DigiPen staff and faculty are dedicated to promoting a safe and inclusive environment for students of all genders and sexual orientations. We provide a range of on-campus resources, programs, and services to support students who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community:
DigiPen hosts a range of on-campus events celebrating and promoting diversity and the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. The Office of Student Affairs runs workshops and awareness events throughout the year to foster a safe, accepting environment.
The student-run People Respecting Individuals and Sexual Minorities (PRISM) club serves as DigiPen’s gay-straight alliance student group. PRISM actively advocates for all sexual orientations and gender identities on campus. The club also hosts campus community events such as the DigiPen Drag Show and Pride Week.
DigiPen Housing and Residence Life strives to host a supportive and welcoming environment for all DigiPen students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Through outside-the-classroom educational opportunities and specialized programming, interested incoming first-time freshman can engage with peers within the Rainbow Themed Living Learning Community. Additionally, all-gender housing options are offered upon request, based on availability.
DigiPen Career Services acknowledges the unique issues facing LGBTQ+ individuals entering the workforce. The Career Services team offers many services — including strategies to find inclusive employers, networking opportunities, and access to resources regarding workplace rights — in an effort to place LGBTQ+ students and alumni in the best possible position to succeed professionally.
DigiPen’s Counseling Center provides free, short-term individual counseling to all students on a number of academic, social, and emotional issues. These services include helping students struggling with their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, among many other matters.
Current students can learn more details about accessing these services, and any additional policies, in the Student Portal’s LGBTQ+ Resources page.
Additional Policies
In accordance with the Washington Law Against Discrimination and the Washington State Human Rights Commission, students, staff, faculty, and guests may use the restroom that is consistent with their gender identity. All restrooms on the building’s second floor are open for use by all genders.
Students may also request that their preferred name, rather than their legal name, be displayed on all documentation and access badges while applying for enrollment. This preferred name may be changed throughout the application process, and following enrollment, may be changed through the Colleague Self-Service (CSS). For more information, see the Student Name Policy Statement.