At Christ Church Students' Union, we are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and supportive environment for all students, including trans and non-binary students. Nonetheless, we also recognise the unique challenges that trans and non-binary students may face while studying at University.
At CCCU it is your choice whether you wish to disclose your trans identity, trans history or trans status to the University. However, if you do choose to disclose, the University will provide a supportive environment for you.
Please refer to the University’s Transgender and Non-binary Inclusion Policy to understand the University’s commitment and the Transgender and Non-Binary Guidance for Students Policy
Some trans people need to obtain documentary evidence of living as their affirmed gender for the purposes of obtaining some medical treatments, or for obtaining a Gender Recognition Certificate. You may wish to update your University records for this purpose. The University can also provide a written letter stating that you have been living as your affirmed gender. Please contact the Student Records Team to discuss what you need. The University will work with you to provide any supporting documentation you might require.
Below are resources you may find useful to support your student journey while studying at Christ Church University.
Resources and Support;
How to change to your preferred name at Christ Church University.
Once you have made the decision to come out or transition, you should contact the Student Wellbeing Services via the Student Wellbeing Manager where you can change your name, title and information about your gender as required. You will be asked to fill in the form below provided by the Student Wellbeing Services.
Notification of Student Transition and Name Change form
Care will be taken to ensure that records do not link back to former names, which may for example mean creating a new email address rather than simply changing the name on the existing email. A new Smartcard with the correct name and a new photograph will be issued if requested, without any replacement cost to the student.
Student Wellbeing Services
You may wish to speak to Student Wellbeing Services about your gender identity, trans identity, trans history, or trans status.
The Student Wellbeing Services team will encourage you to complete the following form to notify them of your gender identity, trans identity, trans history or trans status. The team will also ask about any support you would like and any changes that should be made to your University records.
Notification of Student Transition and Name Change form
The Student Wellbeing Services team will discuss what your preferred options are regarding informing academic staff, support staff, peers, and other relevant contacts. You may want to do this personally or delegate this via Student Wellbeing Services, or a mixture of these options.
Trans Safe Space
There is a Trans Safe Space on Campus organised by the LGBT Society. This is a welcoming environment for trans students to socialise and discuss any queries or concerns. To find out more information about the Trans Safe Space and the location, email the LGBT+ society;
Trans and Non Binary role at Union Council
Students can sit on Union Council and campaign for change at the University. There is a role dedicated to Trans and Non Binary Students. Elections begin in the first term of the academic year.
Gender-Neutral Toilets on Campus
There are Gender-Neutral toilets situated across campus. These can be found using campus maps and filtering by facilities.
The University’s policy is that trans students can use facilities (such as toilets and changing rooms) according to their affirmed gender. The University respects everyone’s requirements for dignity and privacy in using the University’s facilities. Lockable, individual cubicles, including shower facilities, are available throughout our campuses. We recognise that these are more limited in some spaces and are committed to increasing this as we upgrade and refurbish our estate. We expect everyone to treat each other’s needs for dignity and privacy with respect, including when using our facilities.
Reporting unacceptable behaviour
There are two ways to report unacceptable behaviour at the University. You can report via Report and Support which allows you to report anonymously. Or you can contact a Student Support Advisor on 01227 922675, or by email studentsupport@canterbury.ac.uk
At Christ Church Students' Union, we believe that everyone deserves to study and live authentically free from prejudice. We welcome any ideas that we could implement to support Trans and Non Binary Students further.
