Gender Markers and Preferred Name

Policies and Procedures for Students

Potsdam is grounded in its commitment to diversity and a shared responsibility to fostering a campus climate where inclusivity is exercised, individuality is respected, celebrated and recognized as foundational to our community values. Our campus strives to be a campus where all feel welcomed and an integral part of our campus community regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or background.

NYS Compliance Requirements and Policy Background

Under New York Civil Rights Law Section 79-Q, all New York State agencies, including State University of New York colleges and universities, are charged with the responsibility of updating campus policies, practice and systems in the collection and utilization of chosen names, gender identity and pronouns, and must comply with the following:

• Implementing an option within campus operational systems in which students are provided with the opportunity to identify and indicate their chosen names, pronouns and gender identity in accordance with federal law.
   
• Providing a Legal Sex “X” option in addition to Male and Female options.

Gender Markers and Preferred First Name Policy Information

• NYS Civil Rights Section 79-Q
• Student Preferred/Chosen First Name Policy (PDF)

Division of Human Rights Resources

• GENDA website
• Protections against gender identity discrimination (PDF)
• Protections against discrimination at educational institutions (PDF)

Utilization of Identifying Information Provided

The Potsdam campus personal information procedures are intended to provide users with the opportunity to indicate preferred first names, gender identity and pronouns. This information will be utilized and appear on multiple campus portals, class rosters, student email addresses and more.

Where will my Information Appear once I submit my request?

Please note this is a new process requiring system integration; while we work to ensure all students can update personal identifiers, some delays may occur.  Please reach out to registrar@potsdam.edu with any questions you may have.