In January of 2017 the university adopted the preferred name policy. Since that time, we have experienced success with students finding it easier to update their preferred name. This policy is helpful for many students, and is especially meaningful for international and transgender students.
Places the preferred name currently shows up are:
· Drake ID card
· Residence hall roster (for on-campus students)
· Blackboard listing
· Class list with photos
· Advisor list with photos
· MyDUSIS classmate search
· Email
Documents that list legal name:
· Transcript
· Diploma
· Document with the Office of Student Financial Planning
· Official University records
· Visa verification
We continue to work to update our extensive systems that display student names to confirm that preferred names are displayed where appropriate. As you navigate engaging preferred names, below are some tips for navigating respectfully and thoughtfully.
Why is this important?
What to do if you accidentally misgender someone/misuse someone’s name:
While misgendering/misusing someone’s name can be harmful and uncomfortable for both parties, we are all human and make mistakes. How someone responds after making a mistake is important. Often, the best thing to do is simply correct the mistake by saying something like, “Sorry, I meant ‘she’ is attending the event” and then move on with conversation. Try not to call too much attention to the situation or apologize profusely—this puts the person who has been misgendered in the position of comforting you and can make them feel even more uncomfortable. It’s best to say a quick apology, move on, be more diligent in the future.
Keep it confidential:
If you notice a document that uses a legal first name (besides the areas listed above), continue to refer to the person by their preferred name. Notify the department/area in charge where you noticed the discrepancy so it can be evaluated and updated.
What if you know a student who would like to update their preferred name?
Check out this FAQ.
Tony Tyler, Student Engagement, Equity, and Inclusion