The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer and Questioning Resource Center has effectively been without a director for months, ultimately leading to the resignation of Ron Rodriguez, former LGBTQ director, this winter quarter. Despite best intentions, Rodriguez had to step down due to health and personal issues impeding his ability to fulfill the role to the best of his ability, leaving the center seeking a new director. This is the first time in over two years the center has been without a director for more than a month.
In the face of adversity, the center has been forced to self-govern, pushing many burdens upon leadership. On one hand, this has strengthened the community to take initiative as it has been run by the people who the center runs for. However, on the other, “the triage hasn’t been happening very effectively… but that’s not really possible when nobody is sure what is going on,” said Zoë Aleshire, faculty advisor for the LGBTQ resource center.
The few events that have been held have not had the previous level of visibility or attendance. Since Rodriguez’s inception, only one meeting has officially been held, in contrast to two weekly meetings in years past. Additionally, resources in need of being restocked have not been obtained as it requires the signature of the director. Various plans have been halted as a result of not being able to have the director sign off on them.
The resource center is hiring a new director and applications are scheduled to close on Feb. 19. The new director will be coming into a stronger, more independent and self-sufficient community than years prior. Both the advisers and various members of the community hope to see the director meld with existing leadership and be a central means of direction for future endeavors. The precise direction of the center going forward “remains to be seen,” according to Colin Donovan, staff adviser for the LGBTQ Resource Center.
Key responsibilities of the director are to increase visibility by promoting the program, hosting events and collaborating with other programs. The program infrastructure is to be maintained through a distribution of knowledge, recruitment, defining the program and upholding relationships with community partners. The hiring process will consist of an initial screening for technical requirements followed by interviews by a group of faculty and students.
The incoming director will hold their position until June 30, 2014. While it is not required, there is hope that this individual will apply again for the 2014 – 2015 directorship. A hiring decision is expected to be reached in March.
To apply for the LGBTQ Director position, applications must be submitted to C212 by 5 p.m. on Feb. 19.