This guide is made specifically for trans-spectrum and nonbinary prospective, undergraduate, and graduatestudents at theUniversityat Albany,StateUniversity ofNewYork. Thegoal is to provide accurate and concise knowledge of how to manage life as a trans-spectrum student at UAlbany. If you are unsure what it means to be transgender, on the trans-spectrum, or confused about certain terminology, feel free to search independently or browse the following resources for general information.
[Frequently Asked Questions About Transgender People] (NCTE)
[Trans Terminology](Foster-Ed)
[Supporting the Trans People in Your Life: A Guide to Being a Good Ally] (NCTE)
[Tips for Allies of Transgender People](GLAAD)
[Non-Binary Inclusion] (LGBT Foundation)
[Non-Binary Gender Identities Fact Sheet] (SCCOE)
Who created this guide?
This guide was created by The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, an office at UAlbany. From our website:
“The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC), provides a safe and inclusive environment for all students to engage in intercultural conversation around sex, gender and sexuality. Core to this mission is the centering of resources for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual and Allied (LGBTQ+) students, faculty, staff and their allies. The center is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all LGBTQ+ persons at UAlbany. The GSRC enhances the University commitment to social justice and diversity and is a valuable source of support and networking for students, faculty and staff.”
The GSRC office is located at Campus Center West 190 (above Starbucks), and is open MondayFriday during school sessions. The Center includes a lounge with couches, a television, and is a welcoming space for students to relax and spend time with friends. Other resources include a commuter fridge, computer kiosk, and a small library with a designated study space. We also offer a variety of programs throughout the year, all of which can be seen on our Instagram (@gsrcualbany) or read by joining our Listserv at gsrc@albany.edu
Administration
Inclusion Policy
The University at Albany is dedicated to supporting and uplifting its students, regardless of their identity. Under UAlbany’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the following classes are protected against forms of discrimination: “Race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, or criminal conviction” Therefore, transgender students are explicitly included in the Non-Discrimination Policy.
Chosen Personal Pronouns
Students can choose to add preferred pronouns to display to professors and staff at UAlbany along with their name and chosen gender identity. Entering, changing or eliminating Chosen Personal Pronouns can be accomplished via self-service by using University systems as outlined in the procedures promulgated under this policy. If Chosen Personal Pronouns are designated by a Student, the Chosen Personal Pronoun will only appear within the University’s system of records, PeopleSoft.
Pronouns Available to Choose:
• She/Her/Hers
• He/Him/His
• They/Them/Theirs
How to Change:
• Sign into MyUAlbany
• Scroll down to Demographic Information
• Click “Add/Update pronouns, Gender Identity”
Chosen Gender Identity
Students can choose to add a gender identity marker to display to professors and staff at UAlbany along with their name and chosen personal pronouns. Entering, changing, or eliminating a Chosen Gender Identity can be accomplished via self-service by using University systems as outlined in the procedures promulgated under this policy. If a Chosen Gender Identity is designated by a Student, the Chosen Gender Identity will only appear within the University’s system of records, PeopleSoft.
Gender Identities Available to Choose:
• Female
• Male
• Non-binary
• Other
Preferred Name System
If your name is different from the name currently used in your legal documents, you have the option to input a Preferred First Name into the UAlbany system. This can be done through your MyUAlbany account once you are a student. The policy on preferred first names can be found on, this website, and the reflected changes are outlined below:
1. If a Preferred First Name is designated in the University administrative system, the Preferred First Name will be displayed on:
a. Class rosters
b. Grade rosters
c. Brightspace
d. Outlook display name
e. Windows sign-on display, and
f. University ID
g. Advisor lists
h. Online schedule of classes
i. Disability Accommodation Letters
2. Legal first name will be displayed on all other University records, documents and instances including, but not limited to:
a. Transcripts
b. Diplomas (Unless degree name is edited)
c. Financial Aid applications and records
d. Student Accounts records
e. Reporting to state and federal agencies
f. Student employment records
g. Housing contracts
h. International student records
i. Medical records
j. @albany.edu email-address (will continue to use first initial of legal first name in profile picture logo - can be changed by submitting a help desk ticket)
k. Mail services
l. Disability Test Booking System
In summation, an inputted preferred name will not change documents made for legal or federal use; most records, such as financial and medical, cannot be edited unless there has been a legal name change. However, entering a preferred name means that it will be reflected in resources that
you’ll use regularly as a student: Brightspace, Outlook email, etc. Your name on class rosters will also be changed, but not the name used on your transcript.
