The University of North Dakota is a place where students come to learn, build community, and pursue their goals. For many LGBTQIA2S+ students, that sense of belonging is centered in the Pride Center, a campus hub that blends academic support, community connection, and identity affirmation into one shared space.
Located in Memorial Union 204, the Pride Center is open during Memorial Union business hours, allowing students to use the space even outside of regular Pride Center office hours. On any given day, students can be found studying, playing games, sharing meals, crafting, or simply spending time together. The center functions as an open, welcoming environment where students connect with peers, explore campus involvement, and find a sense of community.
That network extends beyond the walls of the Pride Center through several student organizations connected to LGBTQIA2S+ life at UND, including the UND Queer & Trans Alliance, the National Gay Pilots Association UND Chapter, The F Word, and oSTEM at UND. Academic support is also part of the center’s mission. A weekly study table provides dedicated time for students to work on assignments, review course materials and prepare for tests, quizzes and exams while studying alongside peers. Each month introduces tools and strategies designed to strengthen learning and productivity. The study table meets on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Pride Center and is open to all students.
Financial support is another vital resource. Scholarship opportunities are available to enrolled or accepted UND students through Scholarship Central. These include the Dave Dornacker and Jody Spencer Scholarship, the Jody Spencer & Dave Dornacker Scholarship, and the Larry Mullins Pride Scholarship, helping students continue their education with additional support.
The Pride Center also houses a Clothing Closet made possible through donations. Students, faculty, and staff can access the closet during Memorial Union open hours. Created to provide free identity-affirming clothing, the closet supports trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals in feeling comfortable and validated as they pursue their education. Single-user gender-inclusive restrooms next to the Pride Center are available for trying on items. Please neatly return any items you do not take. Donations are accepted during regular Pride Center business hours and must be machine-washable, free of allergens such as pet hair, and in good condition, without stains or holes. Items are reviewed before being accepted, and the closet does not accept stained, torn, or poor-quality clothing, undergarments, shoes, coats, or jackets.
In addition to these services, the Pride Center maintains a supply of menstrual products, condoms, satin dams, lubricants, and safe sex kits for students, supporting health and well-being alongside community care.
Students are also reminded that the name listed in Campus Connection will appear on their diploma, and the home address on file is used for most mailed correspondence. A legal name change is not required to update a name or NDUS identifier. Instructions for students who wish to make changes are available on UND’s website under Trans Resources. Together, these resources reflect UND’s broader commitment to creating spaces where students can access support, build connections, and focus on their academic journey while feeling seen and affirmed.
Rachel Held is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at rachel.s[email protected].
