University of Northwestern Ohio

Counseling Center

UNOH Safe Zone

Safe Zone is a voluntary network of faculty, staff and students who believe that every member of the UNOH community should have an equal opportunity to learn in a safe and inclusive environment. 

The Counseling Center, in collaboration with the Student Success Department, offers Safe Zone trainings, available for both faculty/staff and students, throughout the academic year.

What is Safe Zone?

Safe Zone training is an opportunity to learn about gender and sexual identities and LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning) issues. Safe Zone aims to create a safe and inclusive environment for all members of the UNOH campus community by reducing heterosexism, homophobia, and transphobia. This initiative creates a visible and supportive network of allies within our campus community who have basic knowledge about issues of sexual orientation and gender identity. Participating in the Safe Zone training indicates a willingness and commitment to provide an atmosphere of inclusion, acceptance, and assistance that is free of judgment.

What is a Safe Zone training?

The Safe Zone training is a 2-hour long dynamic, interactive session that includes educational activities and discussion around: an understanding of LGBTQ terminology, inclusive and respectful language, the process of coming out, understanding sexual and gender identity, concepts of privilege, taking action on our campus and in the workplace, resources and much more. Upon completion of the training, attendees can choose to become a Safe Zone member by signing a pledge that expresses their commitment to supporting diversity and inclusion at UNOH as well as opt to receive a Safe Zone sticker to display.

What does the Safe Zone @UNOH sticker signify?

Displaying Safe Zone stickers is voluntary for those individuals who complete the training and who want to communicate to campus members that they are a “Safe Zone” or have been Safe Zone trained. The Safe Zone sticker signifies that the individual has chosen to educate themselves about LGBTQ issues. The choice to display a Safe Zone sticker is a decision to make an easily identifiable, visible statement of being open to talking about and being supportive of LGBTQ individuals and identities.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, or are interested in learning about upcoming Safe Zone training dates, feel free to contact Dr. Jaclyn Jarvis (jjarvis2@unoh.edu).