Transgender and Gender Expansive Students

Transphobia and cissexism impact every part of a person's life - accessing basic needs, such as healthcare, employment, and housing, are exponentially more difficult for transgender and gender expansive people. The Office of LGBTQ+ Services and Gender Equity Programs hopes to serve as a hub for transgender and gender expansive people to find services and resources, both on and off campus, that are open and welcoming to their identities.

The resources below are not exhaustive, and if you know of a resource that would be beneficial to list here please submit it here.

Counseling services

On campus

We offer a range of free and confidential counseling services consistent with our Counseling Center Scope of Practice on the Mount Pleasant campus to currently enrolled CMU students. Individual and group counseling services, consultation and referral information, crisis/emergency services, and sexual aggression services are available. We also have various Supportive Resources that have been helpful to students on this website and numerous brochures and pamphlets in our office.

If you feel you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please call our office at 989-​774-3381.

Community

Deanna Heath, Mount Pleasant Counseling
989-572-0246

Name changes

Central Michigan University is committed to assisting students with being accurately represented and respected across campus. When it comes to campus systems, by default they will use the information that was provided on your application, but this can be changed. 

For non-legal name changes (referred to technically as “Chosen” names) the process is unfortunately limited, but upon filling out and submitting a Name Change Request, most systems will be updated to reflect your true name. 

Some (not all) systems that do change automatically:

1. Email (outgoing display name, Global Address List)
2. Cmich.edu online directory search
3. Microsoft 365 environment (Teams, etc.)
4. Adobe Creative Cloud
5. Webex

Some (not all) systems that do not:

1. Blackboard (this can be updated manually at any time, no form required.) 
2. Transcripts

For legal name changes, the same form needs to be filled out, but this will update across all systems over time as they synchronize with each other.  

Your gender is recorded by CMU, but is not displayed in many (if any) areas across campus systems. There is currently no official form to update this information, though students should contact the Registrar’s Office to get their personal records updated.

Further information can be found in CMU’s Knowledge Base.

If you have any questions on the technical nature of the name change process, please contact the OIT Help Desk at, helpdesk@cmich.edu or at 989-774-3662.

Discrimination and harassment

Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity
Central Michigan University
Bovee University Center 306
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
Office Email: ocrie@cmich.edu
Phone: 989-774-3253

On-campus housing

The Office of Residence Life at Central Michigan University is committed to providing residents a comfortable, educational, diverse and caring community where academic success, personal growth, and social responsibility are valued.

In an effort to assist each student in finding their place on campus, we offer gender-inclusive housing for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.

If you are interested in gender-inclusive housing, we can provide you with a personal and confidential assessment of the available options. To discuss your interest or preferences, please contact the Office of Residence Life at 989-774-3111.

Finding community on campus

Transcend, a student-run organization, was originally created as a safe space for transgender people. It has since adapted in many different ways depending on what the community needs. It has been a place for support, advocacy, service, and diversity. Transcend is for any transgender, non-binary, or gender non-conforming CMU students interested. We recognize that not all gender queer people identify with the label of transgender, but that does not exclude them from joining and participating in the RSO. As well, it is our belief that those who are questioning their gender or are currently unsure of how they identify need and deserve the support of our community. For that reason, they are always welcome in our meetings. To learn more, email the Director.

​Inclusive restroom locations

While you are able to access any restroom that you feel safe in, below is a list of single-stall restrooms across campus.  If you face bathroom harassment, please reach out to The Office of Civil Rights and Institutional Equity or The Office of LGBTQ Services.