Dear Colleagues

As stated in the Anti Discrimination Policy (ADP), UP is committed to an inclusive, affirming and transformed institutional culture.

This policy states that no person will be discriminated against on the basis of a number of factors, including gender, gender identity, gender expression or intersex status. This means that students who are gender diverse, including but not limited to those who identity as transgender, gender neutral or non-binary, should be recognised by our anti-discrimination dispensation.

In line with this, starting from 2021, students will have the option to register with the gender titles Mr, Ms  or the gender-neutral title Mx. They will not have to justify their choice and these choices are open to any and every student.

Systems will be put in place for 2022 to have a registration process that has greater nuance and wider choice in relation to gender, including the student’s gender indicator and their preferred forename.

While  the systems are being changed so that all students can register in the way in which they are most comfortable, all their legal documents will reflect the name and gender/sex on their current identity documents. These documents will include  academic transcripts, graduation certificates, and letters of recommendation for opening bank accounts, gaining accommodation or employment. On receipt of new identity documents issued by Home Affairs (in the case of students who are transgender and apply to have their name and gender/sex marker legally changed), students can request that appropriate changes be made to their legal documents.

For all campus activities using social media, clickUP and other platforms, as well as class lists, registers and student cards, students will be allowed to use the forename and gender indicator of their choice.

I thank all the departments that have worked to make this possible and for their ongoing co-operation. We will be expanding and refining the system in preparation for the 2022 academic year.

Best regards,

Prof Tawana Kupe

Vice-Chancellor and Principal