August 2, 2006 – The Advocate College Guide for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) Students has announced its list of 100 best campuses for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students. The University of Utah (the U) joins Cornell, University of Arizona, University of Oregon, MIT, Ohio State, UC Boulder, Colorado State, Northwestern and Princeton on that list.

According to the U’s LGBT director Charles Milne, “The acknowledgement of the University of Utah as one of the top 100 LGBT-friendly campuses recognizes the 35+ years of advocacy work by students, faculty and staff to create inclusion, equality and safe places for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.” Milne added, “While we still have much to accomplish, the LGBT and ally communities have made many strides forward.”

The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students profiles 100 colleges and universities across the country that offer resources and create a positive living and learning environment for LGBT students. The 100 campuses listed were selected from 680 that were nominated, based on institutional policies, commitment and support, academic life, housing, student life, counseling and health services, campus safety, and recruitment and retention efforts.

“We are pleased the University community is being recognized as a productive and safe learning environment for individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds,” said Stayner Landward, U dean of students. “We congratulate the U”s LGBT office for its efforts to help us provide a welcoming experience for all our students, faculty and staff.”

Individual campus profiles in the guide include information on size, tuition, admission application deadlines, gay-affirmative policies, events, LGBT student groups and other resources. For further information about the study or The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students, visit http://www.campuspride.net/. To find out more about the U’s LGBT Resource Center contact Charles Milne at 801-587-7973 or cmilne@sa.utah.edu.