Select Legal Name Change to learn more information.
UAlbany ID
As mentioned above, adding your preferred first name to the MyUAlbany system allows you to change your university ID. For incoming students, adding a preferred name into the MyUAlbany system will allow it to be printed onto an ID card. Unfortunately, if your ID card has already been printed with the incorrect name, it will cost $20 to replace it. To be reimbursed for this service, please visit the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC), and fill out a reimbursement form BEFORE going to the UAlbany ID card office to receive a new card. The ID Card Services office is located in Campus Center B-52 and can be reached by phone at (518) 442-5989.
Diploma
Students may have their chosen first and middle name printed on their diploma or certificate. Please update this form as you would like your name printed on the diploma or certificate. However, students should consider discrepancies between diplomas and other documents containing legal names. Should you plan to live, study, or work outside of the United States, it is recommended to print your legal name. Any licensure and/or professional school might require your legal name for this diploma - for example, licensure and federal guidelines require the use of the legal name. For more information. Please view the diploma page from the registrar’s office
Financial Aid
When applying for financial aid, you need to use all legal information such as legal name and gender marker. This applies to all grants and scholarships for reduced tuition costs (Pell, grant, TAP, FAFSA) unless otherwise indicated. If you change your name, it is your responsibility to inform the University and all financial aid providers. To learn more about the process, please view the Legal Name Change section.
Selective Service
SelectiveServiceis theregistryofUS citizens who are ableto be draftedinto themilitary.Whether or not a student is enlisted in the US military draft may affect their financial aid; for certain students, not enlisting can cost them access to financial aid entirely. The US policy on transgender people in the military has often changed within the past five years. So, who in the trans community is required to register? According to the official website of the Selective Service System, as of December 2021, their policy on transgender individuals’ registry is as follows:
“US citizens or immigrants who are born male and changed their gender to female are still required to register. Individuals who are born female and changed their gender to male are not required to register”
In other words, transgender men do not have to register but they can, however transgender women have to be registered (provided that they don’t have an alternate condition that exempts them from registry). Non-binary individuals will have to refer to their sex assigned at birth for the process. Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) also explains the situation in writing specifically catered to transgender US citizens. If you are between the ages of 18-25 and are required to register with Selective Service, you can do so online using this application.
Legal Name Change
If you have legally changed your name, you will need to submit this information to the university for all of your records to also change. As opposed to a preferred first name, a legal name change will alter federal and legal records, such as the name shown on your financial and medical information.
The form needed to confirm your legal name change with the university can be found here. In order to qualify for the form, you must present two valid forms of identification that depict your new legal name: one is required to be a driver’s license or passport / passport card, while the other can be a social security card, birth certificate, court action, etc. When completed, this form must be submitted in the Registrar office, located in Campus Center B-52. If you have any questions, you can call the office at (518) 442-5540 or email at registrar@albany.edu.
Gender Marker Change
On the legal name change form found above, there is an option to update your gender marker within the UAlbany system; however, this change may take place only when you have obtained at least two forms ofIDthat showyourupdatedgender.Oneoftheseformsis requiredto beadriver’s license, or passport / passport card. In short terms, just like a legal name change, you can only update your gender marker once it has also been legally changed.
The laws of officially changing one’s gender marker vary depending on your state of residence. The National Center for Transgender Equality has step-by-step guides explaining the process of legally changing one’s gender marker in each state. Here is a list of resources specifically for residents of New York and NYC. If you are a student from a different state, please visit this page and select your state of residence to continue.
