Chosen vs. Legal Name Communications
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 ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ 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
- Instead of using a student’s name in email communications (especially in group
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.
- KSU’s current systems do not permit students to select if they’d like chosen name or
- 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:- ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ 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.
- Instead of using a student’s name in mailers, letters, or other off-campus
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 ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡. 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.