Policies

Policies and Syllabus Statements

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    Nondiscrimination Policy

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    Interim Sex and Gender Based Harassment Policy and Resolution Process 

    For allegations of sex discrimination and sex-based harassment occurring before Aug. 1, 2024, download the

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    Preferred First Name Policy

    Preferred First Name Policy

    I. Purpose and Scope

    University of Detroit Mercy is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.
    We recognize that faculty, staff, and students may use first names other than their legal first names to
    identify themselves. Except when an individual’s legal first name is required by law, policy, or business
    needs, current employees and current students may choose to be identified in some university systems by
    the preferred first name that they have designated in accordance with this policy.

    II. Definitions

    Preferred first name – An alternative to the individual’s legal first name.

    Legal name – A person’s legal first, middle (if applicable), and last name as it appears on official
    governmental documents such as licenses, passports, social security cards, birth certificates and tax forms.

    III. Policy

    Many members of the Detroit Mercy community use a first name that differs from their legal first name.
    Allowable preferred first name formats might include (but are not limited to):

    • A shortened derivative of a name (e.g. “Sue” for “Susan”)
    • A middle name instead of a first name
    • Initials (e.g., “AJ” with no punctuation)
    • A first name that is chosen to represent the individuals identity, (“Peter” instead of “Xingyu”)
    • A first name that better represents the individual’s gender identity
    • A first name to which the individual is in the process of legally changing

    Detroit Mercy will not accept a preferred first name that is vulgar, offensive, obscene, creates confusion
    with another individual, attempts to avoid legal obligation, or otherwise constitutes a misuse or abuse of
    this policy.

    Preferred first names will be used where reasonably possible in the course of University business and
    education. Some examples of where preferred first names may be used include but are not limited to:

    • Class and Grade Rosters in Banner
    • If a preferred first name exists in Banner it will be uploaded to Blackboard using the preferred first name
    • My Profile – Personal Information page preferred first name displays if on file
    • Office 365 – Request to ITS Helpdesk to change preferred first name displayed
    • University ID Card – Preferred first name change requires a card replacement fee

    Examples of where the preferred first name will not be used and where the legal name will appear include
    but are not limited to:

    • Financial Aid Documents
    • Employment Forms
    • Paychecks and Payroll Records
    • Tax Forms (W2/1095C/1098T/1099)
    • Billing and Financial Statements
    • University Transcripts
    • Diplomas
    • Immigration Documents
    • Enrollment Verifications
    • Legally Binding Contracts
    • Medical Documents/Health Records

    IV. Procedure to Submit a Preferred First Name

    Employees and students can enter a preferred first name in your My Profile - Personal Information tab at
    my.udmercy.edu. Preferred first name changes are subject to review. Please see section III above for a list
    of acceptable preferred name formats. There are also options in the Self-Service profile to update Personal
    Pronoun and Gender Identification.

    V. Nondiscrimination Policy

    University of Detroit Mercy adheres to all federal, state, and local civil rights laws and regulations prohibiting
    discrimination in private institutions of higher education. The University does not discriminate against any
    employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission based on:

    • Sex,
    • Sexual orientation,
    • Gender identity,
    • Gender expression,
    • Pregnancy,
    • Family Responsibilities,
    • or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for
      those opposing discrimination or participating in any grievance process on campus, with the Equal
      Employment Opportunity Commission, or other human/civil rights agencies.

    This Policy covers nondiscrimination in both employment and access to educational opportunities.
    Therefore, any member of the University community whose acts deny, deprive, or limit the educational or
    employment access, benefits, and/or opportunities of any member of the University community, guest, or
    visitor on the basis of that person’s actual or perceived membership in the protected classes listed above is
    in violation of the University’s nondiscrimination statement.

    When brought to the attention of the University, any such discrimination will be promptly and fairly
    addressed and remedied by the University according to the Resolution Process. The University Title IX
    Coordinator may be contacted at titleix@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1802.

    VI. Privacy Considerations

    Students

    Consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Detroit Mercy allows for the release
    of Directory Information which includes but is not limited to name (legal/primary and preferred), mailing
    and email addresses, phone numbers, dates of attendance, class, date and place of birth, major, previous
    institutions attended, enrollment status, degrees conferred including dates, honors and awards received,
    photograph, past and present participation in officially recognized university activities and sports, and
    physical factors (e.g. height and weight of athletic team members). Students who wish to have their
    directory information withheld/blocked from release can make this request in writing to the Office of the
    University Registrar.

    VII. Legal Name Change

    Guide to procedures for changing your name in Michigan.

    Office of Human Resources and Payroll and Office of the University Registrar
    8.26.21

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    Pregnant and Parenting Students Policy

    Pregnant and Parenting Students Policy

    University of Detroit Mercy (Detroit Mercy) is committed to creating and maintaining a community where all individuals enjoy freedom from discrimination on the basis of sex. Under the Department of Education’s Title IX regulations, an institution that receives federal funding “shall not discriminate against any student, or exclude any student from its education program or activity, including any class or extracurricular activity, on the basis of such student’s pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom.”

    This policy seeks to ensure the protection and equal treatment of pregnant individuals, persons with pregnancy-related conditions, and new parents. This policy is inclusive of birth, foster, and adoptive parents of all genders and applies to all aspects of Detroit Mercy’s programs, including, but not limited to, admissions, educational programs and activities, extracurricular activities, hiring, leave policies, employment, and health insurance coverage.

    Students are encouraged to work with their faculty members and Detroit Mercy’s support systems to devise a plan for how best to address the conditions as pregnancy progresses, anticipate the need for leaves, minimize the academic impact of their absence, and get back on track as efficiently as possible. Arranging reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy and parenting is an interactive process, and the Title IX Coordinator will assist with plan development and implementation as needed. In general, pregnant and parenting students should be treated in the same manner as students experiencing a temporary disability. Any member of the Detroit Mercy community with questions or concerns about policies affecting pregnant or parenting students may contact the Title IX Coordinator, Megan Novell, at (313) 993-1802 or novellme@udmercy.edu.

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    Pregnant Workers Protection Policy

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    Syllabus Statements

    McNichols Campus Syllabus Guidelines and Required Statements

    Disability and Accessibility Support: We are committed to providing equal access to learning opportunities for all students. Student Accessibility Services works collaboratively with students who have disabilities to arrange effective accommodations. If you encounter any barrier to participation in your education because of a disability and would like to seek accommodations, you can begin the process on our website or contact us at sas@udmercy.edu or 313-993-1938. 

    Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination: The University does not tolerate discrimination, harassment or retaliation.  If you experience discrimination or harassment based on sex, race, religion, disability or other protected characteristics, you can make a report or complaint online to the Office of Equal Opportunity or contact the Executive Director and Title IX Coordinator, Megan Novell, directly at (313) 993-1802 or novellme@udmercy.edu to learn about your options for support and resolution.  Please be aware that most University employees, including all faculty members, are mandated to report allegations of sex discrimination on your behalf if they learn of them. Information about confidential resources, reporting options, the specific rights of pregnant and parenting students, and our Nondiscrimination Policy are available on the OEO website.

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