Navigating Campus
Gender-Inclusive Housing
Gender Inclusive Housing is an option available on campus for students who want to live in a mixed-gender suite, or for transgender, gender nonconforming and non-binary students whose legal paperwork doesn’t reflect their true gender status. Students can sign up for Gender Inclusive Housing during the enrollment period for each new semester.
You can learn more about Gender Inclusive Housing by visiting their website or by emailing Jameelee Ford at jford2@albany.edu. For general Residential Life questions or concerns, please call their office at (518) 442-5875, email at reslife@albany.edu, or visit their office in the State Quad U-Lounge.
Freshman Orientation Housing
If you are an incoming student who has not yet attended Freshman Orientation and are looking for accommodations, please contact Pamela Alexander by email at palexander2@albany.edu or Meghan Popcun at (518) 442-5875 or by email at mpopcun@albany.edu. For general orientation questions, please email orientation@albany.edu.
Harvey House
“Harvey House is an intentionally intersectional residential community designed to celebrate and affirm the cultural experiences of LGBTQ+ students and their allies. You must apply to live in Harvey House after completing your housing application”. Harvey House, in Dutch Quad, is named after Harvey Milk, who graduated from UAlbany in 1951.
Please contact Residential Life, Jameelee Ford at jford2@albany.edu with any questions regarding Harvey House and/or requests for an application form.
Gender-Inclusive Restrooms
There are multiple single-stall gender-inclusive restrooms located throughout the UAlbany campus. An interactive map of universal, single-stall bathrooms can be found here However, students are always able to use a multiple-stall restroom that corresponds to their gender. If you would like to report an incident of harassment regarding bathroom use, please read our section on Reporting Discrimination
Downtown Campus Bathrooms (Alumni Quad)
Unlike the private bathrooms in uptown campus housing, Alumni Quad housing provides students with a key that unlocks different gender-segregated multiple-stall restrooms. When you are first checking in to Alumni Quad, the staff will ask which bathroom key you would like to utilize, regardless of your legal gender marker.
If you find that you later want to change your key to a different gender-specific bathroom, you will be able to go to the Alumni Quad office and request the change. Alumni Quad staff is trained to accommodate students in a non-intrusive manner.
International Students
The same options available for US citizen students extend to international and exchange students. Even if your correct name is not reflected in your legal paperwork, you still have the option to change your preferred first name through your My UAlbany page. However, the laws and processes for legal name and gender marker change must be done through your home country. If you are an international student and have any further questions, please visit the office for International Education in the Science Library G-40, call the office at (518) 591-8172, or email at international@albany.edu
Mail Services
If you are sending any mail or packages through the UAlbany Mail Services, you should use your legal name along with your address on the postage. If you are receiving mail or packages, you will also need to instruct the sender to use your legal name. The Mail Services policy regarding proper addressing is as follows:
“If both your "first and last name" and "box number" are not on the mail, then it may be returned to sender. Please make sure your FULL NAME registered with the University is on all mail.”
When picking up a package at Mail Services, you need to present your UAlbany ID for the employee’s verification prior to receiving the package. If your preferred name is reflected on your UAlbany ID, but your legal name is different, you will still be able to pick up your package; Residential Life provides Mail Services with both names in their registry. If there is a discrepancy at the pickup window, the employee will request verification through your email address or box number for their records. Only campus residents may receive mail.
If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please email mailservices@albany.edu, call 518-442-3272, or stop into Catskill B010 7:30am to 3:30pm Monday through Friday.
Health Resources
Health Center
The University Health Center is available to students who are seeking healthcare through the University. Many students visit the Health Center for treatment for simple illnesses (cough, cold, etc.), but the Health Center team offers a wide range of care.
