We proudly provide affirming services by welcoming every student’s identity and creating an accepting environment. Examples include:

All-Gender Housing Now Available On-Campus!

In the Fall of 2021, the Office of Student Life is offering students the option to select housing that is consistent with their gender identity. For members of the LGBTQIA+, gender queer, gender non-binary, and gender fluid community on our campus.  The Counseling Center is grateful to the department of Student Life and students involved in bringing about this change, for the advocacy and leadership that led to this offering. Aware that "the binary-gendered structure of our residence halls do not always provide an ideal living environment" this housing option was specifically created with the needs of the queer community in mind. In the 2021-2022 academic school year, All Gender Housing is available to returning Loyola students who wish to create roommate groups comprised of various gender identities.  For more information, please contact Tim Cherney, Associate Director for Community Development & LGBTQPIA+ Initiatives, at dcherney@loyola.edu.

Identity-based support groups

• In, Out, and In Between for LGBTQIA+ students
• Empower for students of color
• White Accountability Group for Dismantling Racism
• Disability Support and Resource Group

Affinity spaces and resources honoring intersectionality 

• Balance for graduate students of color 
• Prism for LGBTQIA+ students of color
• Let's Connect Now (BIPOC students):
  The Counseling Center is offering a drop-in space to provide support for BIPOC students. This is not a therapy space, but rather a chance for students to have an informal one-on-one conversation with a counselor who shares this identity. Students can expect to speak with a counselor for about 20 minutes. Since this is not a scheduled appointment, students should be aware that there may be a brief wait before speaking with the counselor. After-hours support is available by calling 410-617-5530. Information about additional counseling services can be shared, if needed, during the drop-in session. 
• Let's Connect Now (LGBTQIA+ Students):
  The Counseling Center is offering a drop-in space to provide support for LGBTQIA+ students.  This is not a therapy space, but rather a chance for students to have an informal one-on-one conversation with a counselor who identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Zoom link is available on our website. Students can expect to speak with a counselor for about 20 minutes. Since this is not a scheduled appointment, students should be aware that there may be a brief wait before speaking with the counselor, if they have already begun meeting with another student during the drop-in time. Students needing to speak with a counselor urgently should call the Counseling Center at 410-617-2273. After-hours support is available by calling 410-617-5530. Information about additional counseling services can be shared, if needed, during the drop-in session.

Culturally inclusive language and communication  

• Use of gender pronouns and preferred names for students as well as staff
• Staff names and pronouns listed on office doors
• Open-ended options regarding identity on intake paperwork 

Accessibility 

• Paperwork
• Reformatting and accessibility of forms
• Use of iPads 
• Braille Signage

Ongoing evaluation of treatment

• Regular survey assessment of students’ experiences with their counselor
• The staff works regularly to improve services to all students by: