Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts offers a rigorous undergraduate liberal arts and science education in a small intimate residential setting that includes a large and vibrant LGBTQ+ population. In fact, more than 1 in 3 students identified as LGBTQ+ on a recent campus climate survey (2019). In addition, the college is supportive of LGBTQ+ faculty and staff and many offices have allies who receive safe space training. The needs of the student community are supported by The Network for LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Support and Advocacy, a standing committee whose goal is to institutionalize an enhanced experience for LGBTQ+ students. The Network is an umbrella entity whose goal is to amplify and champion the work of our queer-centric students and student organizations and is comprised of students, staff, and faculty from all areas of campus who have a keen interest in serving as a leader in this area. Some members identify within the LGBTQ+ community, and some do not, but all members are vested in better serving our LGBTQ+ students. Any member of the Wheaton community who is well-versed in LGBTQ+ theory, struggles, and concerns are welcome to join the Network. Wheaton also offers a gender neutral campus housing policy and a theme house designed for students interested in living in an LGBTQ residential space that also provides a center for programming and advocacy. Academic areas also provide opportunities for focusing on LGBTQ issues through coursework and academic programs.
Colleges & Universities
The Campus Pride Index is an overall indicator of institutional commitment to LGBTQ-inclusive policy, program and practice. How is this calculated?
| Region: New England | |
| City/State: Norton, MA | |
| Locale: Small Town (10,000 to 25,000) | |
| Student Population (FTE): 1,700 | |
| In-State Tuition: $59,750.00 | |
| Out-of-State Tuition: $59,750.00 | |
| Institution Website: http://wheatoncollege.edu/ |
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Institution Type: |
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| Baccalaureate College/University Private Institution Liberal Arts College Residential Campus |
LGBTQ Student Opportunities
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Colleges and universities want LGBTQ students, faculty and staff to be out and proud as part of the diversity of the campus community. The Campus Pride Index provides campuses the opportunity to come out as LGBTQ-friendly and take responsibility for continually improving their LGBTQ campus climate.
The Campus Pride Index features LGBTQ student opportunities by highlighting the positive work within higher education across the country. Prospective students and families may choose the best LGBTQ campuses searching the tool based on area of study, cost, location, type of campus and LGBTQ-inclusive policy, programs and practice for their college search.
Reminder: Learn more by signing-up for FREE to participate in Campus Pride's LGBTQ-friendly National College Fair Program in eight different cities and the Campus Pride National Online College Fair.
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Commitment to LGBTQ Issues
Our Synopsis
The Network for LGBTQ+ Inclusion, Support and Advocacy accomplishes its goal of institutionalizing an enhanced experience for LGBTQ+ students by creating heightened visibility for the emerging concerns of our LGBTQ+ community, and provides coordinated support in response to them, in addition to generating relevant LGBTQ+ programming. Additionally, several student organizations focus on LGBTQ+ concerns. The Alliance seeks to promote equality and tolerance in the community and to create a safe space for students of any sexuality, orientation, or gender identity to be accepted as well as aim to educate about current LGBTQ issues. Queer and Trans Students of Color provides a space for LGBTQIA and students of color to mobilize politically, interact socially and educate each other about the intersection of race, gender, sex, and sexuality. A number of academic areas offer courses that examine issues of identity and sexuality. Students who want to explore these in an interdisciplinary manner can design their own major or tailor the existing Women and Gender Studies major. A minor in women and gender studies or a connection in sexuality are also available for interested students. Prior to graduation, LGBTQ students are brought together to celebrate their accomplishments at the annual Lavender Ceremony. LGBTQ alumni are invited to network and stay connected to Wheaton through the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender alumni group.
Featured Quotes
Why you'll love Wheaton College
"I was openly transgender since my very first year at Wheaton College. Wheaton has a very strong network of faculty and peers who are supportive and ready to help students who identify as LGBTQ+. QTPOC, SAFE Haüs, Alliance, and the Base are all wonderful places LGBTQ+ identifying students can go to find community and support."
— Anonymous
Highlights & Organizations
Upcoming events
8/23/2023
Open Pride | Early Arrival Program
5/18/2022
Lavender Graduation
10/1/2023
LGBTQ+ History Month (Month-Long Series of Events)
4/22/2023
LGBTQ+ Takeover (Week-Long Series of Events and Collaborations)
Admissions
Admissions Office
Wheaton College Admissions Office
Wanda Suriel
Wheaton College
26 East Main Street
Norton, MA 02766
Phone: 508-286-8251
Website: https://wheatoncollege.edu/admission/
Admission Application Deadline:
https://wheatoncollege.edu/adm
Overall Campus Pride Index Score
The Campus Pride Index has a strong theoretical research foundation in LGBTQ current programs, practices and policies for safer, more inclusive campus learning environments. The index tool has been tested extensively since 2001 and recently updated with new, higher LGBTQ national benchmarks in 2015.
