Student concerns lead IT to address name, gender displays on platforms
Since the transition to the new student information system, Highlander Hub, in November 2024, issues surrounding name and gender markers have been reported. Inconsistencies between portal information and students’ social identities have caused unintentional discrimination.
The Information Technology (IT) Department recently collaborated with the Registrar’s Department to address these issues and improve the systems’ alignment with student needs.
According to Director of IT Ben Howard, the problems stem from the MC admission portal “MVP”, as well as the company that aided the switch from Self-Service to Highlander Hub. The company connected student information, including gender identity and names, between MVP and Highlander Hub.
For admissions purposes, the portal uses legal sex and names to fulfill student information, even if students identify differently socially. The Highlander Hub then feeds that information to the Tartan, meaning that students’ preferred names and pronouns were overridden by their legal information.
In order to solve these problems brought to their attention, the IT department disabled automatic synchronization between the admissions portal and the Highlander Hub. This platform’s nature as a student information portal means that information on gender identity cannot be removed.
“In the Highlander Hub, we still include gender identity, but it should now properly display the students’ choice,” Howard said.
However, Tartan is used primarily for classes rather than personal information, so certain data can be removed.
“In Tartan, we removed the gender label and now exclusively have a pronouns option, [and] we have now added an option for students to display their legal name or their preferred name to their professor and peers,” Howard said. “This allows us on our end to better customize and include varying students’ identities.”
Before these changes, many students felt the constant display of their legal name and gender constituted unintentional discrimination. A student who requested anonymity for their own privacy shared their thoughts.
“It is unfortunate that this is one of the problems I have to face as a trans person,” they said. “I have noticed odd looks and even being made fun of when people realize that I am trans. During the first week of classes, it is especially hard to be unintentionally deadnamed or misgendered.”
According to a Pride Club survey, 60% of students who identify differently from their legal name or gender reported feeling negatively toward the inaccurate information.
Title IX is available to students as an institution required by law to protect against discrimination, including discrimination based on gender identity. Daniel Roselli, Title IX coordinator and associate dean of students, explained how Title IX helps students.
“We are always here to help, even if you do not want to report something; we are always here to answer your questions,” Roselli said. “I understand that it can be intimidating to come forward, but Title IX is here to protect students.”
Roselli explained Title IX’s role in reports and clarified the reporting process. “Title IX is a neutral party, but whether you are reporting against students, faculty, or staff – we always have to investigate,” Roselli said. “We also always have the students’ well-being in mind; we want to protect those who are here at Maryville College.” Students have access to IT and Title IX resources. For questions about changing a preferred name or gender, contact IT at [email protected]. For legal updates to name or gender, contact the Registrar’s office at [email protected]. To speak with Title IX to ask questions or report an incident, email [email protected].
Screenshot captures student view when changing name or gender on Tartan. Photo Courtesy of Gabriel Day and Gia Smart