Student Diversity and Inclusion

Resources at Columbia

• Bathrooms

  Columbia has a handful, wheelchair accessible, all gender restrooms and restrooms with menstrual products avaliable.

  (*Not wheelchair accesible)

  (Menstrual products avaliable on all first floors)

  • 33 E. Ida B. Wells Dirive: floors 1, 5* 
  • 72 E 11th St. / Getz Theather Center: floor 1 
  • 600 S. Michcigan Ave. / Alexandroff Campus Center: floor 4 (Men & Women)
  • 618 S. Michigan Ave: floors 1, 3, 4 , 5, 9 
  • 619 S. Wabash Ave: floor 2* 

  • 623 S. Wabash Ave: floor 1 
  • 624 S. Michigan Ave: floor 4
  • 754 S. Wabash Ave. / Student Center: floors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 
  • 916 S. Wabash Ave: floors 1, 2, 3, 4
  • 1014 S Michigan Ave. / Music Center: floor 1 (Men & Women)
  • 1104 S. Wabash Ave: floor 1*
  • 1306 S Michigan Ave. / The Dance Center: floor 3
  • 1312 S Michigan Ave. / Sherwood Community Music School: floor 1 (Men & Women)
  • 1600 S. State St. / Media Production Center: floor 1

• Center for Student Wellbeing

  The Center for Student Wellbeing is a space-driven, integrated mental health model that services students through a variety of rapid intervention services. They are here to support any student interested in seeking mental health resources and connecting them with providers both on and off-campus. Their goal is to create a supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

  Click here for more information

• Services for Students with Disabilities

  Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) is dedicated to providing students with documented disabilities full access to the College’s educational programs, activities, and facilities. Accommodations are determined through an interactive process. They are intended to level the playing field for students with disabilities, while maintaining the integrity and standards of the College’s academic programs.    

  Through education, collaboration, and advocacy, SSD’s goals are to:   

  Provide the most integrated and appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities.    

  Equip students with the confidence and skills to become empowered members of their communities.   

  Serve as a central resource for students with disabilities and the entire College community.

  For more information, visit the SSD website https://students.colum.edu/ssd/, stop in the office at 623 Wabash, Suite 311, email ssd@colum.edu or call 312 369-8296. 

• Student Engagement & Leadership

  Whether you’re brand new or a continuing student, you can find Columbia students for mutual support through student organizations. With 40+ student organizations including a number of cultural and identity based student organizations.

  Click here for more information

• Reading Resources
  The Library & Archive located at 624 S. Michigan Ave holds a plethora of books, movies, and magazines with information on LGBTQ topics which can be found in the curated database here: libguides.colum.edu/lgbtqThe Library & Archive located at 624 S. Michigan Ave holds a plethora of books, movies, and magazines with information on LGBTQ topics which can be found in the curated database here: libguides.colum.edu/lgbtq
• Gender Inclusive Resources

  GENDER INCLUSIVE HOUSING

  Columbia offers optional Gender Inclusive Housing (GIH). This means that we do not categorize students by gender or legal sex who apply for this program. However, this option is inclusive to all, and while it seeks to benefit and comfort our trans/gender non-conforming students, it is not exclusively available to them.

  Click here for more information

  GENDER INCLUSIVE RESOURCES

  Columbia College Chicago strives to create and promote a campus community that is inclusive and affirming of individuals of all gender identities/expressions and sexualities.

  First Name Change

  Columbia College Chicago recognizes that many members of our community use names other than their legal names to identify themselves. For many of our students, a first name is an important part of their identity.

  If you enter a new first name in this field, Columbia will make every effort to ensure that this name appears in your student records wherever we are able to do so. This will include your Columbia email address, the college’s learning management system, and class rosters.

  Please understand that the college is required to keep documents related to financial aid, and official academic transcripts, under your full legal name.

  Please visit the MyColumbia portal to begin the process. Click on "Change My First Name" in the My Profile section of the MyColumbia tab. You will receive a notification in your portal once your request has been reviewed and processed. After you have been notified of the change, please contact Columbia Central at ColumbiaCentral@colum.edu to request a card with your updated name.

