Being trans can offer unique challenges when it comes to navigating different policies and campus offices. Below are some resources intended to assist in that process. Note: for local, off-campus healthcare providers, therapists, and lawyers, check out Accept Oswego's list of Oswego County Resources.
Name Changes
If you have legally changed your name, you can submit a Name Change form to the Registrar.
- Once your name is updated in the system, it may take some time to be updated for various departments and units on campus (Parking, Library, Health Center, etc.).
- For a new ID card, you can contact the the ID Services office once you have made the change with the Registrar.
If you haven't legally changed your name, you might want to review the Preferred Name Policy and submit a request form. Any questions about this policy can be directed to the Title IX Coordinator.
If you have changed your legal name with the Registrar, you can contact CTS Help Desk ([email protected] or 315-312-3546) to request a new email address. Your old email address will be set up to forward to your new one. If you haven't legally changed your name, you can get a new email address that better aligns with your identity under the Preferred Name Policy. Your LakerNet ID will remain the same, however. If people have contacted you using the old email address in the past, it will remain in their contacts unless they manually delete it.
Housing
Rooms and Accommodations
The college has a limited number of single rooms in Lonis Hall available to graduate students and upperclassmen. The Village Townhouses offer single bedrooms, with shared bathrooms that are closed off into three sections (shower, toilet, and sink areas); this housing is for juniors and above. Waterbury Hall and Scales Hall have individual bathrooms.
Students are usually assigned to rooms by their legal gender, but Res Life will accommodate requests from trans students to be housed as the gender they identify with. For more information or to make a request, you should contact Res Life.
Changing your room
Generally, the college does not allow you to change rooms in the middle of the year. If you are having an issue that can't be resolved with your room assignment, you will have to speak first with your resident assistant, resident mentor, or graduate resident mentor. If this does not resolve your problem, you can go to your residence hall director for additional help or to get advice on the next steps.
Right to live in a secure environment
According to the ResLife's Student Rights and Responsibilities document, you have the right to live in a secure environment and to be free from intimidation or harassment. If you feel this right is being violated, contact your resident assistant, resident mentor, graduate resident mentor, or hall director. Remember you can check your Resident Student Handbook for policies. If you need to contact ResLife directly, their email address is [email protected].
Bathrooms
At SUNY Oswego, individuals are free to use restrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity or expression. If your rights in this area are challenged or denied, contact the Title IX Coordinator.
On-campus unisex and all-gender restroom locations
- Marano Campus Center Arena, 1st floor - ADA Unisex Restroom
- Tyler Hall, basement - ADA Unisex Restroom
- Scales Hall - all-gender single occupancy restroom on each floor
- Walker Health Center - three all-gender restrooms
- Waterbury Hall, 1st foor - all-gender restroom
Mental Health Support
The on-campus Counseling Center offers free counseling to students. There are group counseling sessions, including support groups. Check the schedule on the website for more details about group sessions. We offer short-term counseling, and, on average, students attend 4-6 sessions per semester, but there is not a session limit. If you are in need of more long-term care, the counselor will work with you to find off-campus help.
Medical Care
Campus Health Services (in Walker Health Center Building on Lakeside) can start patients on hormones. If you have already started hormone therapy and have a prescription, the Health Center can refill it and can help make adjustments to your therapy if needed.
Health Services respects chosen names and will include this in your electronic health records. There are also three all-gender restrooms available in the health center with plans to make more available soon.
Be sure to check out this Transgender Care resource page developed by Campus Health Services.