LGBTQ on Campus for Faculty and Staff

2014

(For resources, this is the publication date. For programs, this is the date posted.)

Information

Program/Practice
Kognito Interactive

Kognito LGBTQ on Campus for Faculty and Staffcan be purchased through institution-wide licensing agreements. The cost of the program depends on the size of the purchasing institution and the length of the license. Quotes are available upon request. Training for course administrators is included in the institutional licensing package. Individual licenses are also available, with volume discounts for the purchase of 100 or more individual licenses.

See This Resource

Website: www.kognito.com

Kognito LGBTQ on Campus for Faculty and Staff is a 30-minute, online, interactive gatekeeper and cultural competency training simulation that teaches faculty and staff at institutions of higher education how to contribute to a safer and more supportive campus environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) students. During the training, users assume the role of faculty and staff members and engage in three simulated experiences with emotionally responsive student avatars to gain practice in (1) addressing discriminatory language, (2) respectfully handling LGBTQ-related issues, and (3) talking with students who are exhibiting signs of psychological distress, including suicidal ideation, and making effective referrals to appropriate support services.

The program is a project of The Trevor Project and Campus Pride. It was developed by Kognito Interactive with input from experts in mental health, crisis intervention and suicide prevention, LGBTQ issues, and campus life from organizations such as The Trevor Project, Campus Pride, and the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). Kognito also conducted several face-to-face focus groups and one-on-one interviews with LGBTQ students and college faculty and staff as part of the development process.

Program Objectives

After completing the training, college faculty and staff will have increased knowledge of:

  1. Common warning signs that a student may be suffering from psychological distress, including thoughts of suicide, and skills for approaching a student to talk about these issues, including asking if the student is considering suicide.
  2. How to build a community of respect and inclusion for all students—especially LGBTQ students.
  3. Common definitions for sexual orientation and gender identity and ability to promote an awareness of the number of students who may be LGBTQ.
  4. Resources and referral points for LGBTQ students, and effective tactics for making such referrals.
  5. Skills for conducting conversations with students regarding sexual orientation and gender identity.
  6. Skills in mediating situations in which discriminatory language is used or prejudiced ideology is expressed.

Implementation Essentials

  • Colleges and universities that use Kognito LGBTQ on Campus for Faculty and Staff should identify on- and off-campus resources for LGBTQ students, and make program participants aware of these resources.

2012 NSSP Objectives Addressed: 

Objective 5.3: Intervene to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in populations with suicide risk.

Objective 7.1: Provide training on suicide prevention to community groups that have a role in the prevention of suicide and related behaviors.