Student FAQs
I am a prospective student. How accepting is Loyola’s campus?
One of the many Jesuit ideals that infuses Loyola’s longstanding history and tradition is cura personalis – the education of the whole person. Jesuit institutions are known for respecting and responding to the unique needs of individual persons, as well as for helping them to identify and develop the full range and variety of their particular gifts and talents, especially with an eye toward service and leadership. Loyola University Maryland works to support all students. The University sends a student delegation to IgnatianQ – a yearly conference that brings together the community of LGBTQPIA+ folks (and allies) at Jesuit universities from across the U.S. – every year and hosted the fifth annual conference in 2018. The University also has a LGBTQPIA+ Peer Mentor Program, a weekly support group, In, Out, & In Between and Prism: A QPOC Support group. Spectrum is Loyola University Maryland’s undergraduate student LGBTPIAQ+ organization
As a prospective student, do I need to identify with being male or female on the admissions application?
Loyola University Maryland uses the Common App for all undergraduate applicants. This application asks applicants their sex and only provides male or female as options and this question is required. The application does provide a fill in box below with the following prompt, ” If you would like the opportunity, we invite you to share more about your gender identity below.”
Loyola University Maryland uses their own graduate admissions application. This application asks for Sex and only offers a “male” or “female” option.
How do I change my primary name in the University system? What if my legal name is different than my primary name I use?
If you are a student, please send an email to Records from your @loyola email account with exactly how you intend your primary name to be reflected in internal records.
I want to start using a different name and pronouns, how do I tell my professors?
We recommend sending an email to your professor. Here is a template you may use to facilitate a discussion. The sooner you send the email, the sooner your professor(s) can help you navigate the process with them.
Dear [professor’s name], I am enrolled in your class this semester and would like to make a request. I am a transgender individual and my primary name [name here] and [she/her/hers he/him/his they/them etc. ] pronouns. Would it be possible for you to note this on any list you may use for attendance and share this information with any TAs I will be working with as well? Thank you! [Your Name]
Is there an LGBTQ+ Resource Room?
Yes. The Pride Resource Room (PRR) opened in Fall 2018 and is located in ALANA Services for LGBTQPIA+ identified students and allies. This lounge is a great place to relax, study, hang out with friends, or attend a Spectrum or The LGBTQ+ Experience meeting. Starting in the 19-20 academic year, the new Graduate Assistant for LGBTQ+ Services will be hosting a variety of activities in the PRR throughout the year. The lounge has a couch, comfy chairs, quiet spaces, and a TV.
The division of Student Development supports LGBTQ+ students through funding for Spectrum, a recognized student organization supporting LGBTQ+ undergraduate students, allies, and friends. Students also have access to the support and services of the Women’s Center, Counseling Center, and Student Health and Education Services.
How do I find out what is going on in the Pride Resource Room?
Check out the PRR page on this website!
Does the University include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in its non-discrimination policy?
Yes. All non-discrimination and harassment policies include sexual orientation and gender identity. They are included in the Staff/Administrative Policy Manual, the Faculty Handbook, and the Student Community Standards. In addition, our institutional Core Values statement on Diversity includes sexual orientation and gender identity, consistent with our affirmation of the diversity of human experience and the dignity of all persons.
The opening paragraph for the non-discrimination and harassment policy: “Loyola University Maryland does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, or any other legally protected classification in the administration of any of its educational programs and activities or with respect to admission or employment. Prohibited discrimination includes harassment on the basis of a protected classification and harassment based on participation in any "protected activity." Complaints of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking (whether or not based on a protected classification) and sexual exploitation are also addressed under this policy.”
Is residential life LGBTQ+ friendly and gender-inclusive?
The Office of Residence Life & Housing strives to support the healthy and holistic development of all students and provide a safe and affirming living environment. We are also aware that the binary-gendered structure of our residence halls does not always provide an ideal living environment for members of our community who identify as LGBTQPIA+, non-binary, genderfluid, and/or genderqueer. And, we know that living with someone for the first time can be scary enough without adding the fear that your new roommate may be queerphobic.
For these reasons, the Housing Application provides a few opportunities to help LGBTQPIA+ students find affirming roommates.
