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Chosen Name and Pronoun Policy

Michigan State University is committed to fostering an accessible and inclusive community. MSU recognizes that students, faculty and staff should be able to self-identify and use their chosen names and pronouns, except when an individual’s legal name is required by law, policy or business needs.

MSU has established the Chosen Name and Pronoun Policy to provide definitions for and uses of chosen names and pronouns recorded for students, staff and faculty.

To access the university policy, visit policies.msu.edu. 

SCOPE 

To promote an inclusive and respectful environment for all students, staff and faculty by recognizing and using individuals’ chosen names and pronouns.

EXECUTIVE SPONSORS 

Jabbar R. Bennett, Ph.D., Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer 

Vennie Gore, Executive Vice President for Administration

Thomas D. Jeitschko, Ph.D., Interim Provost, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

 

KEY MILESTONES 

  • August 2025: MySpartanIdentity launch
  • January 2025: Policy update
  • 2023-24: Project management
  • July 2023: Policy release
  • November 2022: University Implementation Project Team convened 
  • July 2021: Workgroup provided recommendations 
  • April 2021: Short-Term Work Group on Names and Pronouns established

 

PROJECT PHASES 

  • Feasibility assessment  
  • Project roadmap  
  • Design (current)
  • Implementation

MY SPARTAN IDENTITY PORTAL

MSU Information Technology designed a new portal called MySpartanIdentity for MSU community members to update their name and pronouns across the Student Information System, Human Resources system and People Search (name only). For more information, visit the FAQs page or contact the MSU IT Help Desk.

Participation in the MySpartanIdentity system is voluntary, with strong measures in place to protect privacy. MSU will not disclose identity information unless required by law, policy or institutional necessity.


For questions or to provide feedback, email inclusion@msu.edu