Preferred Name, Gender & Pronouns

The University supports an open and inclusive environment through the establishment of preferred name, gender identity, name prefixes, and pronouns, for use within University systems, where feasible. Not all University information systems, databases, and processes may be able to store or display these identifiers, and there may be situations that require use of the Legal Name or Legal Sex. Therefore, individuals who utilize a Preferred Name or Preferred Gender within University systems should always be prepared to reference their Legal Name and Legal Sex, as well and to provide corresponding identification when necessary.

Eastern Kentucky University recognizes and strives to support the need or preference for members of the University community to refer to themselves by a name other than their legal name. As long as the use of this name is not intended for the purposes of avoiding legal obligations or misrepresentation, the University acknowledges that a preferred first and/or middle name may be used where possible in the course of University business.

Eastern Kentucky University will use a student’s preferred name wherever a legal name is not required on campus including on internal documents, communications, systems, and web portals such as:

*by request only

A preferred name will not be used on outgoing mail or documents that require a legal name such as:

The University will not accept a preferred name that is vulgar, offensive, obscene, or fanciful, creates confusion of the individual with another individual, or otherwise constitutes misuse or abuse as defined in this procedure. The use of a preferred name cannot be used for the purpose of misrepresentation and must otherwise comply with university policies, including the Student Code of Conduct. The Registrar or designee will determine if a student’s preferred name is appropriate under these criteria.

Preferred Gender, Pronouns

Eastern Kentucky University recognizes and strives to support the expression and self-identification of gender identity and pronoun usage. As long as the gender assertion meets the requirements, voluntary self-identification options at this time include the following:

If selected by an individual, preferred prefixes and pronouns will be added to the person’s entry in the University’s public directory to facilitate communication based upon the person’s preferences. While the use of preferred pronouns and prefixes are recommended and encouraged wherever possible, the University cannot guarantee that preferred pronouns and prefixes will appear in all cases and in all communications. It should be understood that even when a Preferred Gender has been entered in various University information systems, Legal Sex will be used wherever required by University business or legal need.

Specific examples that may require use of Legal Sex include, but are not limited to, the following:

In order to request a change to your preferred name, gender, pronouns, etc. with the university, please submit a Personal Information Change Form.