Open Letter from the Director of Student Services, UCLA Anderson
The UCLA Anderson School is a community of diverse individuals from backgrounds that vary by race/ethnicity, gender, culture, sexual identity, class, faith and other social characteristics. We are committed to supporting an environment where justice, equality and respect prevail. Anderson firmly believes that diversity heightens the quality of the MBA experience, and as such we encourage all students to feel at liberty to share the innumerable complexities that make up their identities.
LGBT students face unique challenges as they pursue their MBA degrees. Time and again, applicants question what (if anything) to reveal in the application process. They are concerned about how and if they should come out to fellow classmates, and wonder if there will be repercussions. Anderson recognizes the needs of our LGBT community and values these concerns.
The faculty and staff have worked closely with Section G through the years to establish a proud heritage of inclusion. We train our students as future business leaders who will flourish in a complex and multi-cultural environment. Understanding how to leverage diversity and communicating the value of acceptance to our students has played a crucial role in our students’ success. In our continued effort to recognize the needs of our Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender students we provide administrative and financial support for activities including conferences, recruiting events and social gatherings.
As Director of Student Services for the MBA Program, it is my personal commitment to ensure an open, safe and supportive environment for all members of the Anderson community. We take pride in the fact that UCLA has been recognized as one of the top 20 university campuses for LGBT students.
The decision to openly identify as LGBT in one’s application or upon entering Anderson remains a personal choice. I encourage all those who have questions or concerns to contact a current member of Section G or the Admissions Office. LGBT students have contributed an important element to the learning here at Anderson through their diversity of thought and perspective. Your two years here at Anderson represent an opportunity for you to explore your full potential and build lasting partnerships with your fellow classmates. The quality of your exploration and the relationships you build will become heightened through your willingness to participate and share every experience you carry with you.
Susan Corley
Director of Student Services