Thriving On Campus is a research and change project that addresses the inclusion, wellbeing, and academic success of diverse 2SLGBTQ+ university students throughout Ontario. The project started with a three-phase study to examine the campus climate for 2SLGBTQ+ students attending public universities in Ontario.

Phase 1 identified the policies, resources, facilities, and services existing on campuses for 2SLGBTQ+ students. In Phase 2, a province-wide online survey was conducted to explore campus climate through the perceptions and experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ students. The survey also investigated mental health, academic engagement and development, social support, and resilience. Phase 3 consisted of qualitative interviews with a subset of students from the survey. The interviews focused on students’ identities, experiences, and wellbeing, with an emphasis on understanding themes of belonging, safety, and resilience.

Among other contributions to the study of 2SLGBTQ+ campus climate, the study prioritized understanding the role of gender, race, and disability on 2SLGBTQ+ students’ experiences and outcomes. To promote the inclusion, wellbeing, and academic success of 2SLGBTQ+ students, the project emphasized knowledge mobilization through a multi-stakeholder advisory committee, webinars, and a virtual conference series. The conference series occurred in the 2022-23 academic year and was built around the theme of learning and action. It offered opportunities for university-based service providers and administrators to identify priorities and create action plans to support diverse 2SLGBTQ+ students’ belonging, wellbeing, and academic development. Alongside Thriving On Campus’ community reports, you can also access webinars that present our research findings and suggest strategies to support 2SLGBTQ+ students.

Thriving On Campus is supported in part by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) through Insight and Connection grants. It is also supported by Laurier’s Centre for Leading Research in Education, Division of Student Affairs, Faculty of Education, Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work, Manulife Centre for Community Health Research, and Office of Research Services.