Preferred Pronouns

As part of the university's efforts to promote inclusion in the classroom, students are able to register their pronouns in CourseWorks. Pronoun selections will be visible for you in CourseWorks via NameCoach so that you can use them effectively in your classroom discussions.

This important initiative assists students who may not use the pronouns associated with the gender they were assigned at birth, as well as those with gender-neutral names who wish to make their pronouns known.

This change is deeply meaningful for students who identify as transgender or non-binary. It is also a tool for effective teaching: Using a student’s chosen pronouns is a signal of inclusion, fostering more robust participation from all of your students.

This program, successfully piloted over the past two years with partners at Columbia Business School, the School of International and Public Affairs, and the Mailman School of Public Health, was developed by University Life and the Registrar’s Office. We are delighted to offer this option to students across all of Columbia’s schools.

 If you would like to read more about gender neutral pronouns, please review A Guide to Pronouns in Use for Faculty and Instructors. You can also reach out to Associate Registrar Kristabelle Munson (km2137) with any questions.