As we approach the new semester, the LGBTQ Center and the Office of Title IX would like to remind our esteemed faculty and staff of the pivotal role we play in shaping the student experience at Ithaca College. This is especially true for those students who use names and pronouns that may differ from our records or assumptions. Research demonstrates the protective health impacts of using chosen names and the pronouns individuals determine for themselves. By understanding this and making a conscious effort to use their chosen names and pronouns, we can significantly contribute to a positive and affirming campus experience for all our students.
Some of our students are transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, or have another gender identity outside of the binary of man/woman. These students may use a name different from their birth or legal name. Some cisgender students use a name different from their birth name, too. Regardless of why a student uses a different name, it is important for us to recognize, respect, and remember to use their correct chosen name. Many of our trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming students may use pronouns outside of the binary she/her and he/him. The most common other pronouns are they/them. To learn more about why pronouns are important, visit https://pronouns.org/.
Class rosters have a student’s legal first name unless the student has designated their chosen first name with the Registrar's office. Students can designate a chosen first name using the online chosen/preferred name change form available at https://www.ithaca.edu/academics/registrar/forms/student-forms. Pronouns are not included on rosters, and we encourage you to forego using gender binary pronouns and instead use the neutral they/them or refer to students by their chosen name until and unless they choose to share their pronouns.
A student may approach you before class begins, either in person or via email, to notify you that they use a different name than what appears on the roster or program attendance list, and/or pronouns different than what might be assumed. Many of these students have encountered frustration or harm due to others not respecting their chosen name or pronouns in their lives and academic careers before entering IC. The beginning of a semester can be especially challenging for these students as they navigate new environments. We can all help students feel welcome and respected doing our part to create inclusive spaces where chosen names and pronouns are not only respected but affirmed. Below, we have included a list of action steps you can take to smooth the way for our students to share this information and feel affirmed.
Action steps
Inclusive strategies for welcoming students include:
- Use the name a student asks you to use, regardless of whether the roster or participation list has a different name and regardless of whether the roster name seems to be a name associated with another gender (please do not point this out or mention it to other students). Homer Connect pulls information listed in the chosen name field (if one has been entered) for class rosters. Making this simple change before publicly reading the roster or program attendance list will avoid inadvertently embarrassing the student or disclosing their personal information to others.
- Create a simple online form for students to fill out with their contact info including the name they go by and their pronouns, so you have that information before the first class meeting. If you prefer a low tech option, during your first class meeting you can ask all students to complete index cards with the same information. You may need to explain/give examples. (e.g., my pronouns are 'she' and 'her'; my pronouns are ‘they/them’.) Not every student will opt to share their pronouns.
- If you do class introductions, explicitly invite students to use the name they wish to be called. If the name is different from what is on the roster, update the roster to ensure you use the student’s correct name.
- During class introductions, you can also create an opportunity for students to share their pronouns. Sample language could be, “Please share your name, pronouns (if you feel comfortable sharing), and [any other information you wish to learn]”. Important note: do not point out if a student “forgets” to share their pronouns. There are many reasons someone may forget or intentionally choose not to share their pronouns. If a student does not share their pronouns during group introductions, you can use their name to refer to them until you can follow up privately.
- Use inclusive language. Avoid gendered terms like ladies and gentlemen or boys and girls and instead use gender-neutral terms for groups, such as students/scholars/athletes. You can also use they/them pronouns to refer to students when their pronouns are not known to you.
- Call on students using a description rather than a gender, for instance instead of saying "the gentleman in back," or "the woman in the front," say things like "the student in the purple sweater in the back row," “the student with their hand raised,” “the student wearing a NY Mets jersey,” etc.
- Display your pronouns during Zoom meetings. In your Zoom profile, you now have the option to designate pronouns, and how/when they are shared. We recommend that you select “always share.”
- Consult the LGBTQ Center for resources, support, and referrals. Director Crissi Dalfonzo consults with faculty and staff seeking more information and connects students to the policies, programs, and services on our campus that support them. Visit ithaca.edu.lgbt, contact cdalfonzo@ithaca.edu or call 607-274-7394.
- Put a Title IX paragraph on the syllabus or orientation/contact materials you provide to your students. “Title IX is a federal law mandating that educational institutions receiving federal funding must provide sex and gender equity. All students have the right to a campus atmosphere free of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and gender discrimination, including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions. To make a report of sexual assault, sexual harassment or gender discrimination, please contact Linda Koenig, Title IX Coordinator; lkoenig@ithaca.edu 607-274-7761. Please visit www.ithaca.edu/share for more information.”
Simple adjustments like this will make a big difference in welcoming students into our spaces, classrooms, and co-curricular learning opportunities at IC. These actions are part of the larger work of creating and sustaining an inclusive, supportive, safe, and nondiscriminatory campus community for all our students.
If you have questions or would like a presentation on this or similar topics for your department, office, class, or student group, please contact either Crissi or Linda directly.
Thank you for the work you do creating welcoming, inclusive, and equitable spaces for our students.
Crissi Dalfonzo
Director, LGBTQ Education, Outreach & Services
Linda Koenig
Title IX Coordinator