History & Structure

The following are questions often asked about the LGBT Resource Center's history, structure, and resources:
What is the current staffing of the LGBTRC?
  • Director (Student Affairs Officer IV), full-time, 12-month
  • Assistant Director (Student Affairs Officer II), full-time, 12-month
  • Office Manager (Administrative Assistant II), full-time, 11-month, 50% with LGBTRC
  • Student Assistant hours, varies
What is the staffing history of the LGBTRC?
  • Steven Shum (Director) was hired in January 1993 as a part-time, 9-month Student Affairs Officer I.
  • Student staff kept the center open in Summer/Fall 1996.
  • Maggie Hawkins (Director) was hired in January 1997 as a full-time, 11-month SAO II.
  • Mark Dunn (Office Manager) was hired in 1999 as a part-time, 9-month Sr. Clerk/Secretary. He is now a full-time, 11-month Administrative Assistant II. In 2007, his duties were split 50-50 between the LGBTRC and the Women's Resource center.
  • Nancy Tubbs (Director) was hired in January 2000 as a full-time, 11-month SAO III. She is now a full-time, 12-month SAO IV.
  • Christina Gonzalez (Assistant Director) was hired in October 2002 as a full-time, 9-month SAO I with temporary funds.
  • Eli Green and Eric Peterson (Program Coordinators) were hired in Fall 2003 as part-time, temporary SAO I employees.
  • Jami Grosser (Assistant Director) was hired in September 2004 as a full-time, 12-month SAO I. She is now a full-time, 12 month SAO II.
How many rooms are included in the LGBTRC, and how are they divided up?

The LGBTRC includes a Lounge, Library, CyberCenter, Kitchen/Meeting Rm, Workroom, and staff offices for the Director and Asst. Director.

How is the LGBTRC funded?

Student registration fees fund the LGBTRC. The Director submits a budget request annually to the University "RegFee Committee." The 2007-2008 non-salary permanent budget totals $22,700. The LGBTRC also funds a full-time, 12-month Director (Student Affairs Officer IV); a full-time, 12-month Assistant Director (Student Affairs Officer II); full-time, 11-month, 50% time with LGBTRC Office Manager (Administrative Assistant II), and student assistant hours.

Where in the administrative structure of your institution is the LGBTRC located?

The LGBTRC is a free-standing unit within the Division of Student Affairs lSee Organization Chart]. Other student services departments in the Division include African Student Programs, Asian Pacific Student Programs, Chicano Student Programs, Native American Student Programs, Women's Resource Center, and Student Life.

What is the job title of the administrator to whom the LGBTRC directly reports?

Assistant Dean of Students

How did the LGBTRC come into existence?

The LGBTRC became the first professionally-staffed campus office of LGBT resources in the state of California in 1993. The establishment of the center was a primary goal of the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on the Status of LGBT's (CAC), a committee of staff, faculty, students (both LGBT and straight allies).

The CAC first requested a physical meeting space, but rooms were hard to come by on the UCR campus. The CAC met with Enrollment Vice Chancellor Fleisher who, with the support of Chancellor Schraer, agreed to provide a space on campus in 1992.

The first room was in an abandoned corridor of a residence hall. Meetings were held in the space, but it wasn't a fully-functioning center yet. The CAC next worked on hiring a Director. The LGBTRC opened up in the Commons in January 1993 with Steven Shum as Director.

The center was located at 228 Costo Hall (245 sq ft), an office space between Chicano Student Programs and Native American Student Programs. The center moved to 250 Costo Hall (540 sq ft) in 1995. In 2007, the center moved to its current location at 245 Costo Hall (1200 sq ft).

Throughout the campaign to establish the center, the CAC received support from the Women's Resource Center. The Commons Board was also supportive. Students wanted a center on the UCR campus, and the CAC made it happen.

What is the LGBTRC's target audience?

The LGBTRC primarily serves students, both undergraduate and graduate. However, networking between staff, faculty, and students allows the LGBTRC to bring together the entire LGBT campus community. ALL students, including straight-identified students, are encouraged to use LGBTRC resources such as the Lending Library. The Allies program provides a way for the campus community to create "safe space" for anyone dealing with sexual orientation or gender identity issues. The LGBTRC also provides resources and referrals to the off-campus community, and offers educational presentations to area high schools and organizations.

What is the relationship between the LGBTRC and student organizations?

Student groups such as Queer Alliance and Queer Conference Committee are University-recognized student groups that receive funding from ASUCR, the campus student government. These student groups have used various advisors, including the LGBTRC director. They often meet in the LGBTRC space. The LGBTRC works with student groups to promote and organize campus-wide events such as Pride Week. Queer Alliance pre-dates the existance of the LGBTRC. QPOC Student Group organized in 2007, but is not yet ASUCR-recognized.

Grrrl Talk, Guy Talk, QPOC, and Fluidity are projects of the LGBTRC. These groups meet after 5pm at the center and provide a safe space for students to gather. The groups are not recognized officially by the University. LGBTRC and Counseling Center staff facilitate meetings. In the past, LGBTRC student assistants have also facilitated meetings. Past groups include Queer Asian Discussion (QuAD), Bi Talk, and Leather Life.

A Trans Group began meeting informally within the LGBTRC in 2007.

Does the LGBTRC consult with an advisory board?

No, the LGBTRC does not have an advisory board. However, the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on the Status of LGBT's (CAC) provides support to the LGBTRC and is a vehicle for staff, faculty, and students to address campus-wide issues.