An email sent Tuesday, Dec. 10 from Coordinator of LGBTQ+ Student Support Ian Kaplan to students who submitted feedback about the KSC Chosen Name Program announced significant updates to the college’s policies and practice regarding use of students’ chosen names.
“As of yesterday, KSC has implemented a revised policy, which means that chosen name will be displayed on both Dean’s List and President’s List effective immediately,” Kaplan stated in the email.
Kaplan went on to specify the change took effect first for the current fall 2024 semester and will continue into future semesters. He also included the official wording of the policy: “Students who have a chosen name on file with the College will be listed on the Dean’s and President’s Lists using their chosen name. Otherwise, students will be listed using their legal name. Students not wishing to be listed in these ways have the option to complete a Privacy Request form.” A link to the privacy request form was also included.
Prior to this policy update, only legal names were displayed on the Dean’s List, with the recourse offered to those with chosen names being to opt out of appearing on the list at all, according to previous reporting from The Equinox. This was considered “best practice” by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, although not supported by any standing KSC policy nor New Hampshire law.
In addition to this announcement, Kaplan also stated students will now have the option of choosing a middle name through the school’s chosen name form, also linked in the email.
The email included a reminder to students who have submitted a chosen name that reprinted Owl Cards are available at no cost for those who wish for their identification to match their chosen name.
Kaplan stated he will be reaching out to students who filled out the feedback survey and indicated they were interested in serving as representatives on the college’s chosen name work group. Those who did not fill out the survey but are interested in serving on the work group can reach out to Kaplan at his email (Ian.Kaplan@keene.edu).
Charlotte King can be contacted at
cking@kscequinox.com
