Being LGBTQIA+ at Stockton
Find Your Community. Explore Your Identity. Be Yourself.
At Stockton University, we recognize and celebrate the diversity of sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions within our campus community.
Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, or another identity within the LGBTQIA+ community, there are opportunities to connect with others, access resources, and participate in campus life.
Exploring your identity is a personal experience, and everyone deserves access to information, community, and support along the way.
From student organizations and campus programs to gender-inclusive housing and counseling services, Stockton offers resources to help LGBTQIA+ students navigate their college experience.
Find Your Community
LGBTQIA+ & Allied Student Organizations
Looking to meet other students, get involved in advocacy, or build community?
Stockton has student organizations dedicated to LGBTQIA+ experiences, gender equity, and social justice.
The Women's Gender & Sexuality Center
A Space to Connect, Learn, and Belong
The Women's, Gender & Sexuality Center (WGSC) provides a welcoming campus space for students of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
Located in F-103 on the Galloway Campus, the WGSC is a place where students can relax, study, meet others, and participate in conversations about gender, sexuality, identity, and social justice.
The center also offers educational programming, resources, and opportunities for student involvement.
Whether you're looking to connect with others, explore available resources, or simply take a break between classes, you're welcome at the WGSC.
LGBTQIA+ Programs & Education
Throughout the academic year, the WGSC hosts programs that explore LGBTQIA+ history, identity, inclusion, and contemporary issues affecting LGBTQIA+ communities.
Programming may include community conversations, educational workshops, LGBTQIA+ History Month events, identity-based discussions, and opportunities for creative expression.
The WGSC is also developing an updated Safe Zone curriculum to strengthen LGBTQIA+ education and inclusive practices across the university.
Explore WGSC Programs & Workshops
A Whole New Closet
Clothing can be an important form of identity and self-expression.
A Whole New Closet is a WGSC initiative that provides eligible students with financial assistance to access gender-affirming clothing that reflects their identity and expression.
Students interested in learning more about the program, eligibility requirements, or the application process can contact the WGSC.
Campus Resources & Support
Stockton provides several resources that support LGBTQIA+ students throughout their college experience.
Preferred Name
Stockton recognizes that students may use a first name different from their legal name.
Students can request to have their preferred first name reflected in several university systems, including class rosters, Blackboard, student ID cards, and other eligible records.
Some official records must continue to display a student's legal name.
Learn More About Stockton's Preferred Name Policy
Gender-Inclusive Housing
Stockton's Gender Inclusive Housing program allows students of any gender to request housing together in designated residence hall rooms or apartments.
The program offers an additional housing option for students seeking living arrangements that align with their individual needs and preferences.
Interested students can learn about available housing options and submit requests through Residential Life.
Housing availability and placement are subject to university procedures.
Explore Gender-Inclusive Housing Options
All-Gender Restrooms
All-gender restrooms are available throughout Stockton's Galloway and Atlantic City campuses.
These facilities are available for anyone to use, regardless of gender identity or expression.
Find All-Gender Restroom Locations
Counseling & Psychological Services
Stockton's Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential mental health services to enrolled students.
CAPS offers individual counseling, group counseling, and additional mental health resources.
Group opportunities may include spaces for transgender, questioning, asexual, aromantic, and other LGBTQIA+ students.
For current group offerings, schedules, and participation information, visit the CAPS website.
Counseling & Psychological Services
Galloway Campus | J-105
Phone: 609-652-4722
Additional Resources
We encourage you to learn more about more about the thriving LGBTQIA+ community on our campus!
Title IX Office
Title IX & University Policies
Stockton's Office of Title VI, Title VII, and Title IX provides information about university policies, reporting procedures, and available resources related to sex discrimination and sexual misconduct.
Students can review their options and learn more about available reporting and support processes.
Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies Minor (WGSS)
Interested in exploring gender, sexuality, feminism, and social justice academically?
Stockton's Women's, Gender & Sexuality Studies minor examines gender and sexuality through interdisciplinary perspectives, encouraging critical thinking about identity, culture, power, and social change.
Hate Crimes
Report a hate crime here. If it's an emergency, dial 9-1-1 or 609-652-4390 (on campus).
Institutions of higher education are not immune from bias related incidents or hate crimes, and neither is Stockton University. The 2020 Anti-Bias Vision for the Next Generations Report noted, among other things, that “bias incidents target people because of what they look like, where they come from, how they worship, and who they love.” [1]
The University does not condone such incidents or behavior and will respond to such reports utilizing our codes of conduct and our non-discrimination policies, as appropriate.
- Policy I-55 Campus Code of Conduct
- Policy VI-28 Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace
- Policy I-120 Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Academic / Educational Environment
If you witness what you believe to be a possible bias-related incident or hate crime, contact the University Police at 609-652-4390. For emergencies, dial 911 immediately!
We all need to work together to help keep Stockton a place where everyone feels welcome, safe, and supported.
Programs, Traditions & Campus Events
(Be sure to tag your club's event in Osprey Hub so it shows up here!)
Stockton recognizes LGBTQIA+ communities through educational programs, campus traditions, and opportunities for celebration and reflection.
Throughout the academic year, students can participate in events recognizing LGBTQIA+ History Month, National Coming Out Day, Pride Month, and other observances.
Students are encouraged to explore upcoming events and participate in opportunities that reflect their interests and experiences.
Pride in Stockton News & Celebrate Diversity
LGBTQ+ Flag Raising Reaffirms Stockton’s Commitment to Inclusivity
Galloway, N.J. – The annual flag raising for LGBTQ+ History Month on Oct. 3 was one full of emotion, joy and support for the LGBTQ+ individuals both part of and beyond the Stockton University community.
President Joe Bertolino reminded attendees that their presence on campus is not only valued but mirrors his own experience as a gay undergraduate student.
“I started my career in higher education 33 years ago, and at that time, I was advised as a residence hall director that there was a gay glass ceiling: if you were out, then you could forget ever becoming a dean or a vice president, let alone a president,” Bertolino said. “To the naysayers in 1990: I want to share that this is actually my third presidency. My husband, Bil, is the vice chancellor of the Rutgers University system, and together, we smashed that ceiling.
“I share that with you because I want you to know that no one can tell you that being who you are will hold you back. Be authentic. Be honest. Be you and celebrate that. We take pride in our diverse identities and are committed to creating a space where students can authentically be themselves and explore their identities. As long as I am the president of this institution, I will make sure that every student is seen and that they feel that they belong here in our community.”
Mo Love, Less Hate: A Celebration of PRIDE at Stockton
"I have recognized that my existence is resistance to the status quo,” they shared. “I am not afraid to make waves if it means liberation for my community."
The Legacy of Laurel Hester
Hester graduated from Stockton State College in 1978 and began a long and productive criminal justice career as a police detective in Ocean County. While a Stockton student, Hester co-founded the Gay People’s Union, which was the predecessor to our current student club, Pride Alliance.
Lavender Graduation Encourages Community, Mentorship
The annual ceremony that honors the achievements of LGBTQ+ students has reached its sixth year on Stockton University’s campus. According to Laurie Dutton, retired director of the Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Center, the ceremony is a nationwide initiative with roots in the University of Michigan. She shared some background on the ceremony with the audience during her welcome remarks.
