About Us
The Commission for LGBT+ Communities is a body appointed to serve as a resource for the Division of Diversity and Engagement as it works toward creating inclusive learning and work environments. The Commission achieves this through partnerships, monitoring diversity data, and education. The Commission is an organization whose collaboration, communication, and accountability structure works with the Chancellor’s Commissions to create a culture of inclusive excellence.
Our Grand Challenge
Application for Membership
This dynamic group works to advance the lives of LGBT students, staff, and faculty on UTK’s campus. We invite you to submit an application next year for a seat at that table. Time commitment is flexible – we meet once a month with the large group and once a month with our committees. Contact Sarah Browning if you have any questions: sbrowni2@utk.edu.
Current Issues, Culture, and Community
Presents current issues and needs before the co-chairs and commissioners for discussion and consideration. Suggests guest speakers for meetings and special events. Coordinates social and community-building gatherings. Collaborates with Events and Communication to build community-specific directory of resources for website.
Chair:
Members:
Events and Communication
Plans and implements impactful events directly connected to the group’s mission and Grand Challenge. Collects pre and post-event assessment information (where appropriate) and evaluates impact. Creates accessible communications in accordance with UT brand standards. Identifies and works with DDE communicators to generate or edit content for website, specifically News and Resources. Works with the DDE communicators to tell the story of the Commissions and their work.
Chairs:
Members:
Membership, Sponsorship, and Awards
Serves as liaisons between interested employees and the Commissions. Strategically increases visibility of commissions through targeted sponsorships. Reviews bylaws and presents them for edits as needed. Reviews membership and awards applications as needed. Generates award letters and collects awardee reports.
Chair:
Members:
Professional Development, Retention, and Wellness
Serves as support network to other community members on campus. Brainstorms professional development and wellness opportunities and shares them with the commission for consideration. Works with the event committee to implement professional development and wellness opportunities once decided by the commission. Collaborates with campus partners to recruit and retain employees from underrepresented groups.
Chair:
Members:
Co-chair: Ronda Wright, Senior Advisor & Adjunct Assistant Professor, College of Architecture and Design
Co-chair: Jeremy Mobley, Program Director, Academic Advising Initiatives
Awards
View the award guidelines and apply.
Resources
Stay Informed
If you would like to join our email list to learn more about the upcoming events and announcements, please fill out the CFLGBT+ interest form.