June 25, 2021
âThese are two important changes as we work to create more inclusive systems at U,â said Clare Lemke, director of the LGBT Resource Center. âIt’s now easier for individuals to use whatever name they choose in more academic systems and communications. We hope that many students will choose to update their CIS page with data on gender and sexual identities so that we can better serve everyone. “
Gender and gender identity information
Lemke said giving students a way to share information about their identity will help the university better understand how to recruit, retain and graduate students of diverse identities. The goal is to use this data to improve the resources, programs and policies that support a diverse campus.
Name chosen / preferred
Previously, U employees and students had the option to update their chosen / preferred first names in HR and CIS systems. Now, chosen / preferred names will be automatically updated in multiple systems across campus so students and employees no longer have to ask each department to replace their legal first name in HR systems or the campus directory.
âAs we celebrate Pride Month, it is significant that we, as an institution, are making university-wide system changes that more include LGBTQIA + people who live, work and learn here. Making it easier to navigate our institution and making sure we know who the students are is important, âsaid Lemke. “At the same time, we know there is still work to be done and we are motivated to continue to make meaningful structural changes with real impacts.”
This press release was produced by the University of Utah. The opinions expressed here are those of the author.