Policies
Policies and Syllabus Statements
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Interim Sex and Gender Based Harassment Policy and Resolution Process
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Preferred First Name Policy
Preferred First Name Policy
I. Purpose and Scope
University of Detroit Mercy is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.
We recognize that faculty, staff, and students may use first names other than their legal first names to
identify themselves. Except when an individual’s legal first name is required by law, policy, or business
needs, current employees and current students may choose to be identified in some university systems by
the preferred first name that they have designated in accordance with this policy.II. Definitions
Preferred first name – An alternative to the individual’s legal first name.
Legal name – A person’s legal first, middle (if applicable), and last name as it appears on official
governmental documents such as licenses, passports, social security cards, birth certificates and tax forms.III. Policy
Many members of the Detroit Mercy community use a first name that differs from their legal first name.
Allowable preferred first name formats might include (but are not limited to):- A shortened derivative of a name (e.g. “Sue” for “Susan”)
- A middle name instead of a first name
- Initials (e.g., “AJ” with no punctuation)
- A first name that is chosen to represent the individuals identity, (“Peter” instead of “Xingyu”)
- A first name that better represents the individual’s gender identity
- A first name to which the individual is in the process of legally changing
Detroit Mercy will not accept a preferred first name that is vulgar, offensive, obscene, creates confusion
with another individual, attempts to avoid legal obligation, or otherwise constitutes a misuse or abuse of
this policy.Preferred first names will be used where reasonably possible in the course of University business and
education. Some examples of where preferred first names may be used include but are not limited to:- Class and Grade Rosters in Banner
- If a preferred first name exists in Banner it will be uploaded to Blackboard using the preferred first name
- My Profile – Personal Information page preferred first name displays if on file
- Office 365 – Request to ITS Helpdesk to change preferred first name displayed
- University ID Card – Preferred first name change requires a card replacement fee
Examples of where the preferred first name will not be used and where the legal name will appear include
but are not limited to:- Financial Aid Documents
- Employment Forms
- Paychecks and Payroll Records
- Tax Forms (W2/1095C/1098T/1099)
- Billing and Financial Statements
- University Transcripts
- Diplomas
- Immigration Documents
- Enrollment Verifications
- Legally Binding Contracts
- Medical Documents/Health Records
IV. Procedure to Submit a Preferred First Name
Employees and students can enter a preferred first name in your My Profile - Personal Information tab at
my.udmercy.edu. Preferred first name changes are subject to review. Please see section III above for a list
of acceptable preferred name formats. There are also options in the Self-Service profile to update Personal
Pronoun and Gender Identification.V. Nondiscrimination Policy
University of Detroit Mercy adheres to all federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting
discrimination in private institutions of higher education. The University does not discriminate against any
employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission based on:- Sex,
- Sexual orientation,
- Gender identity,
- Gender expression,
- Pregnancy,
- Family Responsibilities,
- or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for
those opposing discrimination or participating in any grievance process on campus, with the Equal
Employment Opportunity Commission, or other human/civil rights agencies.
This Policy covers nondiscrimination in both employment and access to educational opportunities.
Therefore, any member of the University community whose acts deny, deprive, or limit the educational or
employment access, benefits, and/or opportunities of any member of the University community, guest, or
visitor on the basis of that person’s actual or perceived membership in the protected classes listed above is
in violation of the University’s nondiscrimination statement.When brought to the attention of the University, any such discrimination will be promptly and fairly
addressed and remedied by the University according to the Resolution Process. The University Title IX
Coordinator may be contacted at titleix@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1802.VI. Privacy Considerations
Students
Consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Detroit Mercy allows for the release
of Directory Information which includes but is not limited to name (legal/primary and preferred), mailing
and email addresses, phone numbers, dates of attendance, class, date and place of birth, major, previous
institutions attended, enrollment status, degrees conferred including dates, honors and awards received,
photograph, past and present participation in officially recognized university activities and sports, and
physical factors (e.g. height and weight of athletic team members). Students who wish to have their
directory information withheld/blocked from release can make this request in writing to the Office of the
University Registrar.VII. Legal Name Change
Guide to procedures for changing your name in Michigan.
Office of Human Resources and Payroll and Office of the University Registrar
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Pregnant and Parenting Students Policy
Pregnant and Parenting Students Policy
University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit Mercy) is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals enjoy freedom from discrimination on the basis of sex. Under the Department of Education’s Title IX regulations, an institution that receives federal funding “shall not discriminate against any student, or exclude any student from its education program or activity, including any class or extracurricular activity, on the basis of such student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom.”
This policy seeks to ensure the protection and equal treatment of pregnant individuals, persons with pregnancy-related conditions, and new parents. This policy is inclusive of birth, foster, and adoptive parents of all genders and applies to all aspects of Detroit Mercy’s programs, including, but not limited to, admissions, educational programs and activities, extracurricular activities, hiring, leave policies, employment, and health insurance coverage.
Students are encouraged to work with their faculty members and Detroit Mercy’s support systems to devise a plan for how best to address the conditions as pregnancy progresses, anticipate the need for leaves, minimize the academic impact of their absence, and get back on track as efficiently as possible. Arranging reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy and parenting is an interactive process, and the Title IX Coordinator will assist with plan development and implementation as needed. In general, pregnant and parenting students should be treated in the same manner as students experiencing a temporary disability. Any member of the Detroit Mercy community with questions or concerns about policies affecting pregnant or parenting students may contact the Title IX Coordinator, Megan Novell, at (313) 993-1802 or novellme@udmercy.edu.
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Title IX Syllabus Statement
Title IX Syllabus Statement:
Title IX: Sexual violence and sexual harassment are contrary to our core values and have no place at the University of Detroit Mercy. In accordance with Title IX and related laws, Detroit Mercy prohibits sex and gender-based discrimination including discrimination toward pregnant/parenting students. If you experience sexual violence or sexual harassment that limits your ability to participate in this course or any other Detroit Mercy program or activity, there are resources and options available. Please be aware that I am not a confidential resource, and that I will need to disclose alleged incidents of sex or gender-based discrimination to the university’s Office of Title IX. You may also contact Megan Novell, the Title IX Coordinator, directly by calling 313-993-1802 or emailing titleix@udmercy.edu to learn about supportive measures and options that are available to students alleging or alleged to have engaged in sex or gender-based discrimination.