skip to content

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are there any queer Student Groups on campus?
  2. Are there other campus offices that are supportive of LGBTQ/ally students and issues?
  3. What activities are sponsored on campus for LGBTQ/ally students?
  4. Do LGBTQ-related bias incidents occur on campus?
  5. Are sexual orientation and gender identity included in the non-discrimination policy?
  6. Can I find supportive faculty and staff easily?
  7. Does UConn offer a Queer Studies degree?
  8. Does UConn offer queer housing or gender-neutral housing?
  9. Are there unisex bathrooms on campus?

Are there any queer Student Groups on campus?

There are many student-run queer groups and groups that are identified as queer friendly. To check out the list of groups, please click here.


Are there other campus offices that are supportive of LGBTQ/ally students and issues?

Yes! Some offices colliborate often with the Rainbow Center, including but not limited to:
Health Education Office
Dean of Students Office
Women Center
Dept. of Residential Life
The Community Response Team


What activities are sponsored on campus for LGBTQ/ally students?

The Rainbow Center offers weekly events such as coffeehouses (Fridays) and academic lectures (Out to Lunch – Wednesdays). In addition, there are events planned throughout the semester, such as queer artists concerts, educational workshops/lectures and more. October is GLBT awareness month for the University. In addition to the Rainbow Center events, AQUA and QUAD plan events throughout the semester for the student body. To know what's queer at the University of Connecticut - Storrs campus, please sign up for the Rainbow Center Newsletter.


Do LGBTQ-related bias incidents occur on campus?

Unfortunately, YES, as with most institutions across the country. The LGBTQ-related incidents most often heard about include: offensive graffiti; destruction of LGBTQ publicity materials; and insensitive or disrespectful questions and comments to transgender/nontraditionally-gendered students in restrooms. But one can report a bias crime to the Rainbow Center, the UConn Police, Dean of Students Office or any other cultural center. To see the number of bias crimes that occur on campus, please refer to the UConn Police's Uniform Crime Report (UCR).


Are sexual orientation and gender identity included in the non-discrimination policy?

Yes, Connecticut law includes sexual orientation and gender identity in their non-discrimination policy which includes public schools (like UConn), employment and housing. UConn’s non-discrimination policy does include sexual orientation and gender identity (http://www.diversity.uconn.edu/aboutdiversity.html#state).


Can I find supportive faculty and staff easily?

Yes, UCONN has a safe zone program which has a list of staff and faculty members who publicly support GLBTQA students.


Does UConn offer a Queer Studies degree?

UConn does not officially offer a degree in Queer Studies, but one can create a degree in Queer Studies or Sexualities Study through the Individualized major office (http://www.imjr.uconn.edu/imjr_imjrhome.htm). In addition, please consult the queer course listing page.


Does UConn offer queer housing or gender-neutral housing?

Yes and no.  Although there is no specifically "queer" floor or residence, there are 30 gender-neutral spots in five 2-room suites in Hilltop.  Anyone interested in applying for any open spot should contact Maureen Armstrong at Residential Life.


Are there unisex bathrooms on campus?

Yes there are, for a list of them, please click here.


Last Updated: August 2008