Student Resources

As a part of our institutional commitment to fostering an inclusive campus for all members of our community, including visitors, Suffolk University has gender-inclusive restrooms in ALL of our buildings. Female/male sex-segregated bathrooms are not accessible spaces that everyone can use. The intention of gender inclusive restrooms is to enable transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary individuals on campus to feel empowered to choose a restroom they feel most comfortable using. Additionally, parents with children of different genders and community members with attendants or caregivers of a different gender all benefit from gender-inclusive restrooms.

Gender-Inclusive Restroom Locations

Please check out the campus map to locate the buildings listed above. If you would like the Gender-Inclusive Restrooms Guide postcard, you can pick one up in our office.

Frequently Asked Questions

To aid in the transition from gender-specific to gender-inclusive restrooms we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help guide you in your conversations with students and other faculty and staff members. If you need further assistance, please contact the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion or 617-573-8613. You can also feel free to direct students to our office, which is located in Sawyer Building, Room 828.

Q: What is a gender-inclusive restroom?
A. Gender-inclusive restrooms are bathroom facilities that anyone of any, or no, gender can use. In contrast, gender-specific bathrooms are those that mark "men" or "women" on the door.

Q: Why are they important?
A: Gender-inclusive restrooms are an important way to create a safer campus environment for everyone. They are also a means by which our community can demonstrate our commitment to inclusion and diversity.Specifically, for transgender, genderqueer, and gender nonconforming individuals, gender-specific restrooms can be a place where they encounter intimidation, harassment, and/or violence. These individuals are sometimes deemed to be in the “wrong” bathroom. Having a safe place to go is a fundamental concern for this community.

Q: Why were these particular restrooms chosen?
A. Because they are in highly trafficked student areas without a gender-inclusive bathroom.

Q: I am uncomfortable using the restroom with people of other genders. What does this mean for me?
A. All buildings with gender-inclusive restrooms will continue to have gender-specific rooms on most floors. You can still use these restrooms. With that said, change can be uncomfortable. As we make alterations to increase access and education on this topic, we all have the opportunity to adapt to these changes. Sharing a restroom with other genders can be new and different. This might be an opportunity to engage critically with your ideas of sex, gender, modesty, comfort, public/private spaces, and social practices. Of course, you can choose between gender-specific and gender-inclusive restrooms.

Q: Where are the closest gender-specific restrooms?
A. All buildings with gender-inclusive restrooms will continue to have gender-specific rooms on most floors. If a floor only has an inclusive restroom option, the floors above and below will have gender-specific alternatives.

Q: What is a multi-use restroom?
A. In a multi-use restroom, more than one person can use the facilities at the same time.

Q: Will women be less safe in gender-inclusive restrooms?
A: When some people hear about gender-inclusive restrooms, their first reaction is to fear for women's safety. Yet the research in this area shows that women are currently not protected by the existence of gender-specific restrooms. The designation of a restroom as "women only" does not provide a real barrier to potential predators. Gender-specific restrooms don't prevent sexual assault. In addition, no study has proven that the designation of gender-inclusive restrooms increases incidents of sexual assault. Of course, people who are uncomfortable or who feel unsafe using a gender-inclusive restroom can use a gender-specific restroom close to anywhere they are on campus.

Q: Why aren't all of Suffolk's restrooms becoming gender-inclusive?
A: Inclusion means having options. We want to provide restrooms that work for our entire Suffolk community. Therefore, we will continue to offer gender-specific restrooms as well as gender-inclusive.

Asian American Civic Association
200 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
617-426-9492

Asian-American Resource Workshop

Sri Lanka Association of New England

The Boston Language Institute

Vietnamese American Civic Associations

Vietnamese American Initiative for Development

Centro Latino De Chelsea

Hispanic News Press, Inc.

