Faculty/Staff Organization: LGBTQIA+ University Caucus
Description
The LGBTQIA+ University Caucus is comprised of faculty and staff that work in solidarity to create a safer and more
equitable campus climate for trans and queer people.
If you have an issue of concern that you would like to bring to the attention of the
Caucus, please send us an email If you are interested in LGBTQAI+ University Caucus, please reach out
The mission of the LGBTQIA+ University Caucus is to promote the equity, empowerment,
and success of LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff by fostering a safe campus environment;
developing, suggesting, and supporting inclusive policies and curriculum; supporting
LGBTQIA+ recruitment and retention initiatives; and promoting social and educational
opportunities to meaningfully engage with the University community.
| Name |
Pronouns |
Role |
College/ Department/ Office |
Position |
Term |
| Meg Panichelli |
She/Her |
Co-Chairperson, Faculty |
Undergraduate Social Work |
Assistant Professor |
2023-2025 |
| Beth Shearn |
She/Her |
Co-Chairperson, Staff |
Academic & Enterprise Systems |
Academic Systems Training Manager |
2022-2024 |
The committee is charged with the following functions:
- Identify LGBTQA equity issues
- Work with appropriate campus agencies to create a safe campus for LGBTQA people
- Suggest, develop and implement educational programs
- Promote an awareness and understanding of LGBTQA issues
- Explore the possibilities of curriculum of LGBTQA issues
The caucus will make recommendations to appropriate channels within the University
when concerns arise regarding these areas. These functions are in keeping with and
enhancing the mission of West Chester University.
LGBTQIA+ University Caucus
Student Organization: Sexuality and Gender Alliance, SAGA
SAGA meets are held on Wednesdays, 4:30pm - 5:30 pm, in Sykes 209
Please note: Our meetings are open to all who wish to participate both educationally
and socially in a dedicated safe space. These meetings are not open for students who
are fulfilling academic or paraprofessional requirements! Please contact us directly and we can direct you to specific programs or trainings that would be more
appropriate.
Visit our website!
Visit us in Sykes Student Union, room 220. The office sits in the back left corner
of the CSI (Center for Student Involvement) on the second floor.
The Speakout Program, now run by SAGA, is an opportunity for West Chester University's
trans and queer students to share their coming out stories with their peers. To become
a Speakout panelist, please contact SAGA directly by emailing them SAGA@wcupa.edu. An email regarding training for this will be sent out shortly. Please email SAGA@wcupa.edu with any additional questions.
Shades of the Rainbow
Shades of the Rainbow is a group that offers connection, support and community for
queer and trans students of color. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 4pm-5pm. If you
are interested in learning more about this group, please contact SAGA@wcupa.edu for more information.
T-Time
T-Time is a closed discussion and support group for trans and non-binary identifying
students. We meet once a week in Sykes Student Union. For more information about this
group, contact SAGA@wcupa.edu to learn more.
SAGA's RamConnect Page
Student Organization: Gender Studies Club
Gender Studies Club is a student led organization dedicate to creating conversations
around gender for social change, although membership is not necessarily limited to
Women’s and Gender Studies majors or minors; it is this club’s intent to be a visible
group of committed feminists who share a common vision of equality of treatment regardless
of gender identity, race, or sexuality. Gender Studies Club offers a variety of gender-informative
programming to the West Chester University community each fall and spring.
- Educational biweekly meetings.
- Various fundraisers where 100% proceeds go towards differing charities (ex. The Trevor
Project, WCDV, and more).
- Guest speakers.
- Game and movie nights.
President: Theodore Schaefer (he/they)
Vice-President: Kathryn Griffin (she/they)
Treasurer: Salleemae Chan (she/her)
Secretary: Ohanna Cadet (she/her)
Social Media Chair: Mars Libenson (they/them)
Meeting dates and locations for the 2024-2025 academic year are still in the process
of being finalized, but people reach out to wcuGSC@gmail.com , if you have any question!
Gender Studies Club RamConnect Page
Student Organization: Out in Stem (oSTEM)
Out in STEM (oSTEM) is an international, professional organization whose mission is
to empower LGBTQ+ people in STEM fields to succeed academically, professionally, and
personally by cultivating unique, safe, uplifting spaces in campus communities that
nurture innovation, leadership, and advocacy.
Benefits to joining oSTEM
- Have access to oSTEM national pre-professional resources
- Present/attend the annual, national oSTEM conference
- Join an LGBTQIA+ safe space community!
- Learn from our wise Dr. Ganas (advisor)
- Ability to run and vote for leadership positions
- Having fun!
President: Robbie Witikko
Vice President: Judy Ipock
Treasurer: Tyler Vidal
Secretary: Samantha Speakman-Viggiano
Social Media Chair: Faith Owen
Advisor: Dr. Ganas
Out in STEM's RamConnect Page
