Welcome to LGBTQ+ Support at MPC! We’re excited to foster a warm, inclusive, and empowering space for our vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Driven by the College’s mission of open access and inclusion, we strive to ensure that every student and employee can learn, work, and flourish within a safe and supportive environment. Together, we cultivate a campus culture rooted in dignity, belonging, and respect, where everyone can shine free from discrimination. Join us in creating a positive and affirming community for all!
Have Questions?
Contact Director of IDEAALGBTQ+ Support & Belonging at MPC
Pride Pack (LGBTQIA+ Student Club)
A welcoming and affirming space for LGBTQIA+ students to build community, connect
socially, and participate in workshops, advocacy, and leadership opportunities.
Student Equity & Success Programs
Provides ongoing workshops, educational events, and resources that promote inclusion,
support, and belonging for LGBTQIA+ students.
True Name Recognition
We honor students’ identities by allowing you to use the name that reflects who you
are, even if it differs from your legal name. Your affirmed name can be used across
many campus systems.
Mental Health Counseling
Free, confidential support—including mental health screenings for anxiety, depression,
bipolar disorder, substance use, and more—to help you navigate challenges and thrive.
Social Justice Studies – LGBTQ Studies
Explore course offerings in Gender and LGBTQIA+ Studies to deepen your understanding
of identity, power, culture, and social justice.
Pride Pack - Join Our Club!
Changing Your Preferred Name
MPC recognizes many students use a name other than their legal name in personal and professional settings. As long as the use of a preferred/chosen name is not for the purpose of fraud or misrepresentation, the college acknowledges that a preferred/chosen name should be used whenever possible in the course of college business and education, except where the use of the legal name is necessitated by university business or legal requirement. The preferred name field in MyMPC and Canvas may be modified, changed, altered, or rescinded at the discretion of MPC if it contains inappropriate or offensive language.
At this time, your preferred/chosen name will appear along with your legal name on the class rosters; however, we recommend that you continue to work with instructors individually to ensure that they are using appropriate names and pronouns.
If you would like to update your personal information, complete a Personal Information Update Form and return it to the Admissions & Records Office. Incomplete or illegible forms will not be processed. Please contact Admissions & Records with any questions at admissions@mpc.edu.
Please note:
- You should not put anything profane as your preferred/chosen name.
- Your legal name will still appear on transcripts and other MPC documents.
- We are only able to update FIRST names; legal last names may not be changed at this time.
- Your preferred/chosen name will not appear on MPC email. As an institution we are working hard to solve these challenges and we look forward to incorporating preferred names into MPC email in the near future.
Instructions on Adjusting Preferred Name
MPC is currently working to update the process for changing your preferred name online through the new MyMPC Student Portal. Thank you for your patience.
- From your student Lobo Apps dashboard, click on Canvas.
- In the left hand navigation, click Help.
- In the pop up navigation, click Weekday Support from MPC (8am-5pm). This will open a new window called MPC Online Education Help Desk.
- Complete the form to the best of your ability, including your student ID number and both your former and current (preferred/chosen) name.
- Complete the reCaptcha prompt and click Submit.
- A member of the Online Education team will inform you when the change is complete. This is a confidential process; only the student's instructor(s) will be informed of this change.
IDEAA Advisory Group
The IDEAA Advisory Group is responsible for increasing diversity and promoting student success by creating a campus climate that nurtures students, faculty and staff who are part of the LGBTQIA+ and/or underrepresented communities at MPC.
Confidential Contact for LGBTQ+
Monterey Peninsula Community College District (MPCCD) is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment for all. To better serve LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff, a Confidential Point of Contact offers a safe, informed, and nonjudgmental space for support. This contact operates separately from Title IX and is not required to report incidents unless written permission is granted. This role reflects MPCCD’s commitment to trust, respect, and empowerment for every community member.
The Confidential Point of Contact is IDEAA Director, Jacinto M. Salazar III, who serves as the college's SB 1491 Designee. He s the primary point of contact for the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, pansexual, transgender, gender-nonconforming, intersex, and two-spirit students. As the SB 1491 Designee, the contact is not a mandated reporter.
The designated Confidential Point of Contact for LGBTQIA+ individuals:
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Shall not disclose confidential information provided to them by faculty, staff, or students about any alleged act of sex harassment, sexual violence, or discrimination without prior written consent of the person who provided the information.
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Is not responsible for initiating investigations or reporting allegations to Title IX or campus administration without consent.
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Must operate in a manner that is fully consistent with Title IX regulations and college policies.
For confidential LGBTQ+ support, you can reach the IDEAA Director by email at jsalazar@mpc.edu, by phone at (831) 646-4062, or by visiting us in Building 20 (HSS), Room 110.