Programs and Services
Academic Immersion Program | Ally Network | Black History Month (Jan. 2012)
Cura Personalis Mentoring Program | LGBTQ History Month (Oct. 2012)
Pathways to Success | Safe Space Program
The Fairfield Safe Space Program creates a network of campus-based allies to support and confirm the dignity and self worth of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer students and their allies.
In accordance with Catholic social teaching, the human rights of all are paramount to the Jesuit university educational experience. Fairfield University is committed to providing safe spaces where individuals can engage in discussion, education, advocacy, and awareness about LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) issues. These spaces are free from discrimination, ignorance, bigotry, and harassment, and provide a safe and accepting environment for all members of the Fairfield University community regardless of sex, race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, disability, or special needs.
Objectives
- To institutionally support LGBTQ individuals and those who have family members that are LGBTQ by providing a campus environment that is safe physically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally
- To provide education and experiential learning opportunities for the campus community to combat homophobia, heterosexism, discrimination, and ignorance about LGBTQ issues
- To identify individuals in the Fairfield University community that will provide support, resources, information, and a safe place for LGBTQ students and their allies
- To improve the quality of life for all student populations on campus
- To provide visible resources and mentors for LGBTQ persons within the University community by providing a tangible sign of support
Faculty, staff, and student leaders can go through Safe Space training. Safe Space I training creates awareness of issues and builds participants' knowledge and skills. Safe Space II workshops examine particular issues more deeply, such as the coming out process and the intersection between sexuality and gender. A Safe Space I workshop must be completed before attending a Safe Space II workshop.
Workshop Information:
For a list of workshop dates, please contact the Office of Student Diversity Programs at (203) 254-4000 ext. 2806 or send an e-mail.
LGBT Exhibit: Student Life and Beyond
The Ally Network serves as a campus-wide resource to students who are in need of support. Upon completion of the training workshop, allies receive a Safe Space placard distinguishing them as part of the network. This placard is a symbol that the person will be understanding, supportive, and trustworthy if a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer student needs help, advice, or just someone with whom they can talk. The person displaying the symbol is also a person who can give anyone accurate information about sexual orientation issues.
The Cura Personalis Mentoring Program
The Cura Personalis Mentoring Program is designed to provide first-year students an opportunity to become acclimated to life at college and build a foundation for success during their years at Fairfield University. These students are paired with a faculty/staff mentor and a peer mentor. Through regular one-on-one and group meetings, students receive valuable information and useful knowledge regarding the many available campus resources. Some of these resources include: Career Planning Center, Disability Support Services, Campus Ministry, University Activities, and Residence Life. Several topics including time management, wellness, spirituality, leadership, character and personal growth, and development are covered during the year.
For more information on the Cura Personalis Mentoring Program, contact Chrystie Cruz.
The Academic Immersion Program
The Academic Immersion Program is designed to assist students from a number of underrepresented populations at Fairfield University with the transition to college, with a particular emphasis on the academic adjustments a student must continually make between high school and his or her first two years in college. The Academic Immersion program has two components. The first is a four-week summer program during which selected students complete an English and philosophy course, earning six credits during the summer. This program is a collaborative effort between the Office of Student Diversity Programs, the Office of the Dean of Exploratory Academic Advising, and Project Excel. Read the brochure for more details.
The second aspect of the program focuses on student success and retention. Students that participate in the summer component of Academic Immersion continue to be involved with the three sponsoring offices through a variety of academic and social programming. During the school year, Academic Immersion is open to any student that is either referred to the program or expresses a personal interest in joining. Through one-on-one meetings with Office of Student Diversity Programs staff and workshops, students are able to continually develop their knowledge and skills base during their first two years of college.
Pathways helps young adults who attend Fairfield make a successful transition from high school through to graduation. Pathways to Success is a network of Fairfield administrators, faculty, and staff committed to helping low-income, first generation, and foster care student by providing personal assistance in numerous areas. Read the Pathways brochure for more details.
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