Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Center Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Safe Zone: Frequently Asked Questions

Training Sessions: Part 1 and Part 2

Do I need to attend both Part 1 and Part 2 of Safe Zone training to receive a Safe Zone placard?

Yes.

Can I attend Part 2 before I attend Part 1 of Safe Zone training?

No. The concepts presented in Part 2 build upon information included in Part 1.

How soon after I complete Safe Zone, Part 1 should I attend Safe Zone, Part 2?

Participants are strongly encouraged to attend the Safe Zone, Part 2 training session scheduled during the same week as the Part 1 training session they registered for. Since Part 2 will build on what you will have learned in Part 1, it will be critical to ensure that what you learned in Part 1 is still fresh in your mind.

I'm attending Safe Zone training as part of a cultural immersion assignment. Do I need to attend both Part 1 and Part 2 of the training?

We strongly encourage you to attend both Part 1 and Part 2 of Safe Zone training since they are part of the same curriculum. During Part 1, participants will learn about language, terminology, identities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. During Part 2, participants will strengthen their interpersonal communication skills, interact with a panel of LGBTQIA+ students, and identify specific actions they can implement to strengthen inclusion on and off campus.

Scheduling Conflicts

Oh no! Safe Zone, Part 1 fits into my schedule, but I am not available to attend any of the Safe Zone, Part 2 training sessions this semester. What should I do?

We will offer Part 1 and Part 2 of Safe Zone training in Spring 2021. You can attend Part 1 during the fall semester and sign up to be notified via email when the Spring 2021 training schedule is posted. Alternatively, you can wait to take both Part 1 and Part 2 during Spring 2021. Please note that you will only be eligible to receive a Safe Zone placard after you complete Part 2 of Safe Zone training.

I am no longer available to attend the training session I registered for. How can I cancel or reschedule?

If a conflict arises that will prevent you from attending the Safe Zone training session you register for, please contact the LGBTQ Center via email at LGBTQ@purdue.edu as soon as possible so we can register you for a different session.

Training Format

Why did you move Safe Zone training to a virtual format? How long will this change remain in effect?

We chose to move Safe Zone training to a virtual platform to ensure that participants would be able to access the training while maintaining social distance during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to conduct Safe Zone training via a virtual platform because it allows anyone to attend, regardless of their physical location and the number of participants is not limited to the number of seats in a room.

Why did you decide to split Safe Zone training into two 90 minute modules?

Due to the rapid shift to virtual meeting platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, 'Zoom fatigue' has become an important factor to consider when scheduling meetings, trainings, and other engagements. 

We decided to divide the Safe Zone curriculum into two parts to ensure that participants will be able to engage with the content without becoming overwhelmed and exhausted.

Additional Information

I'm not affiiliated with Purdue University. Am I still eligible to register for Safe Zone training?

Yes! Safe Zone training is open to everyone, regardless of their affiliation with Purdue University. You do not need a Purdue University username or account to register for a Safe Zone training session.

Is there a fee to register for Safe Zone training?

There is no cost to attend Safe Zone training. All programs faciltated by the LGBTQ Center are offered at no cost to attendees.

I would like to schedule a Safe Zone training for my unit or organization. How can I do that?

Due to the high demand for LGBTQIA+ specific trainings and educational programs and the amount of time required to facilitate a Safe Zone training, the LGBTQ Center is extremely limited in its ability to offer Safe Zone trainings for individual departments or organizations.

To maximize the impact of Safe Zone training, departments can encourage their staff and faculty to attend regularly scheduled Safe Zone training sessions. The LGBTQ Center can then facilitate a 30 - 60 minute follow-up workshop with the department to help it identify specific strategies it can employ to strengthen LGBTQIA+ inclusion efforts. Examples of workshop topics can be found here.

I have more questions about the Safe Zone Training Program. Who should I contact?

For further information, please contact the LGBTQ Center via email at LGBTQ@purdue.edu.