-2

Pronouns in Edit Name popup

Frederick Ranallo-Higgins

June 19, 2020 20:59

Answered

Follow

I know that we can add pronouns to the bio section. That is an easy work around, but I think it would be more progressive and inclusive to make pronoun selection part of the Edit Name popup menu and any other menus that require name input (applications, etc). The field could still then appear under the name in the pop-up name card when you hover over it. Having it appear as an option for users says WE CARE and it is important. Having a work around does not. 

Frederick

Title IX Coordinator

Won Institute

 

• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

7 comments

• 0
  
  Adam Sentz August 25, 2020 17:19

  Frederick Ranallo-Higgins - Adding a pronouns field to the Edit Name dialog could be problematic because pronouns are considered non-directory information under FERPA (they might reveal information about an individuals gender identity) while a student's name is considered directory information. This could lead to confusion regarding data privacy. If student wish to share their chosen pronouns with everyone in Populi via their bio that's up to them, but I don't think it would be permissible for a pronouns field to be public by default (the way name fields are for example).

• 1
  
  Jessica Babaker February 08, 2022 15:43

  Adam, I really must echo Frederick's concerns. I have a very difficult time explaining to our staff, faculty, and students why this field does not exist. The field can still be optional, like almost every other field in a person's profile, and the student can choose to provide the information. This would be an optional field that the student enters.

  I don't see how this has anything to do with directory information.

  It is frustrating for our students who want to share their pronouns and make them abundantly clear, but the information is not easily seen. Ideally, you could pull this information with a roster, so the faculty can be aware and ready for their class.

   

• 1
  
  Frederick Ranallo-Higgins February 08, 2022 17:10

  Thank you Jessica! 

  I'm sure there is a way to accommodate this request. If we can ask pronouns on the application, why can't we carry over that data into a field on the student, faculty, or staff profile? Pronouns are becoming very standard. I can't imagine there is no way for Populi to figure this out OTHER than a lame work around in the Bio.

  As a TIX Coordinator, I'm concerned that populi doesn't take this more seriously and doesn't seem motivated to figure out a better solution than a work-around, especially since you service higher ed. And that your response is that you "don't think it would be permissible." I'd like to request more firm answers than the uncertainty that was provided.  It has been over a year since this was requested, and pronouns are even MORE common now. 

• 0
  
  Adam Sentz February 08, 2022 20:00

  Jessica Babaker - Directory information is defined by the DoED here. Pronouns are not considered directory information which puts them in a distinctly different data privacy category than a student's name. It's for this reason we believe it would be problematic to add them the the name edit dialog - it would make it very easy for staff to inadvertently disclose them. Students who wish to share their pronouns broadly throughout Populi may do so by adding them to their bio.

  Frederick Ranallo-Higgins - You can absolutely carry that data over into a custom field. Please reach out top Populi Support for assistance setting that up.

• 0
  
  Jessica Babaker February 08, 2022 20:42

  I see why you would not tie it to the name, and I missed that part of the request. I don't see a need with attaching the information in this very particular way. I am familiar with directory information, and I agree with you that this is not part of that. 

  I still think it is important that it has its own field on a person's profile so that information can be exported. We will look into adding a custom field, so thank you very much for suggesting that!

  It still seems odd that this wouldn't be a built-in field which could potentially appear in other areas of Populi  one day (such as a class roster export), so I hope it will still be considered as it only continues to become more commonplace!

   

• 1
  
  Adam Sentz February 08, 2022 20:55

  Jessica Babaker - We generally only build in fields that are standardized and required to be treated a certain way (like SSNs or Race/Ethnicity) or have a particular format that requires specialized validation (like an address). This way schools can set things up the way they work best for them. A lot of schools have custom fields for this kind of thing, but they don't all handle it the same way.

  The Roster exports don't currently use the Export Helper so you can't add on custom fields, but you could definitely make a request for that.

• 0
  
  Jessica Babaker February 08, 2022 21:26

  Adam Sentz, that is a fair point—preferred pronouns do not always follow a standard. I appreciate your insight, and following your advice, I made a feature request regarding adding the export helper to the course roster. Thanks!