• If you have been honored with someone’s disclosure of identity, do not expect them to be ready to share that lived experience with others, even if it is relevant to the discussion.  

• We encourage instructors, leaders, and facilitators to include Pronouns in their Group Introductions! Model it, confidently!  

“Let’s do a round of introductions with our names, pronouns, and how you’re feeling. I’ll start. My name is Professor Dee, my pronouns are he/him, and I’m excited to be here today.”

• When folks opt not to share pronouns, it may be because they are not yet ready to share that with others. Avoid calling out folks who choose not to share that at the time and continue modeling to promote an inclusive campus community. 

• If someone’s pronouns are different than you expected or have changed over time, avoid drawing public attention to this new information.

If you notice a difference in names for a student in a Palomar system (e.g. Canvas vs. SARS), do not guess. Ask an open-ended question! 

“I see a couple of different first names on file and want to make sure I know which one you go by. Let me know how you’d like me to address you in class.” 

Students may not yet be ready to update their name in the Palomar system, but it can help to give them the option or to check if there’s a name they’d like to be referred to in the Counseling Process.  

“I see a first name listed here, and want to double check. Is there a nickname or another name you go by so I can let the Counselor know?”   

It’s important to check with every student, not just students you suspect use a different name.

Communicate early with new employees about what name they would like their display name (Outlook, Teams, etc.) to reflect and advocate to ensure this is reflected in new user creation.

• Continually work with leaders and supervisees to review forms, processes, and systems that may contribute to unintentional “outing” or deadnaming*.  

• Assign SafeZone training through the Palomar Pride Center to foster a more welcoming, inclusive, and brave space that lets faculty, staff, and students know that they are celebrated in their identity. 

*Deadnaming is a form of misgendering, being the act of calling or referring to a transgender or non-binary person by a former name which they have rejected (considered to be dead to them).

• When someone has chosen to confide a new name, a set of pronouns, or other information with you, honor someone’s choice to share themselves with you by practicing so that you can confidently address that person in every interaction moving forward.

• Continually check in about what context a person uses that name and pronouns.

“I’m checking your Emergency Contact info for the field trip. What name should I use to refer to you when calling your family member?”

“What name would you prefer I use when talking about you with others?”

“Is it ok if I let the rest of our team know that you go by, ‘Stacy’ so they know moving forward?”