Trans* Resources
Preferred Name at Minnesota State University
You have the option of using a preferred name (like your nickname) at the university. Your preferred name will appear in D2L Brightspace, MavMAIL, class rosters, MavCARD and other university systems. A preferred name can replace your first, middle, and/or last name.
Instructions for Preferred Name Change
Legal Name Change
Minnesota State University students can work with attorneys on campus within the Student Government Office (CSU 280) during the academic year for free legal assistance with Name Change and Fee Waiver Applications. Information on campus attorneys can be found on the Student Government webpage.
Gender-Inclusive Housing
We offer gender-inclusive housing in all of our residence communities. We know that gender is socially-constructed and non-binary. If your gender identity closely aligns with either male or female living spaces, you can choose either option through the housing portal and complete the application online. If your identity does not align with the gender binary, there are many options available. For more information, please visit Residential Life.
All-Gender Restrooms and Guide
Minnesota State University, Mankato is committed to achieving equal opportunity and access, and full participation for all students, staff, faculty and visitors. Individuals who are gender non-conforming, transgender, have opposite gender assistants or caregivers, or who are on campus with opposite gender children should have a conveniently located restroom that accommodates all genders.
When gendered restrooms are the closest options, feel free to use the restroom that aligns more closely with your gender. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. (MinnState Nondiscrimination Policy)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Students looking to connect with a local physician regarding HRT should contact the LGBT Center. Student Health Services is committed to working with local physicians so that routine labwork can be done on campus to help save students time & energy.
Pronouns
A pronoun is a word that refers to either people talking (you or I) or it can refer to something or someone that is the topic of conversation (like she, them, it, and this). Gender pronouns (she, he, they, etc.) refer to people you are talking about.
Why are respecting people's pronouns important? Because you cannot always know what an individual's pronouns are by looking at them. Asking and correctly using someone's pronouns is the most basic way to show respect for their gender identity. When someone is referred to using the incorrect pronoun, it can make them feel disrespected, invalidated, alienated, dismissed, or dysphoric. So, try asking, "what pronouns do you use?" While it may feel awkward to ask, it's not half as awkward as making a hurtful assumption. If you're asking as part of an introduction exercise, try incorporating it like this: "Tell us your name, your pronouns, and your hometown."
If you make a mistake, that's okay! Everyone slips up from time to time. The best thing to do if you use the wrong pronoun for someone is to say something right away like, "Sorry, I meant (insert pronoun)." If you realize your mistake after the fact, apologize in private and move on. If students or faculty are consistently using the wrong pronouns for someone, do not ignore it! It is important to let your student know that you are their ally.
