LGBTQ+ Inclusion for Financial Aid Officers Presenters: Elliott Kimball, M.Ed. (UNC Greensboro) Fall Conference November 6 - 8, 2017

Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017 Ground Rules Respect No judgement Use “I” statements 1 step forward, 1 step back Vegas rule Reserve the right to change your mind Takebacks Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017

Building Blocks: Buzz Words Fall Conference November 6 - 8, 2017

Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017 Diversity Equality Equity Inclusion Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017

Building Blocks: Language Sex Gender/Gender Identity Sexuality Fall Conference November 6 - 8, 2017

Building Blocks: Acronym Fall Conference November 6 - 8, 2017

Building Blocks: Acronym Fall Conference November 6 - 8, 2017

Why does this language exist? Fall Conference November 6 - 8, 2017

Fall Conference November 6 - 8, 2017 Connecting the Dots Fall Conference November 6 - 8, 2017

From language to practice Fall Conference November 6 - 8, 2017

Inclusive Language: Pronouns Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017

Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017 Inclusive Language Incorporate the singular “they” in your daily language Instead of saying “she needs to complete last week’s assignment” try “they need to complete last week’s assignment” or “Taylor will need to complete last week’s assignment” Avoid language that frames gender identity, name, or pronouns as preferred. For example, instead of saying “what name would you prefer to be called?” try “I have Taylor on my roster but want to use the name you’re most comfortable with. Is this what you go by?” Avoid using invalidating language like “real” or “legal” name. Instead, try “could you be listed under another name on my roster?” or “might our system have you under another name?” Avoid language that is considered polite but is also gendered, like “ma’am” or “sir”. There are plenty of ways to show respect without it. Think about things you say often that carry gendered meaning. Instead of “you guys”, try relying on “y’all” Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017

Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017 Inclusive Strategies Control your curiosity LGBTQ+ students might avoid seeking out support if they feel like more of a case study than a person Take time to educate yourself Build practices that might seem LGBTQ-specific into your daily routine Confirming a student’s name Adding pronouns to email signatures, nametags, doors, etc. Feel comfortable apologizing for misgendering a student Understand that students that disclose their identity to you might not be “out” in all spaces Try “I apologize for using the wrong pronouns or incorrect name. I didn’t mean to disrespect you” Don’t gamble and lose/don’t assume Use gender-free language whenever you can, especially when you aren’t 100% sure how everyone identifies Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017

Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017 Misgendering Apologize quickly, but with a light touch “Oh my god, of course you are a woman. I mean obviously, look at your body. I’m such an idiot. You look good, girl!” “I’m so sorry, it has been a long day. How can I help you?” Let it go “Here is that resource sheet, ma’am. It has been so nice chatting as just us girls.” “Here is that resource sheet I mentioned. Have a great day.” Don’t be so hard on yourself This is essentially a re-learning, and can take time. Will you avoid offending everyone? No. But try your best and learn from mistakes. Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017

Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017 Consider… How do people know, without talking to someone, that your space is inclusive? Door tags, email signatures, signage, promotion of anti-discrimination policy, connections to resources for marginalized and underserved students, etc. Does your institution offer training around diversity and inclusion? LGBTQ+ inclusion? If no, what do you do? Are there policies and practices in your office that create issues of access for LGBTQ+ students? How would you know? What about when how you operate within the institution places you and your office at a disadvantage? Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017

Courageous Conversations Do your own research Don’t tokenize people Be mindful of language (say what you mean, mean what you say) Think about intent versus impact (clarify) Reserve the right to change your mind Prepare to think critically (outside of yourself, possibly beyond your understanding) Use “I” statements Recognize and appreciate vulnerability Consider your privilege Find ways to engage in conversation Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017

Fall Conference November 6 - 8, 2017 One takeaway Fall Conference November 6 - 8, 2017

Fall Conference November 6 - 8, 2017 Questions? Fall Conference November 6 - 8, 2017

Please visit them and let them know how much you appreciate it. NCASFAA would like to thank our Professional Affiliates for their support. Please visit them and let them know how much you appreciate it. Fall Conference November 6 - 8, 2017