The University of Texas recognizes that students, faculty, and staff may use names other than their legal names to identify themselves. Students can designate a Chosen Name for certain university records, except for those that require a legal first name by law or university policy. D&A will use a student’s Chosen Name in place of a legal name for all communication and documents if a student has designated a Chosen Name through the Registrar’s office.
At D&A we welcome, value, and support students of all gender identities and sexualities. We are committed to continue learning and implementing processes to build a more inclusive, informed, and compassionate community. Throughout the registration process with D&A, we have intentionally updated our forms and processes to give students the opportunity to provide and use their preferred names and pronouns in interactions with the D&A office. Automatic communication from D&A uses they/them pronouns or “the student” in order to remain gender neutral in communication about all students.
D&A only updates records from the Registrar once a semester so if a student registered with D&A changes their legal name or designates a Chosen Name after registering with D&A they should contact their Access Coordinator so we can update their record accordingly in a more timely manner.
We are working diligently to create a more inclusive environment, and we do acknowledge the limitations and inequities that exist for transgender and non-binary students. If you have any ideas or input on ways to make our office more inclusive, please feel free to contact us.
More information:
- Designation a Chosen Name with UT
- Procedures for Designating a Name in Use and Gender Marker at UT
- UT Gender & Sexuality Center
- Gender Inclusive Restrooms at UT
Further Reading:
- GLSEN: I’m a Trans, Disabled Young Person, Not One or the Other
- Here’s What Transgender People with Disabilities Want You to Know
- Infographic: LGBT People with Disabilities