Resource Center

Located in The Office for Equity, Access, & Opportunity, the Lactation Room provides a private and comfortable space for any nursing mothers (students, faculty, and staff) to pump breast milk. The Lactation room includes a comfy chair with an ottoman to kick your feet up and relax as well as a massage chair. The room also has a mini refrigerator to safely store breast milk throughout the day. If you are ever in need of a changing table, stop by the Lactation Room – it has one of those too! For more information email officeofeao@tou18.com.

If you are pregnant or parenting, please contact the EAO office at officeofeao@tou18.com to discuss resources and options available to you.

Gender-inclusive and/or universal restrooms are available throughout the campus. A list of gender-inclusive and/or universal restrooms is listed below.

Residence Halls: 

• Clay Hall – 4 on each floor
• Zahn Hall – 4 on the first floor, 2 on the second floor
• Kirk Hall – 1 on each floor
• Craycraft Hall – 3 on each floor

University Buildings:

• Friedley Hall – 1 in the Office for Equity, Access & Opportunity, 1 in the Health Center
• Seitz Hall – top level floor
• Heminger Center

Tiffin University is committed to fostering an environment that welcomes inclusive excellence. In our commitment, it is the right for individuals to be addressed by a first name and pronoun that corresponds with one’s gender identity. As such, Tiffin University has established a process for students to request usage of their preferred first name. In this policy, a court-ordered name change is not required.

The preferred first name will be used in lieu of the legal name wherever the legal name is not required. For example, the preferred first name will be used in Moodle and on faculty class rosters that are generated from Power Campus. The legal name is used for admission-related processes; transfer credit; federal, state, and student financial aid; housing contracts; payroll; and other legally binding purposes.

Students who wish to designate a preferred first name may complete the online application for Preferred Name Change.

Preferred Name Change Application

Coming Out Tips:

• There is no right, perfect, or wrong time to come out.
• Be patient and kind with yourself. It may not be necessary to tell everyone at once. Take your time. Do not push yourself.
• Start small. It can be easier to start by telling friends before telling family. If you think a family member will be easier to tell, start there.
• Develop a support network of friends who are accepting and supportive.
• Be positive. When you come out to someone, you set the tone.
• Find resources or a mentor you can talk to.
• Be patient with others. Realize that some people may need some time to adjust, but do not compromise who you are for the comfort of others.
• If you’re unsure of your sexual orientation or gender identity, finding someone who will be there for you as you explore your identity can be very helpful.
• Ask LGBTQ+ friends and family members to share their coming out stories.
• Refer parents and friends to PFLAG or Human Rights Campaign and other resources that might help.
• Be prepared for different reactions.
• Always consider your personal safety when coming out. It is okay to choose not to come out because of safety concerns.
• Coming out is a lifelong process that varies as you progress. At the end of the day, your identity and your life have value and you deserve love, respect and support from yourself and others (adopted from UCLA LGBTQ resources).

Coming Out to My Professor:

Communicating with professors is important but some may find it to be challenging when asking for the use of your preferred name. Below is an email template that may be used as a guide and may make it easier to talk to your professors about using your preferred name and pronouns.

Email Template for Professors

For Allies: When Someone Comes Out to You

• Be patient. Allow them to tell you at their own pace.
• Let them determine what they need. Do not push. A person who is coming out may have a hard time talking about it. Do not force them to disclose anything.
• Acknowledge the risk they took by coming out to you. Compliment their courage.
• Do not minimize the importance of what they did by saying things like, “It doesn’t matter to me.” Instead say, “Thank you for trusting me;” say, “It doesn’t change how I feel about you;” or admit that it might change things – in a positive way.
• Do not ask intrusive questions like, “Is this a phase?” or “Does that mean you’re attracted to me?” Instead ask, “How can I continue to support you?”
• If they – and you – are comfortable with it, offer a hug or other show of support.
• Keep their confidence by being respectful of their privacy.
• Ask, “Is there anything I can do for you?” (adopted from UCLA LGBTQ resources).

The Safe Zone symbol is a message to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA) students and colleagues that this is a safe place where one may be open about their identity without fear. This space hereby respects all people including their sexual identity, physical sex and gender identity. The person displaying the Safe Zone symbol has participated in a training workshop to increase their awareness and sensitivity to LGBTQIA issues and is one who can serve as a referral/resource person.

What is the Purpose of Safe Zone Training?

The purpose of the “Safe Zone” training is to reduce LGBTQIA oppression on the Tiffin University campus and in the Tiffin community by educating students, staff, faculty and community members on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual issues. Through this training people can become better systems of support for LGBTQIA individuals. The overall mission of this project is to raise awareness of LGBTQIA issues and pledge a commitment to fostering an environment on campus that is inclusive of one’s physical sex, gender identity and/or sexual orientation.

Why do we need a Safe Zone at Tiffin University?

