony for LGBTQ students and allies | |
| Admission counselors receive LGBTQ-inclusive training and resources |
