Illinois State University
Tier2-3: Student Training Opportunities

Safe Zone Illinois State University takes pride in its diverse student population and values diversity in all forms. In an effort to provide support to Illinois State's gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender (GLBT) community, the Dean of Students Office has created Safe Zone.Safe Zone is designed to provide a visible and non-threatening way for faculty/staff to make a statement that understanding and support for the GLBT community is offered here at Illinois State. It also shows unsupportive individuals that homophobia, heterosexism, and hostility will not be tolerated. Speaker’s Bureau Presented by Pride Pride (a GLBT student support group) offers speaker panels as an educational service to the campus community. A panel is a group of two or more Pride members who have been trained and speak about GLBT issues in front of groups, such as classes, teams, programs, or other groups.Speakers can present on a variety of topics, and/or they can answer any questions the audience might have. Social Justice Institute – The Power of One The Power of One: Awareness, Change, Responsibility Social Justice Institute is a free one day conference for students hosted by Diversity Advocacy. This one day event will provide students with an opportunity to explore the identities that make up who they are and help them gain a better understanding of how these identities impact everything they do. Through facilitated activities, exercises, and small group dialogue, participants will engage in conversations that will challenge and support them in their journey toward understanding how they can individually impact our global community. Diversity Retreat Each fall, Diversity Advocacy coordinates an overnight retreat targeting students from diverse backgrounds. The retreat engages these students in critical discussions and team-building activities. The goals of the retreat are to expand students’ understanding of diversity and to increase multi-cultural awareness.Students are led through guided activities, discussion, and reflection on topics such as sexual orientation, race, gender identity, and the concept of privilege. Students learn how to appreciate, celebrate, and participate in the many cultures present at Illinois State University.