Enhancing LGBTQ+ Inclusive Campus Climate: A discussion of impactful practices

Will Sherry

Presented by Will Sherry (he/him/his), Director of Spectrum Center, U-M.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in May, the University of Michigan Spectrum Center was established in 1971 as the first center in higher education to support LGBTQ+ students on campus.

In this session, the Center’s director, Will Sherry, will examine impactful practices at individual, community, and policy levels that can be taken by units and departments to enhance LGBTQ+ diversity, equity and inclusion. We will discuss these as well as common roadblocks to change and share resources to support actions that enhance LGBTQ+ inclusion and belonging.  

At Michigan Engineering, the job of creating a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community rests not within one organization or group of people, but with all of us. Only in this way can we move the field toward an equity-centered future. Equity-centered engineering is a guiding philosophy at the College that seeks to approach engineering with an intent to close—rather than unintentionally expand—societal gaps.

Transcript for Enhancing LGBTQ+ inclusive campus climate

About Will Sherry:

Will Sherry (he/him/his) is a student affairs social worker committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within organizations and institutions. Will currently holds a dual role as Director of Spectrum Center and Interim Director of Strategic Initiatives for Student Life at the University of Michigan. In these roles Will serves as an institutional thought-leader, strategic planner, communicator, and consultant in creating an inclusive campus climate. Will is a 2007 graduate of the University of Michigan School of Social Work and a 2005 graduate of the College of Wooster.