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Trans Resources at the U

The U is committed to supporting all students, which includes Trans and Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) students, faculty, and staff at the University of Utah. Below you will find a list of Trans/GNC resources available at the U. 

Nondiscrimination & Accessibility Statement

The University of Utah does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, status as a disabled individual, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information or protected veteran’s status, in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services. 

Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.  Inquiries concerning perceived discrimination or requests for disability accommodations may be referred to the University’s Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator: 

Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action
201 South Presidents Circle, Rm.135 
Salt Lake City, UT, 84112
801-581-8365 (voice/tdd) 
801-585-5746 (fax)
www.oeo.utah.edu

Changing Your Name at the University

Students may update their name at the university one of two ways: either by legally changing their name and updating their student records OR by updating university systems with a chosen name (legal documentation not required). See below for how to update your name in multiple systems on campus. 

How to update your chosen name in CIS student information system:

  1. Login to CIS and then go to the Student Homepage tile
  2. Click on the Profile (one with your name) tile and click on the Preferred name type row
  3. Enter new chosen First name
  4. Click the save button

Where does my chosen name display when I update in CIS?

As of January 2021, if you update the "preferred name" field in CIS, your chosen/preferred name will display in several systems automatically, including the campus directory. For a list of current systems that automatic use chosen name when you update the "preferred name" field in CIS, see the Office of the Registrar's website.

If you want to update your name in a system that is not listed currently on the Registrar's website, contact the department who controls that system and ask them to update your name. If you have concerns about this or are not sure who to contact, you may contact our office and we will help you with this process.

Display Name in Outlook (UMail):

To update your display name in Outlook, call campus IT Help Desk at 801-581-4000 x 1 and ask that your display name in Outlook be updated. This will change your display name both in your email and in the University directory.

It may take several hours for the server to update the display name. You can check to see if the display name has updated, by going to webtools (http://webtools.umail.utah.edu/#/login) and logging in with your university credentials.

Things to keep in mind: Some departments on campus use their own servers, and in these cases it may take longer for them to update the display name, even if it has been updated in web tools. Also, if a user has emailed people previously with a different Outlook display name, recipients will see the old name displayed even after the display name is updated unless the email recipients clear their Outlook cache.

How to update your name in Canvas:

To update your name in Canvas, login, then click on the account icon in the top left. Select profile, then click the edit profile button at the top right of the web page.

Then, on a desktop browser (does not work on mobile app), go to settings, then edit settings, then you can edit full name, display name, and sortable name. 

Edit your name and save profile. Further Information on Canvas settings can be found here

Chosen Name on Diplomas:

To have a chosen name listed on a diploma that is different from a student's legal name, graduating students may send a request by completing a Change of Personal Information form and emailing from their umail to graduation@utah.edu. Documentation of a legal name change does not need to be provided to use chosen name on a diploma, but graduating students must have updated their "preferred name" in CIS prior to contacting the graduation division. Any questions about this process may be directed to graduation@utah.edu.

If I have legally changed my name, how do I update my student record?

If a student has completed a legal name change, they may update their name of record at the university by completing a Change of Personal Information form and providing documentation of legal name change. For more information see the Office of the Registrar's website linked above and contact their office with questions. Once you change your name of record, this should update in all university systems. If you encounter any campus systems using the incorrect name, contact the department that controls that system.

How do I change my gender marker in my student record?

If a student wants to update their gender marker in their official university record, they must complete a Change of Personal Information Form and supply required documentation. Current options for gender marker are "male" and "female." Contact the Office of the Registrar with any questions. More instructions can be found on the Office of Registrar’s website.

 

Chosen names on UCards

The University of Utah UCard offers one standardized source of identification and access for the institution ensuring convenience, security, and simplicity.

You are not required to list your legal name on the front of your UCard. To have your UCard printed with your chosen name, tell the staff member printing your card you would like a chosen name on your card.

Gender Inclusive Housing

Housing & Residential Education provides gender inclusive housing on campus and is committed to making each resident feel welcomed and included in our campus communities; including an environment welcoming to all gender identities and forms of gender expression.

Students interested in Gender-Inclusive housing can apply to housing through a confidential process. Students in need of gender inclusive housing should contact Housing & Residential Education.

Website here.

Alliance House: An Intentional LGBTQIA+ Community on Campus

If you’re seeking a community that highly promotes equity, social justice, and cultural and social empowerment, the Alliance House is an excellent Theme Community option for you. Residents of the Alliance House are able to select a space in the community without consideration of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation identity.  The Alliance House is a home for all majors, and seeks to be one of the safest spaces for all identities on campus. Residents engage in activities that affirm and celebrate their fantastic lives.

For more information about applying to live in the Alliance House, visit this site or contact Housing & Residential Education.

Clinics and Other Resources

Trans Health Program at the U of U

The Trans Health Program at University of Utah Health brings quality healthcare to trans adults and teens from all walks of life. Information about the Transgender Health Program at University of Utah Health may be found on their website. If you are not sure how to get started, we recommend contacting one of their patient coordinators.

Other Clinics and Resources:

Rebirth OB/GYN has been suggested as resource by students and others in community.

Student Health Insurance

The student health insurance plan at the University of Utah offers coverage for some common gender affirming health care services. The below information is to be used for informational purposes only. Confirm benefits and coverage with UnitedHealthcare.

For an overview of treatments that are covered and not covered on the student insurance plan, review this handout created by UnitedHealthcare (pdf).

For questions or further information in regard to gender affirming benefits contact:

UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
Transgender Benefits Information
Email: SSurgerySRS@uhcsr.com

To access:  Go to the Campus Map and select "Gender Free Restrooms" under the Map Features>Accessibility drop down. 
Last Updated: 8/26/24