Letter of Support in Response to COVID-19 from the CSUN LGBTQ Advisory Committee

The CSUN LGBTQ Advisory Committee serves the University on matters pertaining to the effective delivery of programs and services to the LGBTQ community at California State University, Northridge. In an effort to support our students during this time, we are reaching out to express our commitment in responding to your needs. In the past month, we’ve seen the LGBTQ community come together in innovative ways to support one another.

Although all of our members are working remotely, we are working diligently to provide the best environment for CSUN students to be successful. As President Harrison shared in her campus communication on April 10, 2020, we hope that while you may be physically distancing to protect yourself and others, you continue to socially connect, including with us!

We acknowledge that uncertainty and fear of COVID-19 can add additional and heightened stress levels for so many students, families, and communities; especially those who do not have a safe and supportive space to be themselves. We see you and hear you.

Below is a list of resources that can assist you during this time:

On-Campus Resources

Academic & Social Support

Find the latest up-to-date information and resources for CSUN students on this page: www.csun.edu/covid-19/covid-19-information-students

Campus Device Loaner Program

You can still access numerous resources to supplement your education and help you in your coursework. The Learning Resource Center, Oviatt Library and Information Technology are just a few of the CSUN areas that have moved resources online to enhance your learning under virtual instruction. For students who are in need of reliable technology, CSUN expanded our device loaner program and are now distributing laptops, internet hotspots and webcams through the CSUN Campus Store (Bookstore).

Undergraduate Grading Options (Please see President Harrison Email on 4/3)

As a result of the COVID-19 disruption to Spring 2020, beginning April 8, undergraduate students can select an alternate grade option for each class in which they are currently enrolled. Students may remain in the current grading mode by taking no action. Alternately, students may opt into one of two alternate grading modes for each course:

(1) Letter Grade of A through C or No Credit (NC); and
(2) Credit or No Credit (CR/NC).

Please be aware that some classes require a minimum letter grade of C to count for major credit, and graduate level prerequisites may have higher minimums. The alternate option (1) Letter Grade of A through C or No Credit should be considered for majors with grade requirements and prerequisites. All transcripts will include a notation regarding COVID-19 and Spring 2020 grading.

Students are strongly encouraged to consider all implications before switching to Credit/No Credit (CR/NC). Please review the Grade Option FAQs for information on the grading options, limitations and directions for making these changes. Student athletes, veterans, students on academic probation, and international students should contact their academic advisor, Admissions and Records, and/or sponsoring agency before making any changes to the basis of grading. The deadline for making any grade option change is May 1, 2020.

MataCare Grant

Students can apply for a MataCare Emergency Grant online through May 6. The MataCare Grant helps students with unexpected urgent financial needs. The MataCare Grant Fund was established through generous contributions from alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of the university who want to assist in removing unanticipated financial roadblocks to student degree completion and wellbeing. The Grant is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.

Pride Center

The Pride Center of the University Student Union offers the LGBTQIA+ community and all CSUN students the opportunity to connect to the virtual resources and services that are available to you now.

Virtual Pride Center
Monday – Friday
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Via Zoom (Meeting ID 316-032-342)

Programs are still ongoing in virtual platforms. For more information, visit www.csun.edu/pride or call at 818-677-4355 anytime Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

CSUN Pride United

CSUN’s Pride United that is hosting their LGBTQIA+ support groups and workshops via Zoom. Students can RSVP at no cost by emailing pride@strengthunited.org or by using the link pridetalkseries.eventbrite.com.

Queer Studies

Queer Studies at CSUN provides an academic home for those who wish to study the intellectual, cultural and material conditions that have shaped our current understandings of sexuality and gender variation as well as for those who wish to generate new, resistant theories and practices. To contact the department please email Dr. Sheena Malhotra at sheena.malhotra@csun.edu

Scholarships

There are many CSUN scholarships available to students. Visit the CSUN Scholarship page for all scholarships. The following two awards are specifically for LGBTQ students:

Michael Ruvo and Stephen M. Lachs Scholarship
The Michael Ruvo and Stephen M. Lachs Scholarship will support students who have demonstrated leadership and support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ (LGBTQ+) communities. The scholarship will be awarded to students enrolled at CSUN in any academic discipline. Students must have demonstrated financial need, be in good academic standing, and have a commitment or involvement in organizations, programs, or initiatives that promote diversity, inclusion, and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Further, the award recipients must demonstrate leadership, scholastic achievement, and participation in extracurricular activities.
Due Thursday, April 30.

Wong-Sayaman Equality Award
The Wong-Sayaman Equality Award is offered through the Queer Studies Program at California State University, Northridge. Ronora W. Sayaman is a CSUN alumnus working in the private sector, who wishes to provide support to students from any academic major who are committed to a leadership role in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities.
Due Monday, April 20.

University Counseling Services

University Counseling Services (www.csun.edu/counseling). Students may experience, for example, an increase in stress, anxiety, worry, and/or frustration. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. As increases in social distancing occurs and students spend less time on campus and in social circles, students may find themselves feeling lonely, sad, and/or down. We encourage you to seek out social support and utilize resources to help you cope during this time. The following are a variety of resources you might find helpful through UCS.

• (818) 677-2366 (Option 1) — during office hours (Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
• (818) 677-2366 (Option 3) — after hours, urgent care assistance

Off-Campus Resources

We recognize that there are a lot of great LGBTQIA+ organizations to support students during this difficult time. Below is a list of some local and national organizations that students can connect to:

Campus Pride

Campus Pride represents the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBTQ students. Visit their website to learn about virtual programming and support for LGBTQ students amidst COVID-19. Email: info@campuspride.org.

Los Angeles LGBT Center

Since 1969 the Los Angeles LGBT Center has cared for, championed and celebrated LGBT individuals and families in Los Angeles and beyond. Today the Center’s nearly 700 employees provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world, offering programs, services and global advocacy that span four broad categories: Health, Social Services and Housing, Culture and Education, Leadership and Advocacy. Learn more about services amidst COVID-19 at lgbtnewsnow.org/stay-informed-stay-healthy.

Penny Lane Center

Penny Lane Center’s Embracing Identities program is designed to help meet the needs of LGBTQI2-S Transitional Age Youth (TAY) population (16–25 years old). The program provides support/informational groups for TAY and caregivers and links TAY to resources that are accepting of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions. Email: SuGomez@pennylane.org.

Somos Familia Valle

Somos Familia Valle is a local San Fernando Valley community organization led by trans queer people of color dedicated to support, empower, train, and mobilize trans and queer people, immigrants, our families, and allies for racial, gender, environmental, and economic justice. Visit their website for more information and to learn about virtual programs. Email: info@somosfamiliavalle.org.

Trevor Project

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ young people under 25.

• TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386 (24-hour hotline)
• TrevorText: Text START to 678678 (24-hour textline)

Trans Lifeline

Trans Lifeline is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to the community, support, and resources they need to survive and thrive.

• 24-hour hotline: 1-877-565-8860

Tarzana Treatment Center: We Exist Program

We Exist is a Los Angeles County DMH-funded program dedicated to expanding access and improving services for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex, and Two Spirit (LGBTQI2-S)
transition age youth ages 16-25 and their families/caregivers.

• (818) 527-6265 | Email: WeExist@tarzanatc.org

If you want to reach the LGBTQ Advisory Committee, you can email Dr. Freddie Sanchez (Chair) at freddie.sanchez@csun.edu.

Stay Safe & Healthy!

CSUN LGBTQ Advisory Committee!