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CORVALLIS - Oregon State University is entering into a charter agreement with the campus' student-run Pride Center.

The center welcomes all community members, but is focused on serving the needs of OSU's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students, said Gretchen Bates, Pride Center internal coordinator.

The charter will ensure the Pride Center, now beginning its second year on the southeast edge of campus, exists in perpetuity as a physical location, she said. "The signing of the charter is a huge step in formalizing the relationship of the Pride Center to the university."

A formal signing of the charter is planned for Tuesday, Oct. 11, from noon to 1 p.m. in OSU's Memorial Union Lounge. The ceremony, which is free and open to the public, includes refreshments and guest speakers. For information, contact the Pride Center at 541-737-9161.

Terryl Ross, director of OSU's Office of Community & Diversity, said the charter contains language that charges the university to work together with the leadership of the Pride Center and the communities it serves.

The Pride Center charter is similar to a charter created by the university in 2001 for the OSU cultural centers.

"The charter secures the Pride Center's future by unambiguously integrating and valuing it as part of the identity of the university itself," Ross said.

"Our hope is that all types of students, staff, faculty and community members will join us for the signing of this document and understand the importance of having a resource center about the LGBT community on campus," Bates said.