Trans @ KSU
The LGBTQ+ Center continually makes strides to help students feel well connected to the resources they need. The Center has a number of resources that are available to help all students. There are specific resources that can be helpful to individuals who identify as Transgender, gender neutral or outside the gender binary in any way. Below some resources for students including a Universal Restroom map, a template for coming out to professors via email, information on how to change your name on the Kent Flash line site, and information about gender inclusive housing.
Universal Restroom Map
The LGBTQ+ Center is proud to share the Universal Restroom map. This map lists all of the Universal Restrooms/bathrooms on campus including those in residence halls and those in academic buildings. The map can be found through the link below as well as can be printed for your convenience.
Transgender Resources
The LGBTQ+ Center at Kent State University provides many resources for transgender students as well as students who are in the transition process. Click the link below to access valuable information about resources provided at Kent State and the local community.
Learn About Transgender Resources
Transition Template for Professors
Talking to professors can be challenging, it can be even harder when trying to ask for the use of your chosen name. This template is an email outline to make it easier to talk to your professors about using your correct name and pronouns. The email serves as a sample or guide for one way to approach professors on the topic of chosen name and pronouns. If you would like more assistance in talking with professors about possibly sensitive topics please come to the Center, where we would be happy to speak with you.
Gender Inclusive Housing
Gender inclusive housing is available to students here at Kent State University. There have been great strides make in this area over the past few years. Residence Services offers gender inclusive housing to those students who are interested and/or in need of such house. Click this link to learn more about gender inclusive housing and what Kent State has to offer by way of living on campus through Residence Services.
Graduation Name Concerns
If you are concerned about your legal name being announced/displayed at your graduation ceremony (rather than your chosen name), please click the link below to learn what you can do.
Chosen Name Process
Creating and embracing an inclusive environment is important to the mission of Kent State University. We recognize that some individuals use a name other than their legal name to identify themselves. As such, Kent State University has established a process for students and faculty/staff to request a chosen name.
Changing the Name Displayed on your Email
When anyone sends an email the name of the sender is displayed along with your email address. This name can be changed to a chosen name. A step by step guide has been created, including screen shot pictures to demonstrate how to change the name display for Kent State emails. The process is fairly easy and is another way in which one's chosen name can portrayed.
Access Email Name Change Instructions
Legal Name Change in Ohio
The process of legally changing ones name can be hard to navigate. A document has been created to help walk you through the process in Ohio to help make this process easier. Your name can be legally changed on a number of legal documents. Click the link to learn more information. If you have further questions or need assistance please contact the LGBTQ+ Center.
Go to Legal Name Change Process
Updating Legal Sex at Kent State University’s Registrar’s Office
Documentation is required to update/change legal sex with the university. Acceptable documentation include:
- A copy of the Declaration of Gender Change Form that would be submitted to the BMV (Ohio)
- The Registrar’s Office can also accept any form of medical documentation from a physician, therapist, psychologist, psychiatrist etc. showing the student is under their care.
To update this information with the Registrar’s Office, email ncox10@kent.edu with the required documentation, and specifically note the requested change in your email. Please note that processing a Legal Name Change with the Registrar’s Office does not update Legal Sex; as these are two different requests.
Changing Flashline Username AFTER a Legal Name Change
Once a legal name change has occurred, both students and faculty/staff are able to submit a ticket to have their Flashline username changed to reflect their new name. Note: this is not the same as changing the name displayed on your email. This changes your email username itself, and can only occur after a legal name change has been submitted, reviewed and processed through the KSU Registrar’s Office.
Passport Change Policy
You are able to change the gender marker on your passport. You can select male (M), female (F), or unspecified/another gender identity (X). The gender marker selected does not need to match the gender on supporting documentation (birth certificate, state ID, previous passport), and you are no longer required to supply medical documentation.