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Chosen Name: Process/Procedures for Written Communications with Students

On-Campus Communications:

• Chosen names should be utilized when emailing and communicating on-campus with
  students.
• Avoiding and Correcting Mistakes:
  •  Instead of using a student’s name in email communications (especially in group
    communications, i.e. emails), we encourage using general descriptions instead of a
    student name. Below are some examples:
    • Dear ºÚÁÏÍø Students
    • Congratulations, KSU Student
    • Attention Future Flash
  • If a mistake is made, apologize quickly and succinctly to those impacted
    • You can send a corrected email with the chosen name

Off-Campus Communications:

• Legal names must be utilized when sending information to off-campus addresses.
  • KSU’s current systems do not permit students to select if they’d like chosen name or
    legal name used with mailings home and external communications. 
  • Legal name is utilized for ALL off-campus communications to protect students who are
    not out with their family. 
•  Avoiding and Correcting Mistakes:
  • Instead of using a student’s name in mailers, letters, or other off-campus
    communications, we encourage using general descriptions instead of a student name.
    Below are some examples:
    •  ºÚÁÏÍø Student
    • Future Flash
    • Honoree
  •  If a mistake is made, apologize quickly and succinctly to those impacted.
    • You can send a corrected letter with the legal name. Include a statement that a clerical error was made in the first mailing and apologize for the confusion.

Questions? Requests for training?

LGBTQ+ CENTER - lgbtqsc@kent.edu 

THE DIVISION OF PEOPLE, CULTURE AND BELONGING - people@kent.edu

Printable Version

A printable document containing this same information can be downloaded here:

Learn More about Chosen Names and Pronouns

Creating and embracing an inclusive environment is important to the mission of ºÚÁÏÍø. The link below provides you with basic information regarding what chosen names and pronouns are, why we use them, and how to use them correctly and respectfully.

Chosen Name & Pronouns