Guidance for Transgender Students

Our Accommodation Team is on hand to give you advice, help you apply for accommodation and support you throughout your time at University. With a range of student accommodation options, they will help you find the space that is right for you.

For further information you can contact the Accommodation Team on accommodationteam@worc.ac.uk or 01905 85 5300

The University expects the highest standards of conduct from its staff and students, whether on or off campus. Each student of the University has agreed to abide by the terms of the Student Charter which sets out some overarching expectations of behaviour.

Bullying and harassment in any form will be dealt with under the relevant disciplinary procedures. The University offers support and guidance for any student affected by issues raised by these procedures.

If you have experienced or witnessed a hate crime or transphobic incident, please report it. The Report a Concern portal allows students, staff, visitors and employers the chance to report an incident wherever it has occurred, for example off campus, during placement or in the workplace.

Student Life Advisers, from the Student Support and Wellbeing Service, will be able to help you through the range of informal and formal options available to address this behaviour. You can find out more here on the Student Support Bullying, Harassment & Sexual Misconduct Webpages.

You can access further support at the University through several routes:

• firstpoint on firstpoint@worc.ac.uk 01905 54 2551 or in person Monday to Friday (you may wish to speak privately away from the desk)
  
• Student Support and Wellbeing Service on studentlife@worc.ac.uk or book a confidential appointment via firstpoint.
  
• The Students’ Union Academic and Welfare Advisors within the the Students’ Union. Information on how to contact them via the online appointment request service can be found here on the Students’ Union Webpages.

If you would like more information about the University’s policies, support and reporting, please follow the links below:

Student Charter

Student Behaviour and Disciplinary Procedures

Student Complaints Procedures

Gender-neutral toilets are located in most areas of the University and all of our accessible toilets are gender-neutral. Students are invited to use the facilities that match their self-identified gender or to use the gender-neutral facilities if preferred.

There are numerous toilet and shower facilities across all campuses. Please refer to this toilet provision document for further information.

Students should be reassured that all personal information gathered by the University relating to students and staff is treated with the care and confidentiality required by the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

The University respects the confidentiality of all staff and students. Staff will not reveal information about transgender status without prior agreement of the individual (usually written consent) unless, in exceptional circumstances, there is considered to be a potentially serious risk of harm to yourself or others.

The University offers counselling via the Counselling and Mental Health Service. The service is able to support students with a wide range of issues.

If you think you would like to meet with an experienced professional practitioner, you can arrange a Support Triage Advice Refer (STAR) appointment through the self service booking system. Take a look at the Counselling and Mental Health Service webpages to learn more about the STAR appointments.

During the student registration process we collect information from our students which is managed in accordance with GDPR. Should you require any further information about data collected and stored in relation to your own student record, please contact infoassurance@worc.ac.uk

Further information is available on the University of Worcester Privacy Notice webpages.

A number of our modules and courses require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. If you require a DBS check and have a previous identity that you do not wish to be disclosed on your DBS certificate, you can contact the dedicated sensitive applications team before submitting your application. The team is experienced in dealing with sensitive cases and will advise you of the process and what you need to do.

Visit the government DBS guidance for transgender applications webpages for more details and to locate the telephone numbers for the sensitive applications team.

Your official (legal) name will be included on the degree certificate.

A request to change your official (legal) name normally needs to be submitted before the final exam board meets to confirm your award. Exam board dates vary so please contact Student Records via telephone on 01905 85 5333 or email studentrecords@worc.ac.uk for further information. Alternatively, if you prefer, the named contact for name changes in Student Records is Sally Dobbins (Assistant Registrar, Student Records). Sally can be contacted by email on s.dobbins@worc.ac.uk

If you have any further questions about the graduation ceremonies or certificates or an enquiry regarding a change to your name which may occur after your degree certificate has been issued, please contact the Exams and Awards Officer at graduation@worc.ac.uk

The University does not apply a dress code, other than where specific guidance applies to professional courses. We recommend that you talk to your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) or Course Leader if you have any queries about professional dress or uniforms.

The University’s Money Advice Service is available to support you with issues or questions around funding and budgeting, including applying to the University of Worcester Access to Learning fund.

Appointments can be booked via firstpoint on firstpoint@worc.ac.uk, 01905 54 2551 or call in to see us Monday to Friday.

If you are receiving medical assistance because of gender reassignment or associated health concerns, you may find that this affects your ability to study or work. You may wish to consider making an application, under the exceptional mitigating circumstances procedure, if your circumstances significantly impact on your ability to complete assessed work, or to attend any live assessment such as an examination or presentation.

Further guidance can be found on the firstpoint mitigating circumstances webpages and we can provide further information and support at firstpoint.

The Students’ Union Academic and Welfare Advisors can also offer impartial support and guidance on the mitigating circumstances procedures. Information on how to contact the Advisors and their online appointment request service can be found on the SU help and advice webpages.

Graduation is where we celebrate the academic achievements of our students. Your official (legal) name will be included in the graduation programme book and on the degree certificate.

A request to change your official (legal) name needs to be submitted before the final Exam Board if it is to be reflected on your degree certificate. Exam Board dates vary so please contact Student Records via email at studentrecords@worc.ac.uk or phone on 01905 85 5333 for further information.

