Chosen Name and Pronouns Policy

I. Scope

This policy applies to all University students and employees.

II. Policy Statement

Students and employees may designate and use a Chosen Name and Pronouns for University purposes, except when use of a Legal Name is required by the University or by law.

Students and employees may designate a Chosen Name and Pronouns in University information systems only when such systems allow for such designation.

The University will ordinarily use a Chosen Name and Pronouns in university communications and reporting except when use of a Legal Name is required by the University or by law. By way of example but not limitation, Chosen Names will be reflected on class rosters, in Blackboard, in Patriot Web (including Degree Works), timesheets, and in directory listings including email address.

Legal Names shall be used for billing, verification of enrollment, payroll (W-2s), official transcripts, communication with external authorities, or as otherwise required by the University or by law. The University may identify students and employees by both Legal Name and Chosen Name at any time.

Students and employees may not use a Chosen Name for any kind of misrepresentation. Students and employees may not use profanity in a Chosen Name.

III. Definitions

Legal Name: means the first, middle, and last name of an individual that is recorded on the individual’s birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, or other legal documents.

Chosen Name: means a first name other than the legal first name by which the student or employee prefers to be identified, which has been designated by the student or employee in the Banner system.

Pronouns: means a word used in place of a person’s name when referring to that person in the third person or referring to a group of people.

IV. Forms

Students and employees may designate a Chosen Name and Pronouns in Banner through the Patriot Web site.

VI. Dates:

A. Effective Date:

This policy will become effective upon the date of approval by the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration and the Provost and Executive Vice President.

B. Date of Most Recent Review:

November 01, 2023

 VII. Timetable for Review

This policy, and any related procedures, shall be reviewed every three years or more frequently as needed.

VIII. Signatures

Approved:

_____/S______
Deb Dickenson
Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration

_____/S______
Kenneth D. Walsh
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President

Date Approved: December 19, 2016
Revision Approved: October 29, 2019
Revised: December 4, 2019
Revision Approved: November 01, 2023

Page last updated: December 12, 2023