Latino Professionals Network

251 Newbury St.
Boston, MA 02116
617-247-1818

Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Oiste

37 Temple Place
Boston, MA 02111
617-426-6633

United Way of Massachusetts Bay

Vocero Hispano Newspaper

Dighton Intertribal Indian Council

Massachusetts Center for Native American Awareness

Nipmuck Indian Council Of Chaubunagungamug

North American Indian Center of Boston

African American Resource Center

P.O. Box 5094
Portsmouth, NH 03802
[email protected]

Museum of African American History

14 Beacon St., Suite 719
Boston, MA 02108
617-725-0022

American Civil Liberties Union

One Center Plaza suite 850
Boston, MA, 02108

539 Tremont St., Suite 202

Boston, MA 02116

Tel: 617-292-7110

NAACP Cambridge Chapter

795 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02139

The Boston Bay State Banner

1100 Washington Street, Suite 303
Dorchester, MA 02124

Finding Legal Representation

• Search for legal services by ZIP code and to modify your search based on what you are looking for (e.g., for help after a detention, you can narrow your search to “Removal Defense Attorneys”)
• The Department of Justice lists pro bono and low-cost immigration attorneys by state
• Visit the websites of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the National Immigration Project
• The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) strives to strengthen the ability of immigrants to participate in economic, civic, social, and cultural life fully and equitably in Boston. Here is the complete list of services in Boston for immigrants
• Greater Boston Legal Services provides free civil (non-criminal) legal assistance to low-income people in Boston and thirty-one additional cities and towns
• The Asian Pacific American Legal Center offers low-cost immigration related services and list of scholarships available to undocumented students
• The Rian Immigrant Center has an Immigrant Legal Services program that offers comprehensive, professional, and confidential services for non-citizens, regardless of their legal status or ability to pay. They help navigating complex U.S. immigration laws and is committed to supporting immigrants’ advancement in the workplace and in society. Online courses and individual tutoring to support immigrants in developing the skills, education, and confidence they need to earn a sustainable living, contribute to economic growth, and integrate into society

Other Immigration Protections

Asylum

Asylum is a form of international protection granted to refugees who are present in the United States. In order to qualify for asylum, a person must demonstrate a well-founded fear of prosecution based on one of five grounds: race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Special Immigrant Juveniles Status

The Special Immigrant Juveniles Status program is a humanitarian form of relief available to noncitizen minors who enter the child welfare system due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment by one or both parents. To be eligible, a child must be under 21, unmarried and the subject of certain dependency orders issued by a juvenile court.

T visas

T visas are available to individuals who have been victims of human trafficking, as defined by U.S. law. To be eligible, the person must demonstrate that they would suffer extreme hardship if removed from the United States.

U visas

U visas are available to victims of certain crimes. To be eligible, the person must have suffered substantial physical or mental abuse and have cooperated with law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

VAWA is available to individuals who are victims of domestic violence. To be eligible, the person must have undergone battery or extreme cruelty by the abuser who must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident or have children that have been abused by a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

Tips to Prevent Fraud

The role of a Notary Public in the US is significantly different than Notarios Publicos in Latin American countries. In the United States Notarios Publicos, known as Notaries or a Notary Public, are not attorneys and are not allowed to provide legal advice. Only attorneys and BIA Accredited Representatives can give legal advice. Many unethical individuals exploit the confusion over these different roles.

To help keep yourself safe and to prevent fraud:

• Never sign any blank application papers
• Never sign any document that you do not fully understand. Get someone that you trust to translate it for you if needed
• Always demand a written contract for any immigration services
• Make sure you know how much your case will cost from the very beginning, and if possible, get it in writing
• Be careful with anyone who wants you to pay immediately
• Always get copies of papers prepared for you
• Never allow anyone to keep your original documents (ex: birth certificates)
• Get a receipt for any money that you pay
• Never work with someone who will not answer your questions, explain things to you, or answer your calls
• Get a second opinion if you are not sure

ILRC Living in the United States: A Guide for Immigrant Youth

Boston Medical Center

The BMC Immigrant & Refugee Health Center connects all of BMC’s existing program and expertise in immigrant and refugee health care into one central point of entry where any immigrant patient can relate to all of BMC’s medical, mental health and social services that they need in order to heal, rebuild, and thrive.

Programs offered:

• Primary Care
• Refugee Health Assessment Program
• Mental Health
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Social Services

Pre-Health Dreamers

Pre-Health Dreamers is a rapidly growing network and community of over 1000 health career bound undocumented students, and their allies, across the United States, representing various career interests. PHD investigates and shares information on career pathways for pre-health undocumented students as well as advocates for more progressive institutional and governmental policies for undocumented students.

Golden Door Scholars

While most of our students attend Golden Door partner schools, we support students at other accredited four-year institutions on a case-by-case basis. We are also always developing relationships with new partner schools.

