Pronouns 101 & Canvas implementation

This guide explains the importance of pronouns, provides strategies for respectfully sharing and using them in digital, in-person, and educational settings, and outlines UW–Madison resources, Canvas implementation, and related campus policies that support inclusive and affirming practices.

Road map

Overview

Pronouns: the basics
Tools for practice

Emerging practices

Share digitally & visually
Have a conversation

In learning environments

Making space for students
Professional writing
Additional languages

UW context

Implementation in Canvas
Related campus policies

Overview

Pronouns: the basics
Tools for practice

Pronouns: the basics

Pronouns are words used to identify a person in place of their name, and in English pronouns are marked for gender. Almost everyone, including cisgender (non-transgender) people, uses pronouns.

Some examples of pronouns include: she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, ze/hir/hirs, per/per/pers, etc. Many have been used in English for centuries and some are newer and evolving.

Nine illustrations of faces with various pronoun sets

Using gendered language conscientiously is one small way we can show respect to each other as individuals and make UW a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all members of the campus community.

For faculty and staff, it’s especially important to model accurate name and pronoun use, practice correction, and know how to refer students to resources they might need on campus.

A transfeminine nonbinary person and transmasculine gender-nonconforming person looking at a phone and laughing

Tools for practice

Practicing is the best tool for getting used to new pronouns. Try these resources to start:

GSCC: Pronoun guide (PDF) A handout with chart and brief scenarios.
Minus18: pronouns practice game A simple fill-in-the-blank browser game.
Practice with Pronouns game A more complex fill-in-the-blank game.

GSCC Pronoun Guide

Emerging practices

Sharing your own pronouns digitally, in person, and when speaking
Having a conversation

Sharing your own pronouns digitally, in person, and when speaking

Sharing: digital representation

Sharing your own pronouns, if you are comfortable doing so, tells others that you know pronouns are important. Some options for sharing include:

Video meeting display name:

Video meeting rename dialog showing a display name with pronouns added after the person’s name (e.g., “Sue Smith (She/Her/Hers)”).

Online profile/bio:

Example online profile showing a staff member’s name, title, and pronouns included in the profile description.

Email signature:

Email signature example that includes a staff member’s name, title, organization, and a line indicating pronouns in use.

Sharing: in-person visual

For a visual indicator in an in-person environment, you might share your pronouns in one of these easily changeable formats:

Name tag:

Name tag reading “Anna she/her/hers”

Button or pin:

Four pronoun pins showing different pronoun sets

Table tent:

Table tent reading “Korin Borberian He/Him”

Sharing: when speaking

If you are building a relationship with someone where it would be convenient to know pronouns, you can try simply modeling in your introduction.

For example:

“Nice to meet you! My name is Marcus and I use they and them pronouns.”
“Hi! Taylor, he/him.”

A transmasculine person with a furry blue coat drinking coffee with a friend

Have a conversation

When someone discloses their pronouns to you, you can ask clarifying questions on when and where to use them. You can also affirm your own next steps.

Some examples:

“Thanks for letting me know! Would you like me to correct others if they misgender you?”
“I appreciate you telling me. Should I use those in all contexts? Feel free to let me know if that changes.”
“I’m so glad to know this about you! I will do my homework and make sure I refer to you correctly.”

In learning environments

Making space in the classroom
Professional writing
Additional languages

Making space in the classroom

Offer a variety of options for students to share pronouns, like:

table tents,
seating charts,
informational index cards,
video meeting display names

Remember names and pronouns may shift throughout the semester.

Students will follow your lead, so it’s especially important to model affirming behavior.

See additional resources for more:

Professional writing

Academic and professional style guides are catching up with inclusive practices! Please support your students in using affirming language.

Two colleagues, a transgender woman and a nonbinary person, laughing in a meeting at work

Additional languages

Every language has its own grammar and vocabulary conventions around gender.

Trans and gender diverse communities across the globe are the best resource on their own languages. There are often various solutions within each language, just like in English.