To foster a campus environment that is inclusive and that encourages respectful communication, Dickinson has established the College Pronoun Registration widget on the Gateway home page for students, faculty, and staff to designate their pronouns online. This designation allows everyone to share their pronouns in advance of conversations, class meetings, work shifts, and other formal interactions, facilitating better interaction online and in person.
Pronoun Registration:
We all use gendered personal pronouns for communication with others on campus and online. Dickinson expects everyone to be respectful by addressing others using their correct gender pronouns, and we have facilitated best practices to share pronouns in various settings. However, recent advances in technology make it easier to share pronouns in virtual settings, expanding our ability to passively convey information about our pronouns when communicating with others. Dickinson has adapted this practice to allow everyone to designate their personal pronouns online, aiding everyone to share and access this information proactively and with ease.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can anyone designate their pronouns online?
- How do I designate my pronouns online?
- Which pronouns can I select?
- Can I update my registered pronouns more than once?
- Do I have to specify my pronouns?
- Where will my pronouns appear?
- When will my pronouns show up on my class rosters?
- Will professors receive a notification when I update my pronouns with the widget?
- Where can I find information about the pronouns of students/staff/faculty I teach, supervise, or interact with regularly?
- What do I do if someone has selected “he/they” or “she/they”? Which pronouns do I use?
- What should I do if someone's pronoun says "Please ask me"?
- What if someone’s pronoun information is left blank?
- I have more questions about pronouns or the online widget. Who do I contact?
1. Can anyone designate their pronouns online?
Yes. This option is available for all current students, faculty, staff, and administrators. The online widget defaults to a blank value for everyone until they actively designate their pronouns.
2. How do I designate my pronouns online?
Current students and employees can view and indicate their pronouns from a drop-down menu by using the “College Pronoun Registration” widget on their Gateway home page.
3. Which pronouns can I select?
The online widget offers a set of options based on the personal pronouns most commonly used at Dickinson: he/him/his, she/her/hers, and they/them/theirs, as well as combinations of these categories. We recognize that some people may use different pronouns in various settings, depending on their comfort levels, so there is also an option to select “please ask me” if you would prefer to share your pronouns on a case-by-case basis.
If you would like to have another set of pronouns available in the drop-down menu, we can consider additions to the list based on need. Please contact LGBTQ@dickinson.edu for requests.
4. Can I update my registered pronouns more than once?
Yes. We recognize that your understanding of your gender identity may change, you may feel more comfortable coming out on campus, and identities change throughout our lives. You may update your pronouns in the widget as often as you would like. If you update this information during the middle of the semester, you may wish to talk to people with whom you regularly interact about your new pronouns.
If you would like to speak with someone about pronouns and your identity, please contact LGBTQ@dickinson.edu .
5. Do I have to specify my pronouns?
No, you do not have to indicate your pronouns. You can select “please ask me” to prompt inquiry about your pronouns during interactions. Although we strongly encourage everyone to share their pronouns to facilitate ease of communication online and in person, you also may leave the selection blank.
6. Where will my pronouns appear?
We strive to have your pronouns appear wherever they will be useful for facilitating communication. View a list of systems that display pronouns.
7. When will my pronouns show up on my class rosters?
You may expect your pronouns to be displayed immediately after you have submitted/updated your chosen pronoun.
8. Will professors receive a notification when I update my pronouns with the widget?
No. Your pronouns will simply display in the CLIQ Class Roster. If you do update your pronouns after class has started, we encourage you to talk with your professors and/or supervisors about this change.
We strive to have your pronouns appear wherever they will be useful for facilitating communication. View a list of systems that display pronouns. In cases where you cannot access information about a person’s pronouns, check the Office of LGBTQ Services webpage for suggestions on how to ask about gender pronouns in different settings.
10. What do I do if someone has selected “he/they” or “she/they”? Which pronouns do I use?
Some people use both gendered and gender-neutral pronouns. There are a variety of reasons a person might select one of these options. They may be comfortable with you using either set of pronouns. They might use different pronouns in different settings. If someone has selected these pronouns, you should proceed as you normally would. Use the pronouns they have indicated. If they correct you or say they would prefer you use one over the other, thank them for clarifying and use the correct pronouns going forward. If you are uncertain, you may discretely ask the person who has selected one of these categories to share which pronouns they would prefer you use for them.
11. What should I do if someone's pronoun says "Please ask me"?
Ask them! Try to find a chance when you are first communicating to ask them “what pronouns would like me to use?” They will appreciate that you asked simply and respectfully.
12. What if someone’s pronoun information is left blank?
The unspecified option displays when someone has not opted not to share what pronouns they use. Instructors and employees can refer to these people using their name or can use “they/them/their” pronouns as a gender-neutral alternative. Most importantly, if someone’s pronouns are unspecified, you should not assume their pronouns based on their name or appearance. Navigating these situations requires care and discretion. You can respectfully ask someone what pronouns they use, but do so knowing that non-binary, gender non-conforming people, and people transitioning need to share their pronouns on their own terms.
13. I have more questions about pronouns or the online widget. Who do I contact?
Staff members in the LGBTQ Center will assist in answering questions about personal pronouns and gender identity. They can be reached at LGBTQ@dickinson.edu.
For issues with your pronouns appearing in any information system or service, please contact the Helpdesk.