- All students are provided the opportunity in the roommate questionnaire (used to match
roommates) to declare that they are LGBTQ+ friendly:
"Residence Life & Housing is committed to providing a safe and more inclusive environment for our LGBTQPIA+ community members. Would you be welcoming and supportive to an LGBTQPIA+ roommate?" Students can answer "yes" or "unsure." Only students who both answer "yes" are matched with each other.
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You can also choose who you want to live with. In the housing application, you can view other students' profiles looking for students who answered positively to the question above.
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The Housing Application also allows students the option to create gender-inclusive roommate pairings where you can find roommates who have reviewed the All-Gender Housing Information and signed the All-Gender Housing Agreement.
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If none of these resources meet your specific concerns, Residence Life & Housing will also work with any student individually to find a solution that works.
Questions or need to discuss a unique need? Contact Bernadette Smith, Associate Director of Housing Operations. Bernadette will work with you individually to find a room assignment that feels right for you.
What facilities are available to transgender students when they study abroad?
We strive to make our international experiences and facilities live up to the inclusive practices of the rest of the Loyola campus. Explore the Office of International Programs and for specific questions, contact Andre Colombat, Dean of International Programs.
Is there an active LGBTQ+ student organization?
Yes! For undergraduate students there is Spectrum to support LGBTQ+ undergraduate students, friends, and allies and the newer group, The LGBTQ+ Experience. For employees, there is OUTLoyola to support faculty, staff, and administrators interested in LGBTQ+ awareness and community
Are there activities and events on campus for LGBTQ+ students?
Yes! Here is a sample of past events.
Is there a procedure for reporting LGBTQ+-related bias incidents and hate crimes? How does the school respond to such incidents?
Please file a bias report. You can also contact the Title IX officer, David Tiscione, 105 Jenkins Hall, 410-617-5171, dmtiscione@loyola.edu, and Melissa Lees, Sexual Violence Prevention, Education, and Response Coordinator.
The Bias report webpage has a FAQ page, please review the page for more information:
For confidential support, please contact the Counseling Center by walking in or calling (410) 617-2273.
Are LGBTQ+ sensitive counseling services available?
Yes. The Counseling Center is an affirming and confidential space for LGBTQ+ services. The Counseling Center promotes a healthy and inclusive community through relationship-building, education, crisis intervention, and support. The Counseling Center mission is inspired by the core values of our Jesuit university to encourage life-long learning, development of the whole person, self-reflection, values clarification, and spiritual development in a diverse and changing world. The Counseling Center’s scope of services includes depression, anxiety, identity development/exploration, and self-esteem among many others. The Counseling Center houses the Coordinator of LGBTQ+ Services position and several corresponding LGBTQ+ affirming programs like In, Out, and In Between Support Group and LGBTQ+ Peer Mentor program, and Prism.
Does the University Student Insurance Policy cover services for transgender students?
Yes! The student health insurance policy is through United HealthCare and it does cover services for transgender students. Questions regarding how to enroll can be directed to Student Health Services at 410-617-5055. Benefit questions should be referred to the insurance Broker, RCM&D, Paige Fritze at pfritze@rcmd.com.
What facilities are available to transgender individuals?
Any member of the Loyola community may use the facilities that best match their gender identity, including restrooms, locker rooms, and residence halls. Bathrooms in ALANA Services are all gender neutral, with a unique six individual stall layout. In addition, Loyola has designated any single-use facility with inclusive “all-gender” signage. If you locate any single-use facilities that are incorrectly signed, please contact Facilities Management.
What training is available to foster LGBTQ+ awareness and inclusion?
OUTLoyola offers three-part SafeZone training to employees and some student groups about once per semester. The first session covers awareness and is appropriate for any audience and may be mandated by supervisors. The second and third sessions cover LGBTQ+ inclusion and allyship and are optional for those who would like to continue, with the option of becoming “Safe Zone Certified.” In addition, Student Development, Human Resources, and Academic Affairs attempt to include LGBTQ+ concerns throughout its roster of diversity training and programming.
What support is available to student-athletes who identify as transgender?
Loyola has developed a policy guided by the NCAA transgender inclusion policy for varsity athletes. Read the Loyola University Maryland Athletic Department Transgender Inclusion Policy.