Policy on Chosen Name and Pronouns

Faculty TipSheet

Policy on Chosen Name and Pronouns

Every Person and Every Interaction Matters

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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.

  1. Follow the university's policies and procedures regarding chosen names and gender identity.
  2. Ask students to fill out a document at the beginning of the semester that queries them about their chosen name, pronunciation, and pronouns.
  3. Consider updating your personal information to include your pronouns and add them to your email signature and on materials you provide to students.
  4. When talking about gender, say "people of all genders" or "all genders."
  5. Do not assume anyone's gender.
  6. 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. 
  7. 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.
  8. It is important to understand that not all men and women are cisgender (their gender identity matches their sex assigned at birth).