Starting in the 2021 entering class admissions application, applicants have the option to self-identify as LGBTQ+. Because this is new to our application this year, we do not have additional data to provide in the additional sub-parts of this question. We will have reportable data to include in the 2021-22 Climate Survey.
Widener University has a strategic commitment to building an inclusive community whose diversity enriches the lives of all members. We recruit through an online tool called PageUp and all jobs that are approved automatically post to the following: Indeed.com, Diversityjobs.com, and Higheredjobs.com. Widener University also recruits from a variety of diverse niche sites specific to the academic or research area of expertise. In addition, Widener University was the recipient of the INSIGHT into Diversity, Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award in 2018.
Widener University’s employment record form offers new employees the opportunity to voluntarily self-identify gender. Information related to sexual orientation is not gathered.
Benefits Decision Guide
Summary of Benefits and Coverage
Dependent Coverage Policy
Eligible Dependent
The Employee’s family is eligible for coverage (Dependent coverage) under this Program when the Employee is eligible for Employee coverage. An eligible Dependent is defined as the Employee’s spouse under a legally valid existing marriage, the Employee’s child(ren), including any stepchild, legally adopted child, a child placed for adoption or any child whose coverage is the Employee’s responsibility under the terms of a qualified release or court order. The limiting age for covered children is the first of the month following the month in which they reach age 26. A Domestic Partner is also eligible for enrollment. As long as the Domestic Partnership exists, the child or children of a Domestic Partner shall be considered for eligibility under the Program as if they were the Member’s own child or children. If the Member enrolls their Domestic Partner, the Member has an affirmative obligation to notify the Claims Administrator immediately if the Domestic Partnership terminates.
The University does not have offer a health insurance plan for law students or their partners and spouses.
Signage is posted next to communal restrooms that informs of the location of all gender restrooms. The specific signage says: “An all gender restroom is available in. . .” The single stall all gender restrooms are located in both of our law school buildings and there are (4) available. Currently, restrooms are designated as unisex with male/female icons. However, signage will be transitioned to just use the word “Restroom.” This transition was planned for this past year but due to COVID our classes have been only offered remotely since last March. Restrooms are identified on campus maps and are accessible.
Sexuality, Gender and the Law Seminar
Funds have been allocated to support interested students’ attendance at the National LGBT Conference and Career Fair. This opportunity is available to LGBTQ+ students and/or allies. We also fund OUTLaw activities through our Student Bar Association when funding is requested by the organization.
Yes, optional for all students
Members of our faculty, staff, and administration who wish to participate in the Safe Space Ally training program are encouraged to do so. Widener University has launched a new and improved Safe Space training program which consists of an online training module as well as a hands-on workshop. At present, over 20% of our faculty, staff, and administrators are safe space “certified” and we expect this number to increase given the flexibility of the online module.
We also offer mandatory diversity, equity, and inclusion programming to students either through the orientation process or as part of professional development requirements. Additionally, (30) of our students are currently participating in an 8-week Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion certificate program offered through the Corley Institute at George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School.
The Admissions Office intentionally seeks out LGBTQ+ prospective students by attending diversity focused recruiting events and sending targeted emails to LGBTQ+ candidates. The Admissions staff also attends diversity training focused on recruiting and supporting LGBTQ+ students.