GRLN FAQ

Why is it necessary to include a nonbinary gender option on university forms and in UC systems? 

Until now, individuals whose gender identity is neither woman nor man were forced to choose from one of the two options. Within the University community, offering a nonbinary gender option acknowledges that the binary options are not sufficient to recognize gender diversity.

What prompts the creation of this new policy?

On October 15, 2017, the state of California passed the Gender Recognition Act (SB179). The bill contributed to university discussions already taking place about revising procedures and practices to be more gender inclusive, including the 2014 recommendations from the UC Task Force & Implementation Team on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Climate & Inclusion (the LGBT Task Force).

Would the option for individuals to choose a lived or preferred name be limited to those individuals who are transgender or who have designated a nonbinary gender?

The designation of a lived or preferred name may be of interest to a myriad of University community members, including but not limited to individuals who are transgender or nonbinary, whose gender identity differs from that indicated on official documents, who are survivors of abuse and/or trafficking, whose lived or preferred name is a variation or a shortened version of their legal name (e.g., international students, faculty and staff who have adopted Anglicized names) or those who have married and have had a legal name change but wish to retain the name under which they have published academic works. 

What are examples of university documents where a legal name is required?

Generally, documents that the University provides to the federal government or in conjunction with a person's Social Security Number require the use of a legal name. This may include, but is not limited to the following:

  • Financial aid documents
  • Payroll records
  • Medical identification and records
  • Federal immigration documents
  • Tax forms (e.g., W2, 1095C, 1099)

Does this policy cover student names on academic documents such as transcripts, diplomas and/or dissertation title pages?

 Yes, this policy permits the use of lived student names on eligible academic documents which include transcripts, diplomas and dissertation title pages. As provided in Senate Regulations 730, the Academic Senate approves diplomas.

What is the review process of this policy, and what happens if a university community member does not recognize my gender identity or lived name?

This policy will be reviewed periodically by the Responsible Officer. Persons experiencing noncompliance or harassment concerning the usage of their gender identity or lived name should contact the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination

What if I’m seeing my middle name displayed but want to hide it (such as when sending emails)?

Follow these steps to hide your middle name:

  • Log into https://ucpath.universityofcalifornia.edu
  • In the left panel, select Employee Actions > Personal Information > Personal Information Summary
  • Click the downward arrow in the Legal Name/Name section
  • Click on your name
  • In the top right, click on the gray Edit Legal Name/Name button
  • In the lower 'Name' section, delete your middle name from the field labeled 'Middle Name'
  • Click Okay
  • Click Submit

I am a student, and I have a delegate assigned who can access my CalCentral. What names would delegates be able to see?

Your preferred name (current state) and lived name (future state) should not be surfaced anywhere where your delegate can see unless you specifically elect to share that information.

Current State

  • Students can have a Preferred Name and a Legal Name.
  • Delegates only currently see the student's Legal Name.

Future State (Starting 10/8)

  • Students will have a Legal name and a Lived Name.
  • Students will be able to select which name (Lived or Legal) should be displayed to their delegate.
    • By default, the delegate will see a student’s legal name.
    • Students who currently have delegates must take active action to update their settings for a delegate to see Lived name.
    • Students who add new delegates have the decision of which name to display to said delegate as a required field.
  • CashNet (the critical third-party vendor Berkeley uses for all tuition payment services) will display the legal name to students and delegates, regardless of the name type selected by the student to display to delegates.