  Guide to Pronoun Use

  With any person you meet, in addition to asking their name, we recommend asking their preferred pronouns. Someone’s preferred pronouns are how they would like to be referenced in conversation. For example, you would ask a student their preferred pronouns, or what pronouns they use.

  If the student says, “I use they/them pronouns” you can solidify that in your mind the same way you would remember their name. They and them, or the less common gender-neutral pronoun ze, are pretty easy to use once you understand the basics. They/them/theirs: They are going somewhere. I have a gift for them. This jacket is theirs. Ze/hir/hirs: “Ze is a writer and wrote that book hirself. Those ideas are hirs.” Ze/zir/zirs pronouns: “Ze is a writer and wrote that book zirself. Those ideas are zirs.”

  Pronunciation: Please note that “ze” is usually pronounced with a long “e” and that “hir” and its forms are usually pronounced like the English word “here.” Instead of ze/hir pronouns, some people go by "ze/zir" pronouns because of the more consistent pronunciation and spelling.

  For more information: www.mypronouns.org/how.

  Addressing Trans People

  Address any person by the name and pronouns they wish to be called. Ask their name and pronouns, and follow those regardless of what you expected.

  Here are some guidelines for not disrespecting trans people: Don’t ask their “real/birth/legal name.” They will tell you if they want to share it at all (many people don’t). Don’t ask them to categorize themselves by their sex, or assigned gender.

  Offer a third option (preferred) and/or allow them to choose which side they would rather identify with. If you mistake someone’s pronouns or name, it isn’t good, but it isn’t the end of the world either. Apologize clearly, correct yourself, and move on.

  The person in question shouldn’t feel obligated to comfort you over your mistake. For example: “I don’t know if she- I’m sorry, they, can make it tonight.” For more information: www.mypronouns.org/mistakes.

  Pronouns & Gender Identity on MyColumbia

  Students can now share their pronouns and gender identity in MyColumbia. Faculty teaching your classes, advisors, and other college staff will be able to see your pronouns in the portal, informing how they should address you in emails and in-person interactions.

  Your pronouns will also be visible to your instructors and fellow students in Canvas. Your gender identity will not be visible to others, but information you share will help us better understand and support your student success.

  How to Change Your Pronouns or Gender Identity: If you wish to change your pronouns or gender identity, this guide will show you how to do it. You can change your pronouns or gender identity at any time, and you can always choose to un-share if you wish. You are not required to select your pronouns or gender identity in MyColumbia.

  Columbia College Chicago takes great pride in the diverse, creative student body that chooses us as their educational home. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive campus environment in which all students feel safe and respected. We will continue to use your student feedback to proactively update our administrative databases to better reflect our Columbia community.

City Support & Resources

• Name Change

  On the last Friday of each month, Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois hosts a legal name change mobilization event. This takes place 9:00am – 3:00 pm in room 1202 of the Daley Center, located at 50 W Washington, Chicago, IL 60602. To learn more about this process, visit: tjlp.org/services/name-change-mobilization/

• Personal Health & Safety

  We understand that not all healthcare services cater to the safety and comfort of LGBTQ+ people. Here are some that do:


  • Howard Brown Health - https://howardbrown.org/patient-resources/
    
    • Howard Brown is a dedicated network of clinics that offers sexual, behavioral, and physical health care to the LGBTQ+ community. Their appointments are sliding-scale priced, and their website offers information on a range of topics such as STI screenings, informed consent hormone treatment, and mental health counseling.

  • Planned Parenthood - https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-illinois/patient-resources. A full list of services can be found at the link above.

  The Trevor Project (866-4U-TREVOR)

  • • The sole national organization with a 24-hour hotline focused on suicide prevention among LGBTQIA youth.

  Trans LifeLine (877-565-8860)

  • • Trans LifeLine is a hotline staffed by transgender people for transgender people, ready to respond to whatever support need members of our community might have.
• STI & HIV Screening and Information

  If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms or fear of STIs or HIV, you are not alone. Outside of the stigma around having these illnesses, plenty of resources exist to treat and support those living with HIV, AIDS, or STIs, including but not limited to:
 gettested.cdc.gov/