Preferred/Chosen Names and Pronouns Policy Revised

The University at Buffalo recognizes that individuals may use a name other than their legal name to identify themselves. Additionally, individuals may use pronouns that reflect their gender identity. The university will use an individual’s preferred/chosen name and pronouns, when possible, in the course of university education and business unless the legal name is required by law or the preferred/chosen name is used for purposes of misidentification, fraud, or misrepresentation. 

This policy, as amended, no longer prohibits the use of a preferred/chosen last name. UB will be making changes to our systems to enable the use of preferred/chosen last names, but this will take some time. Updates will be available in the Preferred/Chosen Names and Pronouns Policy Guidance document.

Full review. Updated the policy to:

• Allow individuals to use a name other than their legal name to identify themselves; previously, the policy allowed only use of a first or middle name, other than their legal name, for identification (Policy Statement)
• Add licensure forms and security/background checks to the items the university is required to use the legal name (Policy Statement)
  Add a reference to Title IX and the New York State Human Rights Law in the Background section
• Add a new responsibility for university employees, including faculty, staff, graduate assistants, teaching assistants, and student assistants to protect the privacy of a student's legal name and assigned sex at birth, unless disclosure is made pursuant to an exception to FERPA or is otherwise required by law
• Update the definition of:
  • Diploma Name to remove the reference to first and middle name
  • Legal Name to include examples of official records (e.g., birth certificate, passport, driver’s license)
  • Preferred/Chosen Name to remove the reference to first and middle name

This policy applies to all members of the university community, including students, faculty, staff, volunteers, vendors, visitors, and guests.