Our names are an incredibly important part of our identity. They carry deep personal, cultural, familial, and historical connections. They also give us a sense of who we are, the communities in which we belong, and our place in the world.

At UBC, we understand that names matter. That’s why you can request a preferred name to be known by in class and on your UBCcard. Although there are documents that must use your legal name, we want you to go by the name you’re most comfortable with and have it recognized in and out of the classroom.

Names are so important - imagine if someone were to call you by the wrong name repeatedly, mispronounced your name on a regular basis, or if they consistently misgendered you - how might that make you feel?

Unfortunately, this situation arises regularly for some people and necessitates dialogue and conversation. Our role as members of the UBC community is to practice navigating these conversations with as much respect and grace as possible so that together we can build a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

Learn more about the importance of names and pronouns, and find out how to make a positive impact on the UBC community by checking out our guide: On the Importance of Names.

And if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! Contact the Equity & Inclusion Office.