Tag: learning opportunity

This article was written in partnership with the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact. 

We celebrated International Pronouns Day this month! Using the correct pronouns respects each other’s identity and fosters inclusivity. Pronouns are used every day to communicate with one another in and out of the workplace, and often they are assigned based on preconceived perceptions. By educating about personal pronouns, we promote understanding and celebrate everyone’s intersecting identities. 

What is International Pronouns Day?  

International Pronouns Day seeks to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns commonplace. This day raises the MSU community’s awareness to be gender inclusive and reminds us of the basic human dignity of appreciating and celebrating everyone’s multiple identities. As we explore the significance of this day, learn about how MSU is implementing changes to promote inclusivity to create a beneficial environment for all.

How can I contribute to a gender-inclusive environment?  

• Be mindful of all sex, social gender, or gender identities and avoid perpetuating gender stereotypes.  

• Voluntarily share your pronouns when introducing yourself to people or during meetings.  

• Practice using a person’s pronouns when speaking or writing about them. 

• You can include pronouns in your email signature or other digital communications.  

• Complete the Quest: Building Capacity for LGBTQA+ Inclusion online education program.  

• Check out the A Guide to Names and Pronouns course for MSU employees to learn more about practicing gender inclusivity with students and staff at MSU.    

The MSU Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC) is here to provide you with answers to any questions you may have and with resources you may need! The center provides educational programs and resources to make MSU a more inclusive space for students, staff, and faculty. Learn more about the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center’s educational resources.  

What action is the university taking to advance gender inclusion?  

At MSU, we are committed to ensuring your identity is accurately represented and respected throughout our campus community, while maintaining privacy. Additionally, the Office for Inclusive Excellence and Impact, along with the Office of the Executive Vice President for Administration, has launched the self-service MySpartanIdentity Portal, allowing MSU community members to voluntarily manage their chosen identity information in compliance with university policies. 

Are there resources to explore this further?  

• Learn more about pronouns, FAQs, and additional resources  

• Glossary of definitions for gender and sexuality terms  

• Spartans can now add optional pronouns in apps like Microsoft Outlook and Teams, fostering a more inclusive MSU digital environment.  

• Manage pronoun information in MSU systems on MySpartanIdentity. 

• Resources for faculty, staff, and TAs.  

• Local, regional, and national resources. 

• Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC) resources.  

• GSCC consultation  

We look forward to continuing our work – together – to foster a culture that C.A.R.E.S (communication, appreciation, respect, empathy, and sensitivity).