The abbreviation LGBTQ+ represents people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, queer, and additional gender and sexually non-conforming identities. The college is committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for students of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
Safe Zone
The Safe Zone program at Moraine Valley provides training to individuals who wish to become advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. To be an ally at Moraine Valley, a faculty or staff member must pledge to be supportive, positive, and affirming to students, staff, and faculty who wish to talk about being LGBTQ+. Allies also advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community on campus by using inclusive language, minimizing stereotyping, and providing resources to those who want more information.
A Safe Zone member provides a place for LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff to be who they are without fear of hatred or criticism. Safe Zone members can be identified by the certificate with a rainbow triangle displayed by their office. LGBTQ+ awareness is part of diversity, yet equal access to all students, faculty, and staff means that “individuals are not just tolerated but valued.”
Campus Services
Counseling
Short-term counseling services are available at no cost to currently enrolled students. Counseling sessions are up to 50 minutes in length. In many cases, a student and counselor will set short-term goals to be achieved within 8-10 sessions.
Chosen Names
This form allows Moraine Valley students to change their first name only. It is recommended, but not required, that students complete a chosen name request at least two full weeks prior to the start of a semester. If a request is made after this date, students must understand that pre-printed copies of class rosters will not show their updated chosen name and they must notify all current instructors of their requested chosen name. Please note: a chosen name request does not change your legal name on official academic records such as transcripts and diplomas. Once the request is processed, your chosen first name will be reflected on MVCC student systems. For more information on changing your legal name, please visit the Registration Office in Building S, Room 103.
Pronouns
You can also inform your instructors, counselors, advisors, and other college employees about which pronouns you use (e.g., she/her, he/him, they/them, etc.).
Gender and Sexuality Progress (GASP) student club
Educates about gender and sexual minorities, promotes and provides safe space for campus community and challenges Moraine Valley to adopt attitudes and policies of tolerance and acceptance towards all individuals.
Reporting Procedures for Bias-Related Incidents
Any student, employee, or community member who experiences or witnesses an act of violence or misconduct related to a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity may file a report with the Moraine Valley Police Department or with the Code of Conduct Office. Information about filing a report.
Gender Neutral Restrooms
Out of respect for all Moraine Valley students and in compliance with federal Title IX law, which bans sex discrimination in schools, the college now has one gender-neutral restroom in almost every building. This includes the extension centers in Blue Island and Tinley Park. The locations of these bathrooms on campus are: A155, B141, C111, D147, F256, H184A&B, L266, M120, T114, U210, and U212. The Blue Island Education Center restroom is 221, and the Southwest Education Center restroom is 209.
Athletics
The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) believes in the value of equitable participation and treatment of men and women in intercollegiate athletics and through its structure, programs, legislation and policies will promote these values.
The NJCAA stands with other athletic organizations in believing, at an institutional level, gender equity in intercollegiate athletics describes an environment in which fair and equitable distribution of overall athletic opportunities, benefits and resources is available to women and men and in which student-athletes, coaches and athletic administrators are not subject to gender-based discrimination.
