Melissa Cordner Email and Phone Number

I am currently a graduate student in the Counseling program with a focus on Student Development in Higher Education.

This group was created by student leaders to improve campus climate for queer students. I interviewed students, compiled information, presented to administrators, wrote the first draft of several statements, letters and proposals for the group, and assisted in accomplishing the group’s goals, including: securing gender-neutral bathrooms in academic buildings; adding “gender identity and expression and sexual orientation” into the school’s non-discrimination policies; securing Judy Shepard as a keynote speaker on campus; implementing gender-neutral housing; and beginning an annual “lavender graduation” ceremony on campus. The committee’s greatest achievement has been the building and opening of CCSU’s LGBT Center in the Student Center.

As creator, I collected student signatures; petitioned the Student Government, Faculty Senate, and Media Board for club status; wrote the club budget proposal, Constitution, bylaws, and policies; created job descriptions for all staff positions and successfully requested stipends for them. As Editor-in-Chief, I oversaw a team of three editors, three designers, and approximately fifteen regular writers; edited all content; provided feedback to the writers of every submission; and wrote content for each issue. As President, I ran weekly meetings and monthly grammar and ‘brainstorming’ workshops, and organized and oversaw a campus-wide “release party” event every May. The group attended several national conferences and printed thirteen issues.

While on the executive board of this club, I introduced and facilitated several events, including the Day of Silence, the Transgender Day of Remembrance, and Ally Week; expanded PRIDE’s existing events and goals; secured several speakers and performers; spoke at numerous events and in several classes; and ran weekly meetings. I have collaborated on events with the Diversity and Equity Office, the Faculty Senate Diversity Committee, and many other campus and local offices. PRIDE has also worked with many student groups, including the Black Student Union and the Latin American Student Organization. I have also worked with the Counseling Center, the Student Conduct Office, Student Affairs, and other departments to provide help and opportunities to individual club members in need of assistance.