Recognized Name, Gender, and Pronouns

Students

Introducing revised University of Wisconsin Policy 99 - Recognized Name, Gender, and Pronoun Policy.

• See related Project Fluid Navigation to the UW-Parkside SOLAR Student Center
• See Policy 99 

The revised Policy increases awareness and recognition of students and employees across campus and technological platforms. 

Timing of the Change  

The revised policy takes effect Fall of 2023 

What is changing - Students 

• Students will be able to add/update Recognized Name via the student center in SOLAR 
• Students will be able to add/update pronoun information via the student center in SOLAR 

Caution: Name Use

Please note that a recognized name is considered "Directory Information" and may be released (when appropriate) without the expressed written permission of the student/employee. The university is not able to ensure that recognized name, gender, or pronoun will be used by all members of the UW-Parkside community.

UW Parkside’s commitment to inclusion and diverse populations

 

What are pronouns and why are they important? 

Pronouns are words that refer to either the people talking (like you or I), or someone or something that is being talked about (like she, they, ze and his). Personal pronouns refer to a unique and individual person. You can signal your pronouns by adding them to your student center, adding them in your email signature, and sharing them whenever you meet someone. By introducing yourself with your name and pronouns, you open the discussion for someone to share their pronouns with you. 

People may choose to use a pronoun. Using someone’s correct pronouns is a way to respect them and create an inclusive environment, just as using a person’s preferred or chosen name can be a way to respect them. Often, people assume another person’s gender pronouns based on appearance or name. Assuming or mistaking someone’s pronouns can send a potentially harmful message: that people must look a certain way to demonstrate the gender that they are or are not. 

What Pronouns are available in SOLAR 

• He/His/Him 
• She/Her/Hers 
• They/Them/Theirs 
• He/Him/el 
• She/Her/ella 
• Per/Per/Pers 
• Ze/Hir/Hirs 
• Ze/Zir/Zeir 

• Prefer Not to Answer 

• Ask me about my pronouns 

Gender versus Legal Sex 

Legal Sex - Refers to a person's biological status and is typically assigned at birth and listed on legal documents.  
Gender - A person’s gender may be the same as or different from their birth-assigned sex.  

Where your gender appears 

Gender is not shared with class instructors or other campus partners. Authorized University employees with access to your bio-demographic information will also have access to view your gender.  Gender is not considered directory information. 

 

Student FAQs