Learning students’ preferred pronoun (or perhaps more accurately their “correct” pronoun), such as she/he or him/her, can be just as important as learning their name. It is part of their identity and you can now see it on your class roster. This prevents you from having to request pronouns publicly while taking attendance, which can be embarrassing, stressful, or confusing to some students. Knowing pronouns even before a semester begins can help you learn a little more about your students thereby creating a safer and more inclusive atmosphere.
Here’s how it works: Students list their pronoun in their Student Center. This allows faculty to see it on their class rosters (see screenshot below). Only students can select their pronouns, and they can change it any time they want in their Student Center.
If you have questions about this new feature, contact the Office of Diversity & Inclusion or the Office of the Registrar.
