Welcome to the LGBTQIA+ Resources page! Here you will be able to find information on Cedar Crest related policies, facilitates, and more. If you have any questions, please contact the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at . All policies and guidelines can be viewed in full in the Student Handbook.

Harassment Policy (from the Student Handbook)

Conduct that creates or attempts to create an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment for another person is prohibited. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to, action(s) or statement(s) that threaten harm or intimidate a person, stalking, voyeurism (or peeping), or any other form of unwanted contact. This policy also applies to harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender or sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, familial status or any other characteristic protected from discrimination under law.

Transgender Admission Policy

Founded under the mission to expand women’s access to higher education Cedar Crest College remains committed to its historic mission as a women’s college. Applicants to the traditional undergraduate program who self-identify as women are eligible to apply for admission. We do not require government issued or medical documentation for purposes of identifying an applicant’s gender identity. Once admitted, a student who completes the College’s baccalaureate requirements will be awarded a Cedar Crest degree regardless of gender identity or expression.

Cedar Crest College also provides co-educational adult undergraduate program and graduate programs inclusive of all genders via its School for Adult and Graduate Education (SAGE).

FAQ

• How will Cedar Crest know if an applicant is transgender?
  We will only know if a student self-identifies as such during their application process and/or other communication with the Admissions office.
• What about students who transition to male before they complete their degree?
  Once enrolled, any student who completes the College’s baccalaureate requirements will be awarded a Cedar Crest degree
• What does this mean for the Cedar Crest mission?
  Cedar Crest College reaffirms their commitment to their mission to expand women’s access to higher-education. It also acknowledged that there is an evolving understanding of gender that increasingly goes beyond the traditional binary. Cedar Crest College values difference in a diverse, inclusive, and equitable learning environment for their students.
• What other services and support are available for Transgender Students?
  For more information please see below

Name Change

Current policy delineates how students, staff and faculty are able to designate a chosen name first name that will be reflected in most of our college systems. Because we interact with a multitude of systems, this process takes several steps and some time—possibly a few weeks– to trickle down to all of our databases.  Additionally incoming students will be able to start the process once they are provided with a Mycedarcrest account. If you encounter any difficulty or If you have a concern, please reach out to Leon S. John, Jr., Ph.D., executive director of diversity and inclusion.

You can find more information including instructions on how to start the process and FAQs in the links bellow:

Chosen Name Policy

My CCC Detailed Instructions

FAQ

Chosen/campus Name IT Form

Limitations

Although the College is committed to supporting students in the transgender community, it is important to understand that designating a preferred name for use at Cedar Crest does not constitute a legal name change. A student’s birth name and/or legal name will continue to be used on certain College documents. Preferred first and/or middle names may be designated. The College Is unable to designate a preferred surname without documents showing that the surname has been changed legally by a court or government entity.

Students interested in changing their name legally can find resources through local government or The Organization Transequality: www.transequality.org/documents/state/pennsylvania

Gender Inclusive Housing (from the Student Handbook)

Cedar Crest College offers inclusive housing options to traditional students who self-identify as transgender, gender nonconforming, gender variant and non-cisgender students, as well as students who identify as allies to this community. For students wishing to gain more information about other services and support available for students that identify as Gender and Sexuality Diverse (GSD), please contact the Director of Diversity and Inclusion.

FAQ

• Who is inclusive housing intended for?
  Inclusive housing options are intended to meet the needs of students who identify as transgender, gender nonconforming, gender variant and non-cisgender students. Therefore, traditional students seeking to live on campus are encouraged to pursue this inclusive housing option. Students who identify as supportive allies to the transgender and gender non-conforming community are welcome to live in these spaces as roommates.
• Where is inclusive housing offered?
  Inclusive housing will be available in all four residence halls: Butz, Curtis, Moore and Steinbright Halls, and in a variety of room set ups and prices.
• How do I gain access to inclusive housing?
  Students who are interested in living in inclusive housing can indicate their interest on the Housing Application. Students also have the option to work directly with the Director of Community Standards and Residence Life for individual requests pertaining to any of the residence halls or to request a single room.
• What if I’m an ally?
  Students who identify as cisgender allies to the transgender community and who would be comfortable living in an inclusive space are encouraged to follow the same steps above.
• What should I do if I identify as transgender or gender non-conforming and I am nervous about being assigned a roommate who may not be a safe and supportive ally?
  We encourage students who have housing concerns related to gender identity or expression to review the options above to best decide what choice is right for them. Students who have not chosen a roommate in advance are especially encouraged to pursue the inclusive housing options, which are reserved for those who indicate an interest in inclusive spaces. If you have additional concerns about a roommate or community situation, please contact the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for more information and support.
• Do I have to come out as transgender or gender non-conforming to live in an inclusive space?
  No. Our inclusive housing options are intended for students who have housing concerns related to gender identity and/or expression, but do not require disclosure of any identity. Students living in inclusive housing can choose what they are comfortable disclosing about themselves with staff, roommates, other residents in the community, or family members. We encourage students to seek support related to their identities from the Center for Diversity and Inclusion or from their Resident Advisor (RA).
• What if my housing needs change?
  We recognize and respect that identities and experiences can be fluid. If you find that your on- campus housing needs to change in relation to your gender identity or expression, we encourage you to communicate with your Hall Director to review options and seek support from the Center for Diversity and Inclusion. If you have an immediate concern with your housing situation, please contact your Hall Director.
• What about gender inclusive bathrooms in the Halls?
  All bathrooms in the residence halls are gender inclusive. In addition, each residence hall building has at least one single stall gender inclusive restroom available. Guests using these facilities are expected to abide by visitation policies and procedures

Gender Inclusive Restroom policy (from the Student Handbook)

Cedar Crest College affirms the right of all students to use a restroom according to their gender identity without fear of discrimination, retaliation or harassment. Cedar Crest College also maintains single-stall, gender-inclusive restrooms in most buildings which are open to the public and all members of the College community. In regards to the residence halls, please reference the College’s current policy and practice.

For a list of our Gender Inclusive Restrooms click here

Cedar Crest Student Health Insurance Coverage

Our current policy has limited transgender specific coverage. Please check the insurance plan specific information for details here. Before using this policy, please check the member-specific benefit plan document and any federal or state mandates, if applicable.

Gender Dysphoria Treatment: Student Insurance

Student Organization

OutThere (LGBT Student Organization)
The purpose of this organization shall be to bring awareness and offer support to those who identify as Gender and Sexually Diverse (GSD). Meetings are held bi-weekly (every other week), unless otherwise designated, with an advisor to discuss issues pertaining to social acceptances of daily life. We also strive to maintain an open, safe, and supportive environment at all times.

Education and Advocacy: We reach out to the community in an effort to provide information through programs, community services, and social activities. We also supply resources for enhancing personal awareness.

Email: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutThere

Student Support on Campus

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) supports Cedar Crest College’s diversity statement through its educational programming and services. The CDI will provide resources that foster awareness as well as empower students with knowledge, tools and experiences that promote global citizenship and a more inclusive campus. Finally, the CDI will advocate for our diverse student population.

Counseling Center

Local Resources

Lehigh Valley Renaissance: www.renaissancelv.org

Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center: www.bradburysullivancenter.org