At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln we believe that addressing everyone respectfully is critical to a campus culture where "every person and every interaction matters." Using chosen names and pronouns is an important way to demonstrate that respect for all students.
As a leader in classrooms and labs, faculty have the opportunity to use these tips to foster that culture of respect.
- Follow the university's policies and procedures regarding chosen names and gender identity.
- Ask students to fill out a document at the beginning of the semester that queries them about their chosen name, pronunciation, and pronouns.
- Consider updating your personal information to include your pronouns and add them to your email signature and on materials you provide to students.
- When talking about gender, say "people of all genders" or "all genders."
- Do not assume anyone's gender.
- Be mindful of your language that is broadly applicable to regardless of a person’s gender. For example, use a person's chosen name, "you said," or “they said” as a default, when they have not divulged their gender.
- Check your own beliefs and biases. Understand that there are many people who do not identify as “men” or “women.” In order to create a respectful classroom or lab, words and actions matter.
- It is important to understand that not all men and women are cisgender (their gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth).