Gender Inclusivity

Gender Identity Policy

At Otis College of Art and Design, gender identity reflects one's innermost concept of self as man, woman, blend of both, or neither. In other words, it's how individuals perceive themselves and what they choose to call themselves. One's gender identity can be the same or different from their legal sex (male/female). 

At our College, systems are set up to allow you to select from the following gender identities:

• Agender: 
  • not having a gender or a “lack of” a gender. Agender people see themselves as neither a man nor a woman, or both. They're gender-neutral and often are described as genderfree or genderless.
• Bigender: 
  • a gender identity in which a person has or experiences two genders. 
• Demigender: 
  • an umbrella term for all gender identities that have a partial connection to a certain gender, and a partial connection to another gender(s), such as demigirl or demiboy
• Genderqueer or Non-Binary: 
  • an umbrella term to describe non-binary association with gender.
• Genderfluid: 
  • a gender identity which refers to a gender that varies, or changes over time.
• Man or Male: 
  • part of the gender binary for those who identify as cis-gendered male or man
• Woman or Female: 
  • part of the gender binary for those who identify as cis-gendered woman or female
• Transgender: 
  • an umbrella term to describe someone whose gender identity or gender expression does not correspond with their sex assigned at birth.
• Transman or Transmasculine: 
  • a man who was assigned female at birth
• Transwoman or Transfeminine: 
  • a woman who was assigned male at birth

• Decline to state

How It Is Used:

The collection and use of gender identity data at Otis College is a new and evolving practice which will continue to change over time. Our College is continually analyzing systems and business processes that currently store and use legal sex information to determine appropriate and/or required use.

While legal sex data is required for compliance with select laws and business processes, it's always optional for you to identify your gender identity.  You may add, edit, or delete this data at any time.

Data Privacy & Security

Gender identity data, including information about individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+, is protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Access to this information through the College’s systems is restricted to staff who have a legitimate educational interest.

The College will primarily use this information in aggregate to make informed, data-driven decisions related to strategic resources and student, staff, and faculty support.

How to Update/Identify Your Gender identity at Otis College

To add, edit, or delete your gender identity:

1. Log in to portal.otis.edu
2. Select “Self Service Banner” under Campus Applications (for faculty/staff) or “Student Self Service” under Tech Tools (for students)
3. Select “My Profile” and then “more personal information” under your profile picture
4. Select “edit” within the Personal Details box
5. Follow the steps on the page to add, edit or delete your gender identification information.

For Extension Students: How to Update/Identify Your Gender identity in the Student Portal

To add, edit or delete your gender identity:

1. Log in to your student portal
2. Select “My Profile” in the left hand menu under “Student Home”
3. Scroll down the gender section and select your gender identification
4. Scroll down the page and select save to update your information

Inquiries & Concerns

If you believe your gender identity information is being accessed or used inappropriately, and/or if you have suggestions for appropriate use, please report your concerns or recommendations to the following offices:

• Registrar’s Office/One Stop - onestop@otis.edu 
  • For students who have questions about the policy or how to update.
• Extension Office - extension@otis.edu 
  • For extension students who have questions about this policy.
• Human Resources and Development - HumanResources@otis.edu 
  • For staff/faculty who have questions about the policy or how to update.

• Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging - dei@otis.edu 

• For general questions about this policy

• Alumnx Relations/Institutional Advancement: alumni@otis.edu

For alumnx, board of trustees, and board of governors who have questions or want information about how to update their gender identity fields.

Gender Inclusive Restrooms

Otis College has a total of eight gender inclusive restrooms, five single-use, and three multi-use restrooms located across campus. All-gender restrooms within any organization simply allow individuals to be able to use the restroom they choose with a decreased level of anxiety or fear of being “policed” or harassed for their gender identity and expression. As a college campus that embraces diversity and inclusion in all forms, it is imperative we work together as a community to make changes and decisions that will only enhance our campus climate. For clarity, “multi-use” restrooms are those with several stalls with locks that multiple people can use simultaneously, regardless of gender. Here is the list of the current officially designated, all-gender restrooms across campus:

Download Restroom Map