Approved by the Board of Trustees of Rockland Community College on May 6, 2024.
Rockland Community College (College or RCC) recognizes that some students and employees may use a different name other than their legal name and/or may have chosen pronouns. RCC allows the use of a chosen name and chosen pronouns, whenever possible, for all students and employees, that is consistent with applicable laws and regulations. There are some circumstances in which the College is required to use a person’s legal name and cannot use a chosen or preferred name in those situations. (NOTE: RCC is obligated to use the legal name for many official records and reports, including, but not limited to, payroll records, billing records, tax forms, financial aid documents, official transcripts, medical records, enrollment reporting, and federal immigration documents).
Whenever, RCC collects data on sex or gender/gender identity, individuals will have the option to select “X” for at least one of these fields.
The College will provide all students and employees with the opportunity to enter their chosen name that is different from their legal (first and middle) name as well as their chosen pronouns. RCC will honor and respect the right of individuals to be referred to as their chosen name, chosen pronouns and gender markers in all instances permitted by law
The College reserves the right to reject or remove a chosen name from College administrative systems or documents if RCC in its sole judgment deems the chosen name to be violation of this policy (for example, used inappropriately, including but not limited to the following purposes: for fraudulent purposes, misrepresentation; disruption; or to attempt to avoid a legal obligation). A chosen name may not include words, symbols or numbers or be otherwise prohibited under the law and/or College policies or procedure including but not limited to the: Student Code of Conduct, Employee-related rules and policies, and the College’s Equity and Compliance Policy.
Employee requests will be processed by the Office of Human Resources. Student requests will be processed by the Office of the Registrar.
This policy shall constitute written adoption by RCC of the requirements of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) and SUNY Board Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy (#7809).