UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — "Co-author" is another feather Brian Patchcoski, director of the LGBTQA Student Resource Center at Penn State, can put in his cap.
This past February, Patchcoski co-authored a chapter of the book, “Trans* Policies & Experiences in Housing & Residence Life,” that focuses on fostering trans and non-binary inclusive policies, unanticipated challenges that may emerge, and how the campus experiences of students, particularly trans and non-binary students, are influenced by the implementation of gender-inclusive housing practices and policies. Patchcoski attempts to highlight the need for institutional collaborations in defining and implementing inclusive practices.
Prior to his current position, Patchcoski served as the associate dean of students and director of the LGBT Resource Center and codirector of the Center for Intercultural Dialogue at Cornell University. He was also the founding director of the Office of LGBTQ Services at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
As the director of the LGBTQA Student Resource Center, a unit of Penn State Student Affairs, Patchcoski believes that the center has and is continuing to build strong relationships with colleagues and students in housing and residence life, but also sees the growth and potential that lies ahead.
“This publication is something to lean into while looking ahead at how we can create an even more inclusive campus environment,” Patchcoski said.
In addition to gender-inclusive organizations and support structures, Penn State, like many universities, offers gender-inclusive housing options, thereby allowing students to have an inclusive living and learning experience. As suggested and stressed within the various chapters in the book, Penn State works with students who are interested in these housing options to make sure that every student on campus feels safe, welcome and respected.
Aside from his writing, Patchcoski involves himself in many research projects focusing on student identity development and campus climate. His recent focus is on how we can build and foster environments and learning structures that cross identity dimension and provide students with a holistic approach to support and engagement.
Patchcoski sees this book as a guide to moving inclusion forward and a resource to students who are interested in higher education administration and student affairs practice.
“I am interested in furthering how we can continue to push this work forward for our student communities across our institutions inclusive of all the other identities they bring to our campuses,” said Patchcoski.