As the on-campus resource center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered students and their allies gets settled in its new home, it provides new and improved services to the community.

The 101 Boucke office offers a resource library, scholarship information, computer facilities and peer counseling. It also is home to the LGBT Support Network and Straight Talk classes.

Allison Subasic, the center's director, said it is important to offer students a place where they feel comfortable talking about LGBT issues and are free from discrimination.

"We offer safe space for students to hang out," she said.

"We hope this is a really safe and comfortable environment for all Penn State students."

There was some initial controversy about logistics of the transition from the old center in the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity to the new one in Student Affairs, but now things seem to be running smoothly.

The students who are involved in the center have played a large role in its success so far, Subasic said.

"There's a great group of very active students here on campus," she said. "It really helps with the visibility and support."

Jennifer Storm, a student activist who is involved in several LGBT interest groups on campus, is the center's intern for the semester.

"The center is beautiful," Storm said. "Allison (Subasic) has done a wonderful job of making the center a safe and friendly environment for students."

As a rehabilitation services major, Storm has been able to use her coursework at the university as a guide for her work in the center, where she assists in teaching a class and peer counsels.

"I love that I can do something LGBT-related with my field," Storm said.

As a student who has been involved with LGBT interests on campus for some time, she is knowledgeable about the resources available to students.

"It makes me happy to be able to use those resources to help other students," Storm said.

One resource that has been available for about five years now is the LGBT Support Network. Now operating from the resource center, the network is a made up of a group of volunteers who support LGBT people.

To become a member, applicants must fill out a short form and read materials on LGBT and diversity issues. Members are provided with stickers, pins and posters to publicly display in their offices and homes or on their bookbags and clothing.

Nora Maginnis, a Penn State nurse practitioner who is actively involved with the network, said it's important for people to join the network so students know where they can go to talk about LGBT issues. "Allies are a really important part of supporting diversity on this campus," she added, referring to those individuals who support LGBT individuals, but are not LGBT themselves.

Storm also is a member of the network and said it plays an important role in the community.

"I think it's huge," Storm said. "I think it's vital on this campus and more people need to join the network."