Eligibility:

•  Applicants must have DACA, TPS or be undocumented, meaning currently not have lawful status in the U.S.
• Applicants must not be eligible for in-state tuition or federal funding

Note: if you are a current US citizen or permanent resident, you are not eligible to apply. If you are a visa holder, please elaborate on your visa type and whether you are eligible to receive federal funding and/or in-state tuition in your application below. If you aren’t sure whether you’re eligible, email us.

Platt Family Scholarship Prize Essay Contest

The Lincoln Forum is now accepting applications for its annual Platt Family Scholarship Essay Contest and is open to undocumented college students. There are three separate award amounts: 1st Prize $1500, 2nd Prize $750, 3rd Prize $500. On their website, the Lincoln Forum states that, “you do not have to be an American citizen, but you do need to be attending an American college or university during the eligibility period” in order to qualify.

Davis-Putter Fund

The Davis-Putter Fund awards up to $15,000 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students who are active in social justice movements. The Fund considers the applicant’s contribution to social justice, ability to perform academically, and relevance of educational program, as well as their financial need. This scholarship opportunity is open to undocumented students.

Other educational assistance

• Fee waivers are available for undocumented students with DACA who are unable to pay for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
• Fee waivers are available for undocumented students with DACA who are unable to pay for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion

The Center for Diversity & Inclusion facilitates discussion and programs with students that promote the principles of equity, inclusion, access, and social justice. We provide individual support, mentoring, referrals, and education to foster a welcoming, safe, inclusive environment for all students-giving special attention to historically marginalized students and their allies.

Contact Us:

• Phone: 617-573-8613
• Send us an email 
• Sawyer Building, Room 828

Center for Career Equity, Development, & Success

Career Center acknowledge that undocumented students face unique challenges in their career development. We are here to offer guidance, support, and strategies as you progress at Suffolk University. We support and value the strengths of students with undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

Contact Us:

• Phone: 617-573-8480
• Send us an email
• 73 Tremont Street, 9th Floor

Suffolk CARES

Suffolk CARES assist students in finding the best resources for their individual needs and empowers students to advocate for themselves so that they may remain personally and academically successful. Resources include, but are not limited to Case Management, Suffolk CARES Pantry, Food Insecurity Grants, and Emergency Funding Grants.

Contact Us:

• Phone: 617-573-8239
• 73 Tremont Street, 12th Floor

Counseling, Health, and Wellness

Our integrated team of health, wellness, and counseling professionals provide holistic and culturally affirming clinical care to Suffolk students. We also provide education and consultation regarding student health and wellness to the entire Suffolk community.

Contact Us:

• Phone: 617-573-8226
• 73 Tremont Street, 5th Floor

International Student Services Office

The International Student Services Office (ISSO) is the main resource for assistance with immigration matters, as well as personal, social, and cultural adjustment during your time at Suffolk University.

Contact Us:

• Phone: 617-573-8034
• Send us an email
• 73 Tremont Street, 9th Floor

Division of Student Success

The Division of Student Success offers individualized support and opportunities for students to develop critical skills for the classroom and beyond. Each resource works independently and collaboratively to empower students to reach their full academic, professional, and personal potential.

Contact Us:

• Phone: 617-573-8034
• Send us an email
• 73 Tremont Street, 9th Floor

Financial Assistance to Renew DACA (Any State)

RAICES Texas are currently accepting applications for their DACA scholarship opportunities, which provide recipients with $495 to cover their DACA renewal fees. You can learn more about these opportunities and apply by submitting these forms: RAICES Texas. Please note that depending on funds available, these applications are sometimes closed. We encourage you to follow the work of RAICES Texas to stay up to date.

Help with Citizenship Applications, Mutual Aid & More

Agency Alpha offers a series of resources through their Citizenship Program, including:

• Immigration Advice & Consulting
• Family Petitions & Adjustment of Status
• TPS (Temporary Protection Status)
• Work Permit Renewals
• Free Citizenship Application Assistance
• Citizenship Classes (Boston/East-Boston)
• Interpretation & Translation Services
• Public Notary Services
• Leadership Development/Community Trainings
• Referrals to other community resources

De Novo

De Novo provides free civil legal assistance and affordable psychological counseling to low-income people.

United We Dream

United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led community in the country. We empower people to develop their leadership, their organizing skills, and to develop our own campaigns to fight for justice and dignity for immigrants and all people.

The UndocuBlack Network

The UndocuBlack Network (UBN) is a multigenerational network of currently and formerly undocumented Black people that fosters community, facilitates access to resources, and contributes to transforming the realities of our people, so we are thriving and living our fullest lives.