Information on Relevant Campus Policies and Procedures

In order to assist trans members of the campus community in navigating the policies and practices of the university, we encourage you to get in touch with the LGBTQA Resource Center Coordinator, who is available to assist you with everything from changing your name on University records, to getting a new Gallaudet University ID card, to finding local resources, to meeting other Trans Bison on campus, and more!

While it is possible to accomplish nearly all of these tasks on your own, a meeting with the LGBTQA Resource Center Coordinator may save you some time while providing access to resources you may not have known were available. While we have worked hard to make the campus ever more inclusive, if you have noticed something that could help to make campus more trans-friendly, please contact us. This is an ongoing effort and we greatly value your input.

Campus Policies Discussed On This Page:

Anti-Discrimination Policy

The Gallaudet University Anti-Discrimination Policy and Complaint Procedure is detailed in the Administration and Operations Manual (2.28), and applies to faculty, teachers, staff, and students in all offices and divisions of Gallaudet University.

"It is the policy of Gallaudet University to provide an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. Any Gallaudet employee, student, applicant for admission or employment, or other participant in Gallaudet University programs or activities, who believes that he or she has been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression, age, disability, veteran status or other items listed in the D.C. Human Rights Act is encouraged to use the procedures outlined below for the resolution of his or her complaint.

In accordance with Federal and District of Columbia law, the University policy prohibits retaliation of any kind against any individual who has filed a complaint regarding discrimination or has participated in procedures to redress complaints of discrimination. Gallaudet University is committed to taking appropriate action against those who violate its policy of non-discrimination."

Read the complete Anti-Discrimination Policy and Complaint Procedure here: Anti-Discrimination Policy and Complaint Procedure

Campus Records

Name and Gender Change on Campus Records (transcripts, diploma, or employment records)

Currently, the Office of the Registrar works with students on a case by case basis to effect name changes. Students must go through the Registrar's office in order to have their name changed on most of their Gallaudet Technology accounts (the name change process applies to Gallaudet.edu email address, BlackBoard login, Bison login, and WiFi login on campus.)

Note: The following processes are specific to students. Faculty and staff wishing to have name and gender marker changes reflected on University records such as identification cards should contact Human Resources. Faculty and staff wishing to have changed legal or chosen names reflected in their Gallaudet University email address should contact Charles Drawdy at Gallaudet Technology Services.

If students have already completed a legal name change:

  • Should students already have their legal name change completed, they should bring proof of the legal name change to the Registrar's office. Upon presentation of proof of legal name change, the Registrar's office will change the student's entry in the Registrar's electronic system to reflect the student's legal name. The Registrar will also submit a request to Gallaudet Technology Services (GTS) Helpdesk to have the student's email account officially changed to the student's legal name.

If students have not completed a legal name change:

  • Students who have not completed a legal name change (or students who do not wish to change their name legally, but would like to indicate a chosen name) may request to have a chosen name used. This request may be made by filling out the Change of Name Form available through the Office of the Registrar and will permit students to indicate a chosen first name; per protocol, legal last name must be used on campus records. To request a name change, students are not required to disclose transgender identity.
  • Additionally, for students who have not legally changed their name, the LGBTQA Resource Center can provide a letter to professors supporting students' request that their chosen name be used in the classroom. You can request this letter by contacting the LGBTQA Resource Center Coordinator. However, please note: this doesn't change your name on official records, as official name changes have to follow the above guidelines.

Once the Change of Name Form is approved by the Registrar:

  • Once the Change of Name form is approved by the Office of the Registrar and enabled by Gallaudet Technology Services, the student's name will appear as their chosen name on the Registrar's system as well as on class rosters.

Name Change in Blackboard:

  • The name that shows up in Blackboard, the virtual learning environment/course management system, is that name that students have on record with the Registrar's Office or Human Resources Services. For students who want to use a chosen name on Blackboard, please follow these steps:
    1. Login to Blackboard.
    2. Click your name on the top right part of the screen.
    3. Click on "Settings," then "Personal Information."
    4. Click on "Edit Personal Information," and change the appropriate box.
    5. Your chosen name will appear once you logout

Name Change After Graduation:

  • On Diploma: Gallaudet University alumni who have had their name legally changed may request a new diploma with their legal name on it. To request a new diploma reflecting a legal name change, students should enquire directly with the Registrar's Office. Requests to change one's legal name on one's diploma are granted on a case by case basis since Gallaudet is a federally-chartered institution and one of a few universities in the country to have student diplomas signed by the President of the United States.
  • With Gallaudet Alumni Association: To request a name change with the Gallaudet University Alumni Association, please make a personal request in writing (by email or written letter), in person, or through phone/videophone. Please be sure to include your chosen gender-specific title (Dr., Mrs., Mr., Ms., Mx., etc.). Those who have completed a legal name change will be asked to show legal documentation of name change in order to request the change.
    • The Gallaudet Alumni Association will also change the gender field as requested with the same level of documentation and confirmation as a name change. GUAA respects that any alumnus or donor has the right to be addressed and referred to according to personal preference regardless of legal status. The prior name will be preserved for reference and look up purposes.

