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The University of Chicago values the diverse identities students bring with them to campus; as such, we strive to grow in our ability to be inclusive of the multitude of gender identities that contribute to making our communities so rich. During the summer of 2018 a collaboration between the University Registrar and the Office of LGBTQ Student Life launched the process of updating student records with the ability to optionally disclose ones’ gender identity and pronouns of reference. These social identity expansions build upon the preferred name policy which provides students with the opportunity to share a first name that more fully affirms their identity.
Identity Information
As individuals we hold many identities, to value and honor this reality, the University of Chicago seeks to make my.UChicago and other online systems more inclusive to campus community members with diverse gender identities. Current students may elect to indicate their gender identity, and/or their pronouns of reference in their student records. Updates to these identity categories can be made in my.UChicago.
Information on how you can update fields within My Profile within my.UChicago can be found on the Using My Profile webpage.
Below you will find descriptions of the various identity terms that are available for you to optionally select in my.UChicago
A Note on Language
It is important to note that many gender identities exist globally and are not bounded by the same cultural and social understandings. That is, gender is a culturally constructed category understood differently depending upon on one's society. Here we are using U.S. - based defintions of pronouns of reference and gender identity to highlight some of the variance within the United States. We also reckognize the inherent problem with offering definitions related to these elements of social identity, as they can not be respresentative of all community members. As such, we offer these definitions as a starting point for understanding the nuances of gender, and to mark the significance of attempting, as imperfect as it may be, to increase inclusion of transgender, gender non-conforming and/or non-binary community members in our systems and campus spaces.
Gender
Gender is based on a group of emotional, behavioral, and psychological characteristics that typically classify an individual as “woman” or “man” or “gender queer/gender non-conforming” or “transgender.” Gender can be understood to have several components including gender identity, gender expression, and gender attributions.
Cisgender – a value-neutral term to describe people who identify/agree with the gender they were assigned at birth, often shortened to cis. A cis woman is a person who is assigned female at birth and identifies as a woman. A cis man is a person who is assigned male at birth and identifies as a man.
Transgender – a value-neutral term to describe people who do not identify/agree solely with the gender they were assigned at birth (sometimes referred to as an umbrella category under which a broad spectrum of gender identities exist). Often abbreviated as trans or trans*. Can be transman, transwoman and/or non-binary person.
Man – a gender identity that largely aligns with “masculine” traits and characteristics. Can be a cisgender man or a trans male/trans man, both are men.
Woman – a gender identity that largely aligns with “feminine” traits and characteristics. Can be a cisgender woman or a trans female/trans woman, both are women.
Gender Queer/Gender Non-Conforming – an inclusive category for gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or feminine – identities that are outside of the gender binary.
Pronouns of Reference
Pronouns are often used to refer to a person’s gender identity. Several systems of pronouns have been created to refer to others without assigning them into the gender binary system. Pronouns of reference are the set of pronouns that an individual would like others to use when talking to or about that individual.
He, him, his – pronouns typically used to refer to another person who identifies as masculine.
She, her, hers – pronouns typically used to refer to another person who identifies as feminine.
They, them, theirs – gender neutral or gender inclusive pronouns which donot associate a gender with the individual who is being discussed.
Ze, hir, hirs - gender neutral or gender inclusive pronouns created by transgender and non-binary communities which do not associate a gender with the individual who is being discussed.
Information Access, Usage & Locations
Gender identity and pronouns of reference information are considered confidential per the university’s Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) policies. If a student elects to disclose information related to the aforementioned categories it will be used for internal demographic tracking by the University Registrar. Students have the option to provide a preferred name via MyUChicago. This name is used on class rosters. In the coming months, if a student provides their pronouns of reference, this information will accompany any name that is visible on a class roster. Presently, pronouns of reference will only be collected as demographic information by the Registrar and will not appear on class rosters.
For a comprehensive list of student information that is always confidential review the Educational Records: Always Confidential section of the University Registrar’s webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have gender identity and pronouns of reference been added as student record options?
The University of Chicago joins 30+ colleges and universities across the country in making our student records more inclusive. We understand that student’s identities play an integral role in how they experience and navigate their college experience, as such, the University of Chicago seeks to be responsive to the needs of gender diverse students who join us for their educational endeavors. We continue to strengthen our inclusion efforts by aligning our record systems with national best practices that seek to validate student’s
Who do I contact with questions?
For questions about changing preferred name, gender identity, sex designation, and/or pronouns of reference contact, the University Registrar. Email: registrar@uchicago.edu
For questions about why these changes were made, contact the Office of LGBTQ Student Life. Email: lgbtq@uchicago.edu
Pronouns can be used to refer to a person’s gender identity. Several systems of pronouns have been created to refer to others without assigning them into the gender binary system. Pronouns of reference are the set of pronouns that an individual would like others to use when talking to or about that individual. Examples include, but are not limited to:
He, him, his – pronouns typically used to refer to another person who identifies as masculine.
She, her, hers – pronouns typically used to refer to another person who identifies as feminine.
They, them, theirs – gender neutral or gender inclusive pronouns which do not associate a gender with the individual who is being discussed.
Ze, hir, hirs - gender neutral or gender inclusive pronouns created by transgender and non-binary communities which do not associate a gender with the individual who is being discussed.
Ze, zir, zirs - gender neutral or gender inclusive pronouns created by transgender and non-binary communities which do not associate a gender with the individual who is being discussed.
Source: The University of Iowa. Identity Terminology
For a comprehensive list of terminology related to gender identity and sexual orientation visit the GLAAD Media Reference Guide - Transgender
Why Are Pronouns Important?
Understanding pronouns beyond the two options of she, her, hers and he, him, his creates space for experiences and identities outside of the gender binary. We have been taught to make assumptions about people’s pronouns based on the way they look and the way we perceive them. While using pronouns on autopilot may not have bad intent, it is not only disrespectful and hurtful, but also oppressive. When someone is mispronouned, it can make the person feel disrespected, alienated, dismissed, invalidated, or dysphoric.
Source: Washington State University. Gender Pronouns
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I make a mistake with someone's pronouns?
That's okay, we all make mistakes. The best thing to do if you use the wrong pronoun for someone is to say something right away, like “Sorry, I meant (insert pronoun).” Don't over apologize, simply say you're sorry and move on.
How do I ask someone what pronouns they use?
Simply asking, “what pronouns do you use?” can provide an opportunity for someone to offer their gender pronouns for you to use. Other options include: “how would you like me to refer to you?” or “how would you like to be addressed?”
Another option is to begin by offering the pronouns you use. Try: “I use they, them, their pronouns. Do you mind if I ask what pronouns you’d like me to use when referring to you? I want to make sure I respect your identity.”
Why are people asking me about my pronouns even though I’m not transgender? How should I answer?
To be increasingly gender inclusive on campus many faculty, staff, and students will ask you for your pronouns of reference. You could very well be asked to share your pronouns while introducing yourself in class, in a meeting, and/or when meeting new people.
When someone asks you what your pronouns are, or what pronouns you use, they’re asking how you like to be referred to — as she, he, they, a less common option like ze, xe, or ey, or by name rather than pronoun. The person asking you this question wants to make sure they refer to you respectfully rather than making assumptions. Chances are they ask lots of people this question, so it isn’t intended as a personal judgement or insult, nor does it necessarily mean they think you’re trans.
Source: FAQ about Pronouns & Trans People
For a detailed list of frequently asked questions related to gender identity visit Trans Talk.