UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has implemented an updated version of University policy AD84 to now detail the use of an individual’s chosen name, professional name, gender identity, pronouns and honorifics. Except in specific instances where the legal name must be used to meet legal requirements, the policy states that an individual’s chosen name will be used where possible across the University’s systems, including the University directory. The University is in the process of implementing this functionality across the Penn State accounts management system, LionPATH, Workday and other University systems, which should be finalized in the coming months. The updated policy does not apply to systems used by Penn State Health and the Pennsylvania College of Technology. 

This updated policy was drafted to be more comprehensive and inclusive, with input from Brian Patchcoski, assistant vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion in Penn State Student Affairs; and stakeholders including faculty, staff and students. Creation of this updated policy also involved review of similar policies and practices at other universities, with the goal of best meeting the needs of the Penn State community. 

Policy AD84 and all other University policies are available in full at policy.psu.edu. 

The updated policy is planned to take effect on May 18.