Name Change on Email Account:

  • For students who have completed a legal name change prior to enrolling, or who have completed the Change of Name form through the Registrar's Office after enrolling: the student's chosen name will be used by Gallaudet Technology Services to create the student's email account.
  • For students who have not completed a legal name change (or do not wish to change their name legally): if students have already set up their e-mail account and completed a Change of Name form through the Registrar's Office, Gallaudet Technology Services will rename the student’s e-account to their preferred/chosen name. Thus, the student’s legal name will become an alias so that emails with either address will reach the student.
  • Keeping Legal Name as an alias: As stated above, students who have completed the Change of Name Form to reflect a chosen name should be aware that their legal name is automatically added as an alias to their chosen name's email account. However; students have the option of not having the legal name added as an alias by informing Gallaudet Technology Services prior to the name change or anytime afterwards.

Name Change on Gallaudet ID Card:

  • Gallaudet University recognizes that for students it is important that their university identification card reflect their current appearance and name. In order to meet this need, Gallaudet University offered two identification (ID) card options:
    1. For students who have legally changed their name through the Registrar's Office, you can obtain a new Gallaudet University ID Card with your chosen name by bringing your completed, approved name change form from the Registrar's Office to the Department of Public Safety.
    2. Students who have not legally changed their name may still obtain a Gallaudet University ID Card with their chosen name. To do so, please contact the Registrar's Office (if you are a student or alumnus) or Human Resources Services (if you are a staff or faculty member) to obtain permission for a name change before going to the Department of Public Safety to obtain your ID.
  • To receive your new Gallaudet ID Card, utilizing either option, please go to the Department of Public Safety and request to have your card updated with your chosen name. You do not have to identify yourself as transgender. You should be able to obtain a new card with a new photograph. Please note, you need to bring in your old card in order to have this service free of charge.

Students who would like to get additional information on name changes may inquire directly with the Office of the Registrar. Kai Gagnon is the Transgender Task Force liaison to the Office of the Registrar.

Conduct:

From the Office of Student Conduct:

Code of Conduct Excerpt: "What is the Code of Conduct?

Conduct Excerpt: "Through a system of student conduct boards and administrative review, students, staff, faculty, and/or administrators are able to participate in the student conduct program to resolve complaints made against students. Underlying the program is a deep regard for discipline as a constructive element of education. Stated another way, the philosophy of this program is based on the belief that a disciplinary problem should be handled so as to maximize the educational experience of the students involved. Such an approach does not eliminate punitive action from the student conduct program. It recognizes that the University must protect itself by appropriate means from individuals whose behavior is contrary to the best interests of the University and its community... It is the intent of the student conduct program that the University, in handling its disciplinary problems, shall continue the use of discussion, counseling, mediation, and other existing procedures, as long as such measures prove effective. The other provisions of the program shall be set in motion in such instances when the informal procedures prove to be, or manifestly appear to be, ineffective, or inappropriate."

From the Title IX Office:

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibits discrimination based on gender in educational programs which receive federal financial assistance. Title IX protects students and employees, including transgender and gender nonconforming individuals, from discrimination in school programs and activities. In compliance with Title IX, Gallaudet University prohibits discrimination in employment as well as in all programs and activities on the basis of sex. The U.S. Department of Education has issued guidelines clarifying the federal government's position regarding Title IX and transgender students. Through these guidelines, the Department asserts that Title IX's prohibition against sex-based discrimination extends to claims of discrimination based on gender identity.

The Title IX Coordinator monitors compliance with the regulations of this law.

Additional Campus Resources

Office of the Ombuds

The Ombuds Office provides you with a confidential, neutral, informal and independent place to:

  • Develop options
  • Obtain referrals
  • Clarify University policies and procedures
  • Find solutions to problems
  • Empower yourself to achieve academic, professional, and personal success
Department of Public Safety

The Department of Public Safety is open 24 hours a day/7 Days a week/365 days a year and can be contacted by emailing dps@gallaudet.edu or calling (202) 651-5555 for emergencies and routine matters. Emails are received and responded to immediately. DPS is located on the ground floor of Carlin Residence Hall located just across the street from the baseball field.

Health Resources

Student Health Service:

Mission: "The mission of the Gallaudet University Student Health Service is to complement the academic mission of Gallaudet University by providing high quality ambulatory medical care that is focused on areas that affect the college community. Student Health Service will provide links with the community through public health services including health education and preventive medicine. Medical care will be provided by Student Health Service in a culturally sensitive manner to empower students to make healthy lifestyle choices and achieve optimal levels of well being throughout their lifecycle."

Goals: "The primary goal of the Student Health Service department at Gallaudet University is to keep our student population healthy. Medical and nursing services provided at Student Health Service include assessment and treatment of common illnesses and injuries. Student Health Service is not a primary care service and does not act as the student's primary care provider. However, Student Health Service will work in conjunction with the student's primary healthcare provider on the student's behalf.

Services may include:

  • Birth Control Counseling
  • Gynecology exams
  • Pap tests
  • Physicals
  • Prescriptions
  • Referrals to Specialists

Patient's Rights:

  • Be treated with respect, consideration, and dignity.
  • Receive an explanation of your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in terms that you can understand.
  • Ask questions if you are not sure.
  • Refuse care, except as prohibited by law, and be informed of the consequences of making this decision.
  • Actively participate in decisions regarding your health and treatment.
  • Feel assured of privacy.
  • Know the names and positions of people involved in your care.
  • Ask and receive an explanation of any charges.
  • Obtain another medical opinion.

Faculty/Staff Health Insurance:

Additional Health Information: