12/10/2025
Dear SLCC Students, Faculty, and Staff,
In 2024, the Utah Legislature passed HB 261, which requires public colleges and universities to ensure that centers or programs created to serve specific cultures, populations, or groups meet new state guidelines. After a legislatively required audit by the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), SLCC’s Gender and Sexuality Student Resource Center (GSSRC) was found to be out of compliance with this law.
To meet the requirements of HB 261 and align with the audit findings, the GSSRC will close at the end of the Fall 2025 Semester. We know this center has been a meaningful resource for many in our community since it opened in 2019, and we understand that this type of change feels very personal to our college community, particularly those who have found a place of belonging in this space. Please know that we understand the personal and collective impact this closure has, and we care deeply about both. As we work together, we remain fully committed to ensuring that every student feels valued, respected, and supported while at SLCC.
Over the past 3 weeks we have conducted numerous focus groups with students and employees to determine the best program model to match student needs under new state guidelines. We want to thank everyone who shared their feedback with us over the past month, especially those students who have valued and utilized the space in its current form. Your input guided our planning and helped us understand how students want to use this space moving forward.
What’s Next for the Space?
The former GSSRC space at South City Campus will reopen on January 5 as a new activity lounge open to all students to use to recharge and connect between classes. This direction reflects what we heard from students during the feedback process and it creates a welcoming environment for all.
Based on input from students during the focus groups, we also invite the college community to help name the space. Keep in mind as you make suggestions that during our outreach, we heard from students that the name should clearly describe the purpose of the space and help students know it is open to everyone. Please share your input before December 17 to [email protected].
Continuing Support for Students
Although the GSSRC will close, several services previously housed there will be handled by other departments and made available to every student:
* Mini-grants funding will be administered by the Dean of Students through the Bruin Emergency Fund.
* Name change requests are handled by the Registrar’s Office.
* Updated maps of gender-neutral restrooms and lactation room locations are available on the SLCC website.
Again, we understand that the closure of the GSSRC may be disappointing news for some. We will continue to support all students, and we are looking forward to opening this renewed space in January, and we hope that all will find it a welcoming place for camaraderie and renewal.
Thank you for the care you show one another and for your ongoing engagement as we work to build a community where all students can thrive.
