A new program at the UA will provide the campus community with training to deal with gay, lesbian and bisexual issues.

Safe Zone Training was created about four years ago and has been successful at about 20 other schools, said Jenna Fisher Hyatt, hall director at Coronado Residence Hall.

The training is aimed at faculty, staff and administrators to show them how to become allies with students who are dealing with gay, lesbian and bisexual issues. Students are welcome to participate.

Hyatt said the training, sponsored by the Department of Residence Life, is a challenging two-hour session in which participants take on the role of being gay, lesbian or bisexual. They will also discuss developmental issues and theories on how to be a good ally to students dealing with identity issues.

Once participants complete the training session, they will receive a laminated card to show that they are a recognized "safe person" to talk to about these issues.

"We treat the cards as gold," Hyatt said. "We don't want them to get around until people are trained."

She added that students who see the card posted in a faculty member's office are more likely to be comfortable and open up about identity issues if they know the office is a safe zone.

"It helps students to know that there are people out there that are allies," Hyatt said.

She said she hopes people who attend the training will not only learn how to be an ally, but will also learn about themselves.

Hyatt attended the training as a graduate student at Ball State University in Indiana. She said the UA could benefit from the same training. She expects between 20 and 30 people to attend.

"I think U of A campus needs to be more friendly to gays, biaffectionates and lesbians," Hyatt said. "I want people to know it's a safe place to go."

Jim Van Arsdel, director of Residence Life, said that although the basic idea of Safe Zone Training is good, people should not make false assumptions about the program.

"It is important not to get too far ahead," he said. "I'm not so concerned that the training is finally here, just that it's here."

The Safe Zone Training is Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Student Union's Cactus Lounge. Reservations are required for the free training.

People interested in more information can call Hyatt at 621-1595 or Jerome Maese, Apache-Santa Cruz Residence Hall director, at 621-1680.

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