Randolph-Macon College: A Supportive Environment for LGBTQIA+ Students

Randolph-Macon College is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, including those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+). The college offers a variety of resources and initiatives designed to support LGBTQIA+ students and promote understanding and acceptance within the campus community.

Demonstrating Support: Pride Partners

Randolph-Macon College departments can actively demonstrate their commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community by becoming a Pride Partner. This initiative allows departments to visibly show their support and contribute to a more inclusive campus environment.

Connecting and Communicating: The Discord Channel

The Student Engagement Center hosts an online Discord channel. It allows the LGBTQIA+ community at Randolph-Macon College to connect with one another. This provides a virtual space for students to build community, share experiences, and find support.

Safe Zone Training: Fostering Allyship

The Student Engagement Center offers workshops for faculty, staff, and student leaders. These workshops are designed to help participants become more sensitive and informed allies for the LGBTQIA+ community. Upon completion of the workshop, participants have the opportunity to sign a pledge. They agree to advance the Safe Zone mission. Participants may receive a Safe Zone sticker to place in their workplace or residence hall room, or a Safe Zone button.

Understanding the Safe Zone Symbol

The display of the Safe Zone sticker or button indicates that the owner has attended a Safe Zone workshop and signed an agreement to be supportive and affirming of the LGBTQIA+ community. This visual cue helps LGBTQIA+ students identify individuals who are safe to approach and confide in.

Supportive Living Arrangements

Recognizing the importance of safe and comfortable living environments, the Student Engagement Center is committed to working with LGBTQIA+ students to find appropriate accommodations in the residence halls. Students are encouraged to contact Residence Life in the Student Engagement Center to discuss supportive living arrangements.

Name and Identity Affirmation

Randolph-Macon College supports and affirms students' decisions regarding their names and gender identity. If a student wishes to identify a preferred name or legally change their name, the college provides resources and assistance to facilitate this process.

Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions

Some individuals may have concerns about the proximity of Randolph-Macon College to institutions with differing views on LGBTQ+ rights. However, it is important to recognize that Randolph-Macon College is committed to inclusivity and vocally supportive of people of all sexual orientations. The college's policies and practices reflect this commitment, creating a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ students and allies.

The Importance of Location: Campus and Community

When considering a college, it's important to look at the surrounding areas in addition to the school itself. A welcoming and inclusive college town can further enhance the experience for LGBTQIA+ students.

Creating Inclusive Spaces: Mosaic and Pride Houses

The Mosaic House is a welcoming and supportive space designed for students. They want to deepen their cross-cultural understanding and engage in an inclusive community. It encourages meaningful dialogue, learning, and connection across diverse backgrounds and experiences. All students are invited to participate, regardless of identity or prior involvement. The space fosters respect, curiosity, and a shared commitment to belonging.

Read also: LGBTQ College Guide

The Pride House celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, though you do not need to identify as part of the community to live here. The house holds approximately 16 students in singles and triples.

Student Organizations and Engagement

Randolph-Macon College offers a variety of student organizations and clubs that promote inclusivity and support diverse communities. These organizations provide opportunities for students to connect with others, engage in meaningful dialogue, and advocate for social justice. To get involved or to partner with these boards and clubs, connect directly or through the Student Engagement Center.

Examples of student organizations include:

The Multicultural Programming Board: Promotes inclusive engagement at Randolph-Macon College by educating and exposing the College community to a diverse range of entertainment, cultural experiences, and educational programs.
Hispanic Heritage Club: The Hispanic Heritage Club’s goal is to spread cultural awareness on our campus and create a community among our Latinx/Hispanic population.
Men with a Purpose: The purpose of Men with a Purpose is to empower our peers to make a difference. Better ourselves while helping others. Encouraging personal, athletic, and academic achievement.
International Interest Group: International Interest Group provides a platform for international students to network, share cultures and experience American college life.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated: was chartered on January 24, 2013 here at Randolph-Macon College.

Multicultural Senior Celebration

During Commencement weekend, students can elect to participate in the Multicultural Senior Celebration. They receive special stoles and are welcomed into the multicultural alumni association.

Supporting First-Generation Students

Departments across campus collaborate to provide programming and events to support the success of students who are the first in their families to attend college. Our commitment is born of a belief that every student and the intersections of their identities are unique and wonderful.

NCAA LGBTQ OneTeam Program

Randolph-Macon College is actively involved in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in athletics through the NCAA LGBTQ OneTeam Program. This program, a national training program that fosters LGBTQ+ inclusion in NCAA Division III athletics. Members of the NCAA’s Division III LGBTQ Working Group train coaches, athletics administrators, and student-athletes across the whole of Division III athletics. This program is aimed at helping to understand the importance of LGBTQ inclusion in college athletics, while also identifying strategies and best practices for institutions and conferences to better ensure that all student-athletes--regardless of their sexuality, gender identity, and/or gender expression--can participate in an inclusive and safe athletic climate.

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