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA) community is often the victim of unjustified discrimination and violence. A “Safe Zone” works to diminish such discrimination by establishing visible places that work to remove stereotypical barriers and promote respect for individuals of all sexes, sexual identities and gender identities.

If you have any questions about Safe Zone or would like to have a Safe Zone workshop presented for your office or organization, please contact the EAO office at officeofeao@tou18.com

• Campus Safety & Security – 419.448.55136 (24/7 Support)
• Health Center – healthcenter@tou18.com
• Counseling & Wellness – counseling@tou18.com
• Title IX Coordinator – simonja@tou18.com
• Deputy Title IX Coordinator – kuzmak@tou18.com
• Deputy Title IX Coordinator – lodermeierfayjl@tou18.com

Your name can be legally changed on a number of legal documents. A brief outline is listed below (this is not a legal guide).

1. Completing and submitting an application to your county probate court for changing your name. You have to be a permanent resident of that county for at least a year to submit the application.
2. Advertising your application in a local newspaper at least 30 days before the hearing on your application. (The court will explain this in detail once you submit your application).
3. A hearing where, after some questions to ensure that you have complied with the process, the judge officially orders your original name changed to your new name.

1. Contact the state office of the Ohio BMV (in Columbus) to request the “Declaration of Gender Change” form.
2. The “Declaration of Gender Change” form is mailed to the requester.
3. The “Declaration of Gender Change” form must be completed by your licensed physician, licensed psychologist or licensed therapist. To be qualified, the medical professional must attest that the transition is being conducted in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the World Professional Association for Transgender Health’s (WPATH) Standards of Care.
4. The completed forms will be mailed or faxed to the Ohio BMV.
5. The Ohio BMV will notify the applicant in writing.
6. The individual takes that written notification to their local BMV office to get their new license issued.

Passport Change Policy

In June 2010, the State Department announced a new policy to issue passports that reflect the current gender when either a previous passport or other personal documentation presented by an applicant reflects a different gender. For more information click the following link:

Passport Gender Change

Additional Information

• If gender identification is marked as transitional, a new form must be submitted until gender identification is complete. If not submitted at renewal, the gender marker will revert back to the original gender.

• There is limit to changing their gender back to the original gender.

• For additional information click on the following links:

• • TransOhio

• • The Transitional Male
  • National Center for Transgender Equality

• Equality Ohio
• Glossary of Terms
• LGBTQ College Resource Guide
• Transgender FAQs – GLAAD
• Transgender First Scholarship

Ways to be a Transgender Advocate and Ally – Campus Pride

Seneca County Victim Assistance Program

The Seneca County Victim Assistance Program provides assistance and information to victims of crime and referrals to other quality support services offered in Seneca County. Advocates are available twenty-four hours a day to assist victims of crimes such as domestic violence, stalking, assault, sexual abuse, child abuse/neglect and drunk driving. These services are available to all residents of Seneca County, or anyone who becomes the victim of a violent crime in Tiffin or the surrounding area. 

The Victim Assistance Program may also assist with:

• Civil Protection Orders (CPOs)
• Criminal/Court Proceedings
• Referrals to Community Resources

Contact Information: 419-448-5070

Victim Assistance Program Information

The Cocoon – Bowling Green, OH

The Cocoon exists to provide safety, healing, and justice for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, their children, and all others affected by abuse. The Cocoon also provides educational outreach services throughout the community. Survivor services are provided at no cost. 

Available Survivor Services:

• Emergency Shelter
• Children’s Programming
• Legal Advocacy
• Transportation
• Case Management
• Safety Planning
• Medical Advocacy
• Safe Pet Program
• Housing Navigation
• Title IX Navigation
• Crisis Support
• Campus-Based Advocacy
• Prevention & Education
• Basic Needs 
• Support Groups

Contact Information: To request services or to speak with an advocate, call 419-373-1730 and select Option #2. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

The Cocoon Website

Medical, Health, & Nursing

• Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH) – 1‐800‐755‐GROW (4769)
• Mercy Tiffin Hospital – (419) 455‐7900
• ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital – (419) 435‐7734
• ProMedica Total Rehab – (419) 436‐8320
• Tiffin Pediatrics Associates – (419) 448‐8118

Nutrition & WIC

• Women, Infants & Children (WIC) – (419) 447‐3691

Help Me Grow

Help Me Grow is a system of support for pregnant women, caregivers with new babies, and families with young children with developmental delays and disabilities. 

Community Resource Directory

Tiffin University students who are seeking a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam can access services by visiting the Blanchard Valley Emergency Department in Findlay, OH. 

Call the Blanchard Valley Emergency Room to give advanced notice and/or to inquire about Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) availability prior to departure.

Address: 1900 South Main Street Findlay, Ohio 45840

Contact Information: 419-423-5207 (Emergency Room)