Minnesota State University, Mankato has been named one of the nation's "100 Best Campuses for LGBT Students" by a new college guide.
Minnesota State Mankato is included in The Advocate College Guide, released early this month. The book is the first comprehensive guide highlighting LGBT-friendly campuses in the United States, profiling 100 colleges and universities that offer resources and create a positive living and learning environment for LGBT students.
"We are extremely honored that we were selected and recognized as a LGBT-friendly campus," said Jessica Flatequal, program coordinator for the LGBT Campus Center. "Our campus leaders have worked tirelessly to create a positive environment for all of our students, and this distinction emphasizes the importance of providing necessary support to meet all students' needs - including LGBT students."
Promoting diversity across campus is a strategic priority for Minnesota State Mankato President Richard Davenport, who appointed the University's first full-time LGBT coordinator.
Minnesota State Mankato's environment, supportive programs and services, and LGBT student coalitions were cited by the publication as the reason for the honor.
The book is published by Campus PrideNet, the leading national organization for LGBT and allied student leaders. The organization gathered information by questioning LGBT students, faculty and staff regarding their personal experiences and opinions about campuses across the country. A team of expert LGBT professionals from the National Consortium of Directors of LGBT Resources in Higher Education assisted with the questionnaires.
Some 680 campuses were nominated for the list, and more than 5,500 people were interviewed online. The 100 finalist campuses were selected based on institutional policies, commitment and support, academic life, housing, student life, counseling and health services, campus safety, and recruitment and retention.
The book categorizes campuses according to multiple indexes, including region, state, type of institution and size. The book includes campus profiles for each institution, including size, tuition, admission application deadlines, gay-affirmative policies, events, LGBT student groups and resources, housing for LGBT students and more.
"The top 100 colleges and universities profiled in The Advocate College Guide lead the way for the rest of higher education to be LGBT-friendly," said Shane L. Windmeyer, executive director of Campus PrideNet and author of The Advocate College Guide. "These campuses take to heart the value of supporting all students. What better way for a campus to come out as LGBT-Friendly?"
Those who want more information about Campus PrideNet, or who wish to order a copy of the book, may go to www.campuspride.net
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