Faculty, staff and students at West VirginiaUniversity are encouraged to become part of a growing comfort zone on campus known as Safe Zone.


The program is designed to provide support and resources for gay, lesbian, bisexual, questioning and transgender students and employees.


“Safe Zone lets a faculty, staff and student know from the outset that there is a safe person to approach if they have concerns or questions that they need to talk about,”said T. Anne Hawkins, coordinator of the program.


The mission, according to Hawkins, is to foster an inclusive climate at the University that values equity, respect and diversity.


Safe Zone training sessions will offered to the WVU community on the following two Fridays �€Nov. 8, from 1-4 p.m. and Nov. 15, from 9 a.m.-noon. Both sessions are in Room 512 Allen Hall.


Persons who are interested in Safe Zone because they are accepting and supportive of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, questioning and trangenders are invited to participate in this special training on the subject of sexual orientation, and should plan to make a commitment to be available to assist this portion of the university community, Hawkins said.


Members will then be identified by Safe Zone symbols on their doors or workstations �€an upside-down pink triangle that represents.an understanding, supportive and trustworthy environment.


This year, WVU students are invited to become members, and Hawkins believes this will make the program even stronger.


“Sometimes peers are more approachable,”she said.”Peers will go to peers.”


Safe Zone is co-sponsored by the President’s Office for Social Justice and the West Virginia University Council on Sexual Orientation (COSO).


For more information visithttp://www.wvu.edu/~socjust/COSO/safe.htm. Those interested in participating in the training session should contact Hawkins at 304-293-3807 or by email at tahawkins@mail.wvu.edu .