The Campus Pride Index is a vital tool for assisting campuses in learning ways to improve their LGBTQ campus life and ultimately shape the educational experience to be more inclusive, welcoming and respectful of LGBTQ and ally people. The index is owned and operated by Campus Pride, the leading national nonprofit organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create safer, more LGBTQ-Friendly learning environments at colleges and universities. Campus Pride commends the campuses participating in the index and their willingness to come out, be visible and actively advocate for improving higher education for LGBTQ people.
Note: Prospective students and families are strongly encouraged to research current state laws for any college/university you are considering. The Campus Pride Index is updated annually and only measures current campus policies, programs and practices. Find information about state laws targeting the LGBTQ+ population on the Movement Advancement Project’s Equality Maps at lgbtmap.org/equality-maps.
Wheaton College
LGBTQ-friendly break-down by inclusion factors
| Sexual Orientation Score | 5 of 5 |
| Gender Identity/Expression Score | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Policy Inclusion | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Support & Institutional Commitment | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Academic Life | 4 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Student Life | 4.5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Housing & Residence Life | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Campus Safety | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Counseling & Health | 5 of 5 |
| LGBTQ Recruitment & Retention Efforts | 4.5 of 5 |
| Sections greyed out mean the campus does not offer those services | |
LGBTQ-Friendly Report Card
LGBTQ Policy Inclusion
| Non-discrimination statement inclusive of sexual orientation | |
| Non-discrimination statement inclusive of gender identity/expression | |
| Health insurance coverage to employees’ same sex partner | |
| Accessible, simple process for students to change their name on university records and documents | |
| Accessible, simple process for students to change their gender identity on university records and documents | |
| Students have option to self-identify sexual orientation on admission application or post enrollment forms | |
| Students have option to self-identify gender identity/expression on admission application or post enrollment forms |
LGBTQ Support & Institutional Commitment
| Resource center/office with responsibilities for LGBTQ students | |
| Paid staff with responsibilities for LGBTQ support services | |
| Ally program or Safe Space/Safe Zone | |
| Actively seek to employ diversity of faculty & staff including visible, out LGBTQ people | |
| Standing advisory committee that deals with LGBTQ issues | |
| LGBTQ alumni group |
LGBTQ Academic Life
| LGBTQ studies program | |
| LGBTQ specific course offerings | |
| Actively recruit faculty for LGBTQ-related academic scholarship | |
| New faculty/staff training opportunities on sexual orientation issues | |
| New faculty/staff training opportunities on gender identity issues | |
| LGBTQ faculty/staff organization |
LGBTQ Student Life
| LGBTQ & Ally student organization | |
| LGBTQ & Ally graduate student organization | |
| LGBTQ social fraternity/sorority | |
| Regularly plans LGBTQ social activities | |
| Regularly plans educational events on transgender issues | |
| Regularly offers educational events surrounding intersectionality of identities for LGBTQ people | |
| LGBTQ-inclusive career services |
LGBTQ Housing & Residence Life
| LGBTQ living space, theme floors and/or living-learning community | |
| Roommate matching for LGBTQ students to find LGBTQ-friendly roommate | |
| Gender-inclusive housing for new students | |
| Gender-inclusive housing for returning students | |
| Gender-inclusive/single occupancy restroom facilities in campus housing | |
| Gender-inclusive/single occupancy shower facilities in campus housing | |
| Trains residence life and housing staff at all levels on LGBTQ issues and concerns |
LGBTQ Campus Safety
| Procedure for reporting LGBTQ related bias incidents and hate crimes | |
| Active ongoing training for hate crime prevention | |
| Active outreach to LGBTQ students and student organization | |
| Trains campus police on sexual orientation issues | |
| Trains campus police on gender identity/expression issues | |
| Supports victims of LGBTQ sexual violence and partner violence |
LGBTQ Counseling & Health
| LGBTQ counseling/support groups | |
| Trans-inclusive trained counseling staff | |
| Free, anonymous and accessible HIV/STI testing | |
| LGBTQ-inclusive health information and safer sex materials available | |
| Trans-inclusive student health insurance policy which covers ongoing counseling services | |
| Trans-inclusive student health insurance policy which covers hormone replacement therapy |
LGBTQ Recruitment & Retention
| Annually participates in LGBTQ admission fairs | |
| LGBTQ student scholarships | |
| LGBTQ mentoring program to welcome and assist LGBTQ students in transitioning to academic and college life | |
| Special Lavender or Rainbow Graduation ceremony for LGBTQ students and allies | |
| Admission counselors receive LGBTQ-inclusive training and resources |