As part of the ticket booking process, students are given the opportunity to provide us with the phonetic pronunciation of their name so that it is read out correctly during the ceremony when they cross the stage.  We are able to read out the name that you are known by, even where that does not directly match the name on your certificate. You can use this opportunity to indicate the name you wish to have read out.

If you have any further questions about the graduation ceremonies, certificates and information provided on them, or an enquiry regarding a change to your name which may occur after your degree certificate has been issued, please contact the Exams and Awards Officer at graduation@worc.ac.uk or the named contact for name changes; Assistant Registrar, Student Records, Sally Dobbins s.dobbins@worc.ac.uk

The UK government requires students to present specific types of identification to the University during the registration process. Identification may be in the form of a passport, visa, driving licence or birth certificate with one other piece of documentation.

You can request to speak privately with a member of staff when showing your identity documents.

We will not request a gender recognition certificate (GRC) as proof of a new identity. However, you may choose to use the GRC as evidence, if you wish.

For further guidance on the requirements for identification at registration, please contact the Assistant Registrar, Student Records, Sally Dobbins s.dobbins@worc.ac.uk.

The Student ID card is your formal identity card. It provides access to university buildings and is your Digital Services and library card.

Students who change their preferred first name, or whose gender presentation differs from the photo originally taken, can request a new ID card via firstpoint. There will be no charge for the replacement card under these circumstances.

You can change your preferred first name via the Personal Details tab on the SOLE page. Changing your preferred first name is not the same as changing your official (legal) name.

Any international student with a TIER 4 VISA should contact the International Student Advisers if they believe that they might be eligible to change their name and gender on their E-visa.

The International Student Advisers will discuss this with you and see how they can assist. For information regarding this or any other visa implications or advice on travel abroad, you can contact the team by email on ISA@worc.ac.uk.

Your preferred first name is the name you prefer to be addressed as during your studies. You can ask to use a preferred first name without making any official or legal changes. Your official (legal) name is the name by which you are formally and legally known.

The University will use your preferred first name in most circumstances, such as in lectures. However, there may be a requirement to use an official (legal) name at certain times, such as at graduation. Further details on the information displayed on your degree/award certificate can be found in the Degree/Award certificate section on this page.

You can add a preferred first name to your records when you first apply to the University or later in your journey with us. You can make a change to your preferred first name via the Personal Details tab on the SOLE page.

If you would like your preferred first name to be reflected on your learning platforms such as Blackboard and Pebblepad, you can make a request via the Digital Services helpdesk portal, or if you prefer, you can contact firstpoint or Student Support and Wellbeing for assistance in making the request.

If you are a student attending placements in a health care setting, we would recommend that you contact either your Course Leader, or your Personal Academic Tutor for advice on how details will be communicated to the placement provider.

Students should be aware that University staff accessing your student record will be able to see your official (legal) name, as well as your preferred first name, if these are different. Please be reassured that access to your student record information is limited and members of the University are bound by GDPR. Further information can be found on the General Data Protection Regulations webpages.

If you wish to change your official (legal) name you will need to show proof of name change, like a deed poll certificate or other recognised official document. You can do this at firstpoint or contact Student Records directly on studentrecords@worc.ac.uk. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can contact our named person for name changes in Student Records, Sally Dobbins (Assistant Registrar, Student Records) s.dobbins@worc.ac.uk.

Once your official (legal) name has been changed in the central Student Record, your details should automatically update across SOLE and your connected learning platforms, such as Blackboard and Pebblepad. Please note that your username (e.g. SMIT1_92) and email address (e.g. SMIT1_92@uni.worc.ac.uk) will remain the same unless you specifically request that these are changed. You do need to be aware that your digital profile is linked to your unique username and, if this is changed, it is possible that access to anything already created in the learning platforms (known as your digital footprint) will be lost. It is recommended that you seek further guidance before requesting any changes to your unique username or University email address.

Remember that if you change your name and gender, you will need to notify other organisations e.g. your bank, Student Finance and GP.

The University is committed to educational and social inclusion and equality, as set out in the University of Worcester Strategic Plan and outlined in the University’s Equality Statement.

Although the University doesn’t have a formal process by which you can change your pronouns, we will try to ensure that our staff use your preferred pronouns.

Students are invited to use the title they prefer and which reflects their chosen gender identity, students are encouraged to identify their pronouns in email signatures.

The Study Abroad Programme is open to all University of Worcester students. It is an exciting opportunity but may cause some concerns for transgender students. This needs to be considered on an individual basis. Our International Experience Team will be happy to discuss any potential issues that may arise.

You can find information on the study abroad webpages You can also contact the International Experience Team on international-experience@worc.ac.uk

Stonewall Global resources & reports provide information about the situation for LGBTQ+ people in specific countries which can be found on the Stonewall webpages.

The Student Support & Wellbeing Service contribute to the development of an inclusive and supportive university community. Their aim is to help students to achieve a positive, fulfilling and enriching experience.

Student Life Advisers provide a confidential support service on a broad range of pastoral and welfare issues, and would be happy to meet with you about any concerns that are affecting your time at the University of Worcester.

You can make an appointment with the team via their direct email studentlife@worc.ac.uk or you can book a confidential appointment via firstpoint on firstpoint@worc.ac.uk by calling 01905 542551, or by visiting in person during our opening hours.

For information on Counselling and Mental Health, please see the section above.