Inclusive Language

The diversity of EICC’s community and our commitment to inclusive excellence are among our greatest strengths. We are dedicated to continuing to improve and simplify pathways for communicating to the college your chosen names and pronouns that reflect this commitment to inclusive and affirming language. While we recognize that achieving inclusion is an ongoing process, we will continue to strive to make our campus a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, including transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming people and other members of the LGBQ+ community.

Directions on adding or updating your Pronouns, Chosen/Preferred Name and Gender Identity can be found here.

 

Students, faculty and staff can now update in both Self Services and Canvas their pronouns.

Pronouns are the words mostly commonly used in place of your proper name.  Addressing someone by their pronouns is inclusive and respectful.  You may have noticed people sharing their pronouns during introductions, in their email signature, or on their business card.  Providing your pronouns assists in creating a welcoming space and provides an opportunity for self-identity rather than assuming someone’s gender or pronouns. 

Currently, students can select the following pronoun options:

  • She/Her/Hers
  • He/Him/His
  • They/Them/Their
  • Prefer Not to Answer

Students, faculty and staff can now provide their chosen/preferred name. 

The college is working to have your chosen name displayed in a variety of places including class lists.  This will be completed during Fall 2021.  You can provide your Chosen Name to help us appropriately address you on campus.  Some communications from the college will continue to use your legal name.

Using a chosen name is essential to feeling welcome and included.  There are many reasons why a student, faculty or staff might want to use a chosen name.  Some examples included:

  • A student who may have a gender identity different than that assigned at birth and may want to use a name that reflects their gender identity.
  • International students may find that faculty, staff, and other students have trouble pronouncing their birth names, and may want to adopt a name they feel is easier for others to use.
  • Some students have gone by their middle names instead of their first names and would like this to be the name that appears on their class rosters.
  • A student may find a nickname to suit them better.

If you have legally changed your name, please visit with the Registrar’s office regarding the steps to have your legal name changed in college records.

Students, faculty and staff can now provide their gender identity in Self Service.  For a variety of reasons, the college must maintain records of your sex assigned at birth (legal sex); however, we value your right to self expression of your gender and are providing an opportunity to provide your gender identity.  This will assist us in respecting our LBGTQA community and assist us in development of services and clubs.

Gender Identity is one's own internal sense of self and their gender, whether that is man, woman, neither or both. Unlike gender expression, gender identity is not outwardly visible to others.

The college provides the following options for you to select for your gender identity:

  • Male
  • Female
  • Transgender Male
  • Transgender Female
  • Cisgender
  • Non-Binary
  • Agender
  • Genderqueer
  • Gender Not In List
  • Prefer Not to Answer

Providing your gender identity does not change your sex assigned at birth (legal sex).  If you have changed your sex, you will need to visit with the registrar’s office to complete those steps. 


Resources on inclusive language and LGBTQA resources: