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NU System, UNO to Recognize Chosen Names, Gender Identities

The new policy will allow all students, faculty, and staff to use a chosen name to identify themselves as well as identify and use a gender identity instead of, or in addition to, their sex.

UNO's mascot, Durango, with a Transgender Pride flag

Following a year of discussion, input, and review, the University of Nebraska system, including UNO, have approved and will begin implementing a new Chosen Name and Gender Identity Policy.

As an institution focused on cultivating a more inclusive culture, the University of Nebraska, and by extension UNO, is committed to embracing opportunities to positively impact the lives of our faculty, staff, and students. One important step in this process is addressing how the University recognizes the full spectrum of gender identity.

Moving forward, all members of the University of Nebraska community, meaning all students, faculty, and staff, may use a chosen name to identify themselves and may identify and use a gender identity instead of, or in addition to, their sex.

Anyone who wishes to take advantage of this new policy will be able to have their records updated across the university system, meaning all chosen names and gender identities will be reflected on class rosters, in Canvas, in our university directory, in your UNO email address, and all spaces where a legal name is not required:

  • Students looking to change their personal information can do so through the Registrar's Office.

  • Employees looking to change their personal information can do so by contacting Human Resources.

Please note that due to the newness of this policy, some changes may take time to implement. Those with immediate questions or looking for resources should visit the LGBTQIA2S+ Programming, Resources, and Services page.

Additional information about the policy can be found on the University of Nebraska website, including recommendations from the Non-Binary Gender Values Steering Committee and a helpful FAQ document.

Non-Binary Gender Values Steering Committee

  • Abby Freeman
  • Aileen Warren (UNO and UNMC)
  • Alisha Hanshaw
  • Amanda Dabney
  • Ashley Olivas
  • Ashley Robinson
  • Brett Bieber
  • Cecil Hicks, Jr. (UNO)
  • Cheri Polenske
  • Corrie Svehla
  • David Jackson
  • Emily McElroy
  • Erin Busch
  • Erin Paseka
  • Gloria Brink
  • Heath Tuttle
  • Jaci Lindburg (UNO and NU)
  • Jason Casey
  • Jay Irwin (UNO)
  • JD McCown
  • Jean Padrnos
  • Jen Skidmore
  • Jessi Hitchins (UNO)
  • Katherine Burger
  • Kristin Yates
  • Lisa Neal
  • Marco Barker
  • Matthew Schill (UNO)
  • Nahia Jean Amoura
  • Parker Clayton (UNO)
  • Pat Tetreault
  • Ryan Fette
  • Steven Booton
  • Torie Walenz (UNO)
  • Trenton Fredericksen (UNO)
  • Vanessa Zimmer
  • Wendy Schardt
About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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