Dear colleagues,
Nearly two years ago, we began updating our systems so that students could have their preferred names – as opposed to their legal names – appear on class and photo rosters, the UW directory and grade page. Next, we added Canvas learning management system, Panopto lecture capture system and Catalyst GradeBook. The Electronic Academic Records System (EARS) and MyPlan advising tool were updated, as well as MyGrad Program for graduate students.
And now, beginning April 2, all UW students and employees will have the option to include their preferred names on something they use nearly every day – the Husky Card.
The UW ID Center is offering free card exchanges from April 2 through June 1 for those who would like to list their preferred name on their Husky Card. The standard fee for replacing Husky cards – which will be waived for two months – is $25. The Husky card, which serves as the official identification card for students, faculty and permanent staff, is used for entering buildings, checking out library materials, paying for bus fare and other activities.
Also in April, the UW will use a new, unified card design for the Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma campuses, as well as UW Medical Center and Harborview Medical Center. New employees and students, as well as those exchanging cards to have their preferred names listed, will receive the cards with the new design.
This change is part of our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive community for students and employees. Some students and employees use their middle names, nicknames or names that align with their gender identity. Others are pending divorce or have identity-related safety concerns. Some international students adopt “Western” names. While legal names will continue to appear on official documents such as transcripts, diplomas, financial aid and immigration records, allowing flexibility on everyday documents and systems contributes to a welcoming culture.
To get started using a preferred name, faculty, staff and students should visit Identity.UW.edu. Information about exchanging a Husky card is here.
Thank you for helping us spread the word by sharing this message with your faculty, staff and students. And thank you to the teams in Housing and Food Services, OTHER UNITS? who have worked collaboratively and diligently to make this happen.
