Potter, Kailee M.
Abstract:
“Literature from the past two decades demonstrated that the academic community has been inhospitable, and even hostile, toward its GLBT members” (Rankin, 2003, p. 38). Limited research has explored campus climate for the LGBTQ community. Almost nonexistent is research related to campus climate for transgender individuals. This study was designed to explore the experiences and perceptions of student affairs personnel in Kansas public and private higher education institutions about support initiatives provided to transgender undergraduate students. Nine student affairs professionals from public and private institutions in Kansas participated in this study. Six were from public institutions and three from private. Seven themes were identified as a result of the data analysis: campus climate is viewed as challenging by student affairs personnel; campus climate ranges from good to unwelcoming for transgender undergraduate students; reports of threats, violence, and discrimination vary by campus; services and supports to meet the needs of transgender students vary; unmet needs; student affairs professionals would like to see more actions, supports and services; and added supports, services, and actions would have a positive impact on campus climate. While research has begun to increase understanding about experiences, implementation of programs, and documentation of progress related to campus climate for undergraduate transgender students, there is still a need for additional study of this population on college campuses.