LGBTQ on Campus for Students

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 Studentscan 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 on 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 Students is a 30-minute, online, interactive gatekeeper and cultural competence training simulation that teaches students and student leaders 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 a student and engage in three simulated experiences based on common challenges affecting LGBTQ students on college campuses as a result of unsupportive environments. Students learn how to (1) address discriminatory language or the expression of prejudiced ideologies, (2) respond supportively when a peer comes out as LGBTQ, and (3) approach and talk to peers who exhibit signs of psychological distress, including suicidal ideation, and refer them to appropriate support services.

Kognito LGBTQ on Campus for Studentsis 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

Students who complete the training will have increased knowledge of:

  1. Common warning signs that a peer may be suffering from psychological distress, including thoughts of suicide, and skills for approaching a peer to talk about these issues, including asking if the student is considering suicide.
  2. The experiences and challenges of LGBTQ college students and of common definitions for sexual orientation and gender identity.
  3. Techniques for responding to biased language on campus and for supporting LGBTQ peers.
  4. On-campus resources available to LGBTQ peers for support and community, such as LGBTQ clubs and the campus’s mental health services office, and skills for referring peers to these services.

Implementation Essentials

  • Colleges and universities that use Kognito LGBTQ on Campus for Students program should identify on- and off-campus resources for LGBTQ students and ensure make all 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.