LGBTQ+ Programs and Support

Resources for LGBTQ+ Community Members

• Pronouns and Chosen Names

  Wentworth recognizes the right of students, faculty, and staff to use a chosen name and to use pronouns that best reflect their gender identity. Students, faculty, staff, and all other participants in Wentworth programs and activities are expected to respect the pronouns and chosen name of others. 

  What is the difference between a legal name and a chosen name?
  A legal name is the name that appears on a person's birth certificate or other legal documentation. A chosen name is a first name that differs from a person's legal name. 

  Where will my preferred/chosen name be used and who will see it?
  Documents and records that may display a chosen name include, but are not limited to, course rosters, housing information, student and employee identification cards, and other documents issued by Wentworth. Your preferred/chosen name will be used in interactions with other students, faculty, and staff. The student and employee ID will include your preferred/chosen name.

  When would Wentworth use my legal name?
  A chosen name will not be reflected on, among other things, a student’s official academic record, diploma or transcript, any bills or financial aid documentation, documentation related to immigration, or study abroad.

  How do I provide my preferred/chosen name to Wentworth?

  1. Log into Leopard Web with your Wentworth Network Account.
  2. On the “Personal Information” tab, click the “Name Change Information” link.
  3. In the Preferred Name field, enter your preferred name.

  How long does it take for records to update once I provide a preferred/chosen name?
  While some systems recognize the change immediately, most require approximately 24 hours to be recognized. If you find places where it is not displayed as expected after this time, please contact the Tech Spot for assistance.

  Are there limitations to providing a preferred name?
  No. It is the Institute’s expectation that students will adhere to the conduct of behavior outlined in the Student or Employee Handbook and exercise sound judgment in their usage of the preferred/chosen name option feature. Individuals who misuse the preferred name option may be asked to speak with a professional staff member or Human Resources.

  Can I also change my last name or my legal first name?

  Students: To change the name that is displayed/reflected on official academic record, diploma or transcript students, immigration information must follow the instructions on the Change of Name Request Form. A request to change your legal name must be made in person at the Student Service Center in Williston Hall and will require legal documentation and official identification. Examples of legal documentation include a court order, a marriage certificate, a valid driver's license, valid passport, or a government-issued military I.D.

  Employees: A request to change your legal name must be made in person at the Human Resources Office in Williston Hall and will require legal documentation and official identification. Examples of legal documentation include a court order, a marriage certificate, a valid driver's license, valid passport, or a government-issued military I.D.

  What is the current max character length of a display name on campus IDs?
  The first and last name fields display twenty (20) characters each.

  Will I still be able to use my campus ID to pick up mail?
  You will need to present a form of identification that matches the mail addressed to you which is often your legal name (for example, if you go by Liz but your mail is addressed to Elizabeth, you should present a license, passport, or some other government-issued ID that matches the name on your mail).  However, you can use your campus ID if that name matches the name on your mail.

  How do I pick up my new campus ID once I update my preferred name through Leopard Web?
  You may bring in your old campus ID in order to receive your new campus ID, free of charge. 

• Gender Inclusive Housing

  Gender Inclusive Housing is defined as a housing option in which two or more Wentworth upper-class students share a multiple-occupancy bedroom, apartment, or suite, in mutual agreement, regardless of the students’ sex, gender, gender identity or gender expression. This type of housing is offered to give students the option to reside with another person who has a different sex, gender, gender identity or gender expression in order to provide a welcoming living environment with a compatible roommate or suitemate. Wentworth students do not have to express their reasons for wanting to live in gender-inclusive housing.

  During the gender-inclusive housing selection process for returning students, those interested in this housing option must fill in the apartment to which they are applying. More information about the University’s Gender Inclusive Housing is available in the Residential Life Policies and Procedures. 

  For questions relating to Gender Inclusive Housing, please contact the Director of Residential Life, Kara Curcio.

• Gender Inclusive Facilities

  While people at Wentworth are welcome to use any restroom that corresponds to their gender identity, the university understands that some community members may prefer a private space specifically designated for use by people of all genders.

  Designated gender-inclusive bathrooms are located thorough out campus in Watson Hall, Willson Hall, Beatty Hall, Nelson Recreational Center, 555 Huntington Ave., 610 Huntington Ave, Baker Hall, 525 Huntington Ave., Ira Allen, CEIS, and Annex Central. These facilities benefit many different people, including LGBTQ+ community members, parents and children, and people with disabilities. 

  A map of all gender-inclusive bathrooms is available.

• Athletics

  Wentworth seeks to ensure that community members are free from discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, gender identity, or gender expression in all programs or activities, including athletics and recreational sports. 

  NCAA Sports 

  For more information about inclusion in NCAA sports, please visit the NCAA’s website for Inclusion of Transgender Student-Athletes Handbook or contact Athletic Director, Cheryl Aaron.

  Intramural Sports 

  Participants in intramural sports are encouraged to take part in programs that best represent their gender-expressed gender identity.

  While “Open Leagues” do not have any gender-based roster requirements, Men’s, Women’s, and Co-Rec teams may specify gender-based roster requirements, including a minimum number of women or men. While the league currently requires participants to select a box indicating whether they are playing sports as a “male” or “female,” people of all genders are welcome and encouraged to play on intramural teams.

• Additional Campus Resources

  • Wentworth's CO-OPs + CAREERs office offers a range of on-campus and external resources and information to help them through their search for a meaningful co-op and career and to help with acclimating to the workplace.
  • The Colleges of the Fenway provides a guide for LGBTQ+ students and their advisors to use throughout the study abroad process.
  • The Center for Diversity and Social Justice provides a list of Wentworth LGBTQ+ faculty and staff who are ready to support those who are out and those who are not ready to come out just yet.

• LGBTQ+ Resources to Celebrate Pride 

  In honor of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the Douglas D. Schumann Library & Learning Commons has created a collection of resources to celebrate LGBTQ+ identifying voices, creators, and experiences.
  
  This collection includes books, eBooks, films, podcasts, organizations for collaboration and participation, and resources for activism. It also includes a brief history of the Stonewall riots that inspired today's Pride celebrations, and links to learn more about LGBTQ+ history.