Student Chosen Name Initiative Expanded

Fri, 19 Aug 2022 10:38:30 -0400
diversity

We are pleased to announce an update to our self-service pathway to allow students to indicate their chosen middle and last names in addition to their chosen first names, pronouns, and gender identity in university administrative systems. Beginning this month, students can log into their myUMBC profile and update their chosen middle and last names. This process is optional and voluntary. More detail on how students may update their information is available here.

Students' chosen names are provided to faculty and staff through university administrative systems, such as PeopleSoft and myUMBC. Please note that the display of this information may differ from system to system. For example, not all university administrative systems currently accommodate chosen middle names.

The expanded name options build on prior work enabling students to indicate their chosen first name, pronouns, and gender identity. We invite you to view this brief video for more insight on the expanded chosen name initiative, including reminders on how to verify students' identity when working in campus systems.

Thank you to the diverse group of campus partners who worked together to implement this new process, and thank you for all you do everyday to make UMBC a safe, caring, and inclusive learning community.

The Office of Equity and Inclusion

Learn More Here

**********************

The Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI) is responsible for promoting and coordinating the University's core values of inclusive excellence and equity. OEI has primary responsibility for managing UMBC's efforts related to Title IX, gender identity, and LGBTQ+ identity, as well as other civil rights issues. OEI is leading our campus community through this important culture change with the support and partnership of countless allies across UMBC. If you are experiencing discrimination based on your gender identity or sexual orientation, you can report it using OEI's online reporting form.

The diversity of UMBC's community and our commitment to inclusive excellence are among our greatest strengths. We are committed to continuing to improve and simplify pathways for alerting the university of chosen names and pronouns. While we recognize that achieving inclusion is an ongoing process, we will continue to strive to make our campus a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, including transgender people and other members of the LGBTQ+ community.

We are also committed to providing information and other supportive resources for members of the UMBC community with particular concerns about civil rights related to gender identity. Resources are available at the following sites:

UMBC Non-Discrimination Policy Statement

USM Policy of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity or Expression

LGBTQ+ Resources at UMBC

UMBC Gender Inclusive Housing Options

Retriever Integrated Health

Pride Center

Women's Center

UMBC LGBTQ Faculty/Staff Association

UMBC LGBTQ Student Union