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

2. 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 , 2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Inclusive Language: Pronouns
Spring Conference April , 2017

12. 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 , 2017

13. 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 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 , 2017

14. 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 , 2017

15. Spring Conference April 9 - 12, 2017
Consider…
How do people know, without talking to someone, that your space is inclusive?
Door tags, 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 , 2017

16. 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 , 2017

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

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

19. 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