Gender Transition
The Human Rights Act was amended in June 2017 to ensure that gender identity and gender expression were added to the list of protected grounds under the Act. At the same time, Criminal Code provisions were also amended adding to the list of identifiable groups protected from hate propaganda.
Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment (HRHSE) is committed to assisting and supporting staff and faculty members transitioning in the workplace. The following information and resources have been provided to assist. While not all of the following information will apply, some of the benefit information may also be relevant while supporting a partner, child or family member.
What transitioning faculty or staff member Can expect from management + Human resources
All faculty and staff members can expect that their decision will be respected and that programs, services and benefits are accessible by faculty/staff members during a transition. Managers and leaders will be sufficiently educated on the resources available and support will be provided as requested/as appropriate.
Office(s) + Resources Available to Assist During Transition
The offices that can provide resources and services to staff and faculty members on a number of life events including but not limited to gender transition, are:
- Human Resource Services (Payroll and Benefit Services, Human Resource Partners) University of Alberta Students' Union - The Landing
- The Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights
- The University of Alberta Health Centre
Services Through Employee + Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
The EFAP program maintains a list of clinicians experienced with sexual health and gender identity. To access a current list of clinicians, access our provider directly by calling 780-428-7587.
Starting Medical Transition
To start the process of medical transition in Alberta, you will need to be referred to a gender specialist.
If you are not already working with a family physician who can make the necessary referrals to specialists such as psychiatrists and endocrinologists, the University Health Centre offers services to students, staff and faculty.
Alternatively, Health Link can also make suggestions for family physicians currently accepting new patients. Call 811 or 1-866-408-5465.
Benefits to Assist During Transition
Individuals are encouraged to review their benefit plan coverage. In general, there is coverage for prescription drugs, psychologist services, and you may be eligible for illness leave when recovering from a medical procedure. Any questions you have related to university benefits can be directed to workplace.wellbeing@ualberta.ca. The team is bound by confidentiality and any inquiries you have regarding your benefits will be held in the strictest of confidence.
Name Change
Primary-affirmed name is the first, middle and last name by which you wish to be recognized as a member of the U of A community. It will be visible across university records and systems (such as OneCard, Google, eClass and more).
A preferred name is a shortened version of your primary-affirmed first, middle and last names by which you choose to identify yourself. For example, your primary-affirmed name might be Calliope and your preferred name is Cal or Callie.
If you change your primary affirmed name, to be different from your legal name, be sure to verify that your primary-affirmed and preferred names reflect the intended name changes.
For more information, please see how to change your personal information.
Change CCID
If you wish to change your CCID and have already legally changed your name, Information and Technology Services can either help create an alias for you through your profile manager that will change the way your name is displayed, or they may be able to change your CCID completely.
Change my ONEcard
In order to change your ONEcard, you will be required to provide 2 pieces of government issued photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, government issued non-photo ID such as a birth certificate, social insurance card or temporary license can be used. If an individual wishes to use the preferred name change feature on BearTracks, the system will populate the name field when a new ONEcard is requested. There will be a fee associated with changing/replacing your card. The ONEcard site provides the associated fees.
All-gender Washrooms on Campus
The current on-line version of the University of Alberta campus map identifies all-gender/single use washrooms. As building renovations continue on campus, there will likely be additions to this list. It is advisable to check back frequently. An updated map can be found by visiting ualberta.ca/maps.html and searching all-gender washrooms.