At the University of Huddersfield, you don't need a deed poll to change your name*, and changing your name on the university system is easy; the links are not difficult to find and clearly state that this is the appropriate process for gender identity.
This is a result of Huddersfield Students’ Union and their LGBT+ Network Lead working hard with the university to make their campus trans inclusive.
Previously, students applying to the university would experience different practices in communications. Some using ‘student first official name’, some using ‘known as name’, and more formal communications including ‘title, first name and surname’. ‘Preferred name’ was recorded, however initial investigations indicated that ‘official name’ was mostly used within communications. This meant that trans students who had changed their name were being referred to with the wrong name.
Following pressure from students already enrolled in the University the change was made to ensure that ‘preferred name’ became the default for communications for all applicants to the University. This ensures that people feel valued and respected before they ever confirm a place at Huddersfield.
This small change in process enabled individuals to be seen as their authentic selves from day one.
Thank you to Huddersfield SU and all the students who worked on this campaign! Together, we can make our campuses trans inclusive!
Want to share best practice on trans-inclusion at your students’ union? Send over your story to Lauren at [email protected]!
*however University certificates have to be issued in the students' legal registered name, which can only be changed via deed poll.
