HOUSTON – Lone Star College-University Park has long been known for encouraging its faculty, staff and students to pursue innovative programs and services. Most recently, the college was recognized for its innovative Safe Zone program, which fosters an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ students, as one of the 2019 - 2020 Innovation of the Year recipients from the prestigious League for Innovation in the Community College.
"Our Safe Zone program is all about creating a culture of inclusiveness – not only for our students, but for our entire college community," said LSC-University Park President Dr. Shah Ardalan. "Too often, the LGBTQ+ community has been marginalized or discriminated against. Through a comprehensive education and training program, we have made a significant difference in our campus culture. This is another shining example of our ‘Invitation to Innovate’ (i2i) philosophy that is built into the fabric of LSC-University Park since its beginning. Just as important, the program is now supported throughout the Lone Star College System."
Across the nation, LGBTQ+ students can face unique challenges – not only throughout society, but particularly on college campuses. LSC-University Park’s Safe Zone program, which was initiated during the 2018 - 2019 academic year, trains and develops allies of the LGBTQ+ community by educating faculty, staff, administration, as well as Lone Star College police officers, on the use of inclusive language and actions that combat stereotyping, tokenizing, heterosexism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
Completers of the program are also educated on resources that help explore and resolve issues unique to LGBTQ+ students. Those who successfully complete the Safe Zone training are certified and they also receive a sticker and pin to identify them as a resource, with their office or work area designated as a Safe Zone for LGBTQ+ students. Additional learning opportunities, including a virtual session titled “Safe Zone: Pride Month & Supporting LGBTQ+ Students During COVID-19,” have been offered more recently to train, develop and promote student allies during the ongoing pandemic.
In addition to Dr. Ardalan, other individuals recognized as creators and champions of the Safe Zone program include Rick Curry, professor of speech; Dave Gaer, professor and chair of the speech department; and Kristina Tusini, professor of sociology.
“The Safe Zone program began as an initiative to provide support and understanding to students at LSC-University Park,” said Gaer. “Since its inception, the program has expanded system-wide with the support of Chancellor Steve Head. Currently, trainers provide support on each campus and at the LSC System Office. The program began expansion this past semester to further support students through a student ally program. Student allies will also receive training and provide a peer to peer support system.”
Gaer said that around 10% of the LSC student body identify as being part of the LGBTQ+ community. LSC-University Park students also have clubs and organizations, including the LGBTQ+ Coalition, that support the LBGTQ+ community and their allies, as well as campus events throughout the year that celebrate diversity.
This is one of several Innovation of the Year awards that LSC-University Park has received over the past five years. In 2019, the college’s GradUP program, an initiative to increase the graduation rate by more than 300% over a three-year period, was honored. Last year, the college was also recognized by two other organizations for innovation initiatives. The Houston Business Journal honored the college’s “Invitation to Innovate” (i2i) process as part of its inaugural Innovation Awards. The International Centre for Innovation in Education recognized the college for its dedication, commitment, leadership and outstanding contributions when it presented LSC-University Park with its 2019 Award for Innovation in Higher Education.
Established over 35 years ago, the League’s Innovation of the Year Award was devised as a way to recognize significant innovations. These innovations reflect significant achievements and the continuing renewal of the spirit of innovation and experimentation upon which the League was founded. The award honors faculty, staff, and administrators at member colleges who have created and implemented innovative programs, practices, partnerships, policies, and activities that improve the institution’s ability to serve students and the community.
The League will honor 2019 - 2020 Innovation of the Year Award recipients during the 2021 Innovations Conference, which will be held virtually next spring. Additionally, winners may present their innovations at the conference and will be included in the 2020 - 2021 League Awards program.
More information about LSC-University Park’s Safe Zone and other LGBTQ+ resources throughout the Lone Star College System can be found at LoneStar.edu/LGBTQ-Resources.