The University introduced a new LGBTQ minor this fall, which comprises 18 hours and includes SW 2500, Introduction to LGBTQ Studies.
Associate professor Elaine M. Maccio, who teaches the course, developed and taught it for the first time in fall 2013 to see if students would be interested in a minor program. After passing a student interest test, Maccio filled out the proposal for the minor, which the Faculty Senate Courses and Curricula Committee reviewed and approved last November.
The University already offered many of the minor’s required courses. For Maccio, developing the minor was about identifying courses to fit its purpose.
Maccio said many schools to which the University is compared already have LGBT-related programs.
“It’s not that I heard students saying we need a minor so I developed it,” Maccio said. “It was me noticing the gap in what LSU had to offer.”
Maccio created a list featuring schools from U.S. News and World Report’s 2012 National Universities Ranking with in-state tuition less than $10,000 and enrollment of 25,000 or more. The University didn’t make the cut.
“If LSU wants to remain competitive for students, we have to offer the best possible curriculum for them,” Maccio said.
Some LGBT students are excited to see a class and program geared toward their community, including communication disorders senior Jordan Krebsbach. She is currently enrolled in Introduction to LGBTQ Studies.
“You don’t often see classes like this at big schools like ours in the South,” Krebsbach said.
She said the class and minor are a great opportunity for LGBT students to learn about their culture.
Julianne Martin, president of Spectrum, said this program is a great addition to the University. Martin said she feels this course can educate non-LGBT students about the struggles LGBT people face.
“I hope that non-LGBTQ people can understand, help and then take what they learn and tell their friends,” Martinsaid.
She said exposure and education is crucial and helps “…get rid of hate.”
Maccio said the minor, “Prepares them [students] to work with and work for LGBTQ people.”
“I think it really just adds to student opportunities, makes them better prepared, positions LSU to be more competitive and helps LSU fufill its flagship agenda regarding diversity,” Macciosaid.
Martin said this minor could benefit students interested in social work, activism and politics.
“They need to be aware of these issues especially since they’re really prevalent now,” Martin said.