HFC services and resources for LGBTQ+ students and employees
HFC offers many services and resources to support and assist LBGTQ+ students. Some of these are listed here. If you have needs that are not addressed here, please reach out to safe@hfcc.edu.
SAGA, a student-led organization
Founded by HFC alumnus Jesse Mattox, the Sexuality And Gender Acceptance Club (SAGA) is a student-led group whose mission is to support students in their lives as LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
For more information about SAGA, contact HFC Success HFC Navigator Troy Gibson, the faculty advisor, at trgibson3@hfcc.edu.
SAFE@HFC, an organization for students, faculty, staff, and alumni
SAFE@HFC is a campus organization of faculty and staff LGBTQ+ allies and community members who are spreading awareness on campus, providing support, and connecting students and employees to resources.
SAFE@HFC is open to everyone in the College community. For more information, contact safe@hfcc.edu.
How to designate pronouns and preferred names
HFC values the individuality and dignity of every student and employee. This includes your correct pronouns. To learn more about pronouns, visit Pronouns Matter.
Students are welcome to submit a Preferred First Name Change Request form to designate your preferred first name. Your preferred first name will be used in your classes, and will apply to the HFC systems, documents, and communications that are not subject to state or federal name requirements (e.g. W-2 forms, etc. are regulated by entities other than the College).
“Most people are more comfortable using their preferred first name. This form will update class rosters. Your legal name won’t show, but your chosen name will,” said Preston.
HFC allies are here to support you
The College has a large group of trained Allies available to help students at any time. Allies are open and knowledgeable about LGBTQ+ issues. They have been trained inn how to support members of the LGBTQ+ community and those who are questioning.
HFC team members are encouraged to undergo Ally training.
For more information about Ally Training, contact SAFE@HFC chair Beth Preston at empreston@hfcc.edu.
Counseling resources
An important goal at HFC is to provide academic and personal and emotional support for our students to ensure you success as you pursue your academic and professional goals. A team of licensed professional counselors is available to help you any way they can. Especially now, as many of us cope with anxiety and stress that has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, we are here for you.
If you need individual counseling, please make an appointment.
If you need career counseling, please email counseling@hfcc.edu.
If you are seeking personal counseling about urgent issues in your life or are experiencing a personal crisis, we encourage you to visit or call the Student Outreach and Support Office.
If you are feeling suicidal, or you urgently need help during non-business hours, please call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You may also use the National Suicide Prevention Online Chat Service, which is available 24/7.
Title IX resources
HFC prohibits and will take strong action against any form of sexual harassment or discrimination against any member of the College community. HFC will respond to all complaints through due process and established procedures.
Any student who believes they are subject to any type of discrimination or sexual harassment must report the incident(s) to the attention of the Student Title IX Coordinator Munira Kassim. HFC will investigate each complaint thoroughly and confidentially.
For further information about Title IX or to report an incident, contact Kassim at 313-845-6301 or mmkassim@hfcc.edu.
Other resources available
There are other resources available on campus to support the LGBTQ+ community and all students:
For students experiencing food insecurity, food is available at the Hawks’ Nest, the College’s on-campus food pantry. It is in room L-138 of the Administrative Services & Conference Center (ASCC) (Building L). For further information, contact hawksnest@hawkmail.hfcc.edu.
The Office of Campus Safety is open 24/7. Campus safety personnel are available to help students. For further information, contact 313-845-9862 (Campus Safety Main Office), 313-845-9630 (24/7 Dispatch), or campussafety@hfcc.edu.
There are also 15 gender-inclusive restrooms across our campuses.
“We’re very proud of the resources we provide for our students and employees here at the College,” said Preston. “We want all community members to feel supported here. It’s important to know that there are people who care.”