Training Opportunities Accompany Launch of Campus 'Safe Zones'

This fall, Penn College launched the Safe Zone program, an initiative designed to make campus a safer place for all students. Announced by President Davie Jane Gilmour at an all-college meeting of faculty and staff in August, Safe Zones is an employee professional development program designed to increase campus understanding and awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, and provide support and a greater sense of community for LGBTQA students. Faculty and staff interested in the initiative can attend one of the upcoming Safe Zone trainings on Sept. 30, Oct. 3, Oct. 7 or Oct. 14 by registering through the online Employee Information System. Additional trainings will be scheduled for December’s Faculty Development days. Individuals who have completed the training may choose to display the Safe Zone logo (at left) in their work space to designate they are an ally for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning students. Students are able to attend Ally Training to learn more about positive ally behaviors and creating a safe and inclusive campus. The inaugural Ally Training is scheduled from 2-4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17. Students planning to attend can RSVP by email to Sara H. Ousby, associate director of student activities for diversity and cultural life. More about Penn College’s LGBTQA resources is available through the Student Activities website.