This idea is combined from similar individual ideas submitted by Eve Walters, Phoebe Bandcroft & Lauren Niamh Patrick.

We would like the University to ensure that the systems and processes in place to ensure changes to names or gender pronouns are updated, are adequate and fit for purpose. This includes ensuring that emails, registers and other documents are up to date.

Whilst we study at Leeds Beckett, both online and on campus, we should expect for it to be possible to be referred to with our preferred names or gender pronouns, without having to repeat this to everyone we meet.

This has been an issue for many students due to having to use your birth name on software such as Microsoft Teams, Blackboard, etc, as this is what we sign up to the University with. Many students find this hard as they feel that their name / preferred name isn't valid.

I'm sure I'm not alone when I point out that I do not use my first name and instead use my middle name - I really hope I'm not the only one who gets annoyed with emails and registers using the wrong name. Why can't our University address us by the name we would like? I, like others who use different names, have my reasons for wanting to use my middle name and it is so frustrating when I get to a new lecture to find the Lecturer is using the wrong name because of the paper the University has given them.

In addition, these changes would also be of benefit to the Trans and Non-binary community of students, who may also change their name and/or pronouns (sometimes midway through their time at University), but be referred to incorrectly during classes. Being able to change your pronouns in the system so all tutors and staff can see, if you wish for this to happen, would make University easier for all students who identify as Transgender, Non-binary or other.

The option to specify a preferred name and gender pronouns promotes inclusivity and ensures that we respect students' wishes.