“The Student Health Services staff want you to be comfortable using our services to address your health care needs. The clinic staff at the Student Health Services are aware, educated, and non-judgmental about the concerns, and health risks in the LGBTQ community. Our Student Health Services staff are trained about LGB and transgender identities. After checking in at Student Health Services, students are addressed by the Preferred name they set up in MyUAlbany. Students may offer pronouns. Students with medical needs related to gender transition are welcome and encouraged to meet with our providers to explore local resources. There is also a list of local resources on the Student Health Website under Emergency and Community Resources Page
The health office provides students with a variety of health services and referrals for:
• General Medical Care
• HIV Testing
• Immunizations and International Travel
• Laboratory Tests
• Pharmacy
• Psychiatric Services
• Self-Help Center
• Summer Services
• Women’s Health Care
The University at Albany’s Healthcare Office is located in the Health and Counseling Services building, is located on the bottom floor of Dutch Quad, entrance located on the backside towards SEFCU arena
. To make an appointment at the Health Center, please call the office at (518) 442-5229 or for general questions please call (518) 442-5454 or email healthforms@albany.edu.
Counseling and Psychological Services Center
Counseling and Psychological Services provides brief focused individual treatment for a variety of concerns that often impact various areas of student functioning such as personal, academic, interpersonal or work functioning. Counselors are also able to help students explore identity and experiences such as those pertaining to race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, and religion. Students seeking documentation for genderaffirming medical care (like hormone therapy and surgery) are welcome to discuss this option with their therapist. CAPS staff have been trained in providing documentation that adheres to the WPATH Standards of Care. Our LGBTQ+ Empowerment and Support
Group continues to accept new members every semester, and interested students can reach out to Dr. Jennifer Ho at jho2@albany.edu. CAPS is located on the bottom floor of Dutch Quad, entrance located on the backside towards SEFCU arena. CAPS
Appointments can be scheduled at online or by calling 518-442-5800 Monday-Friday, 9am-4:30pm.
Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program
Middle Earth is a student-led mental health service under the jurisdiction of CAPS that is available to all UAlbany students. Middle Earth’s hotline is available when classes are in session; Monday throughFriday from 1pm – midnight, and 24 hours on theweekends. You can reachtheir hotlineat (518)442-5777. Middle EarthCaféis an alternativeto the hotline, where you can reach a peer assistant online about any personal struggle. To reach Middle Earth Café, please visit their virtual hotline and select “Ask a Question”.
Social Life
Coming out to Instructors
Disclosing your gender status to a professor is a very personal decision and is entirely optional. As a student, you should not feel pressured to tell your professor unless it’s deemed personally necessary. For example, if your name is already changed and reflected in your paperwork with UAlbany, there may not be an obligation to discuss it with professors at all; at the same time, if a professor is consistently misgendering a student because of their lack of knowledge, it is within a student’s rights to correct them.
A conversation surrounding correct name and pronouns, should a student choose to have it, can happen either in the professor’s office or through an email exchange. You should choose the method that is most comfortable for you. A majority of the staff at UAlbany have an inclusive and accepting perspective, so most should be welcoming to this conversation. If you do experience any hatred or bias from reaching out, you should report it using the UAlbany Bias Incident reporting form.
Alternatively, other students prefer to give the information over email. A rudimentary template for the exchange is provided below:
“Dear [professor],
I am excited to be taking [class name, class number] with you this semester. Before we meet, I would like to correct a piece of personal information that may have been disclosed to you. You may see my name as on your roster, but the name I actually use is (optional: and I use __/__/__ pronouns). I ask that you refer to me only by this name (and pronouns) moving forward. Thank you for understanding, and I look forward to meeting you in class.
Best regards,”
Extracurricular Programs
Clubs
Most clubs registered through the Student Association are Co-Ed, so anyone regardless of gender can join. However, there are a select few that are restricted to men or women only. For example, The Earth Tones is an all-male A Capella singing group on campus. In these cases, only people who identify as men may join; this means that trans men are welcome to join. The same can be said for trans women regarding all-female clubs. Students can learn more about the over 300 active clubs at UAlbany by searching for them on the MyInvolvement website.
Intramurals & Campus Recreation
Intramural and Campus Rec sports, unlike Varsity sports teams inside the Athletic department, are not necessarily competitive. They also differ in that many teams are CoEd, meaning that anyone regardless of gender has the opportunity to join. To view the list of available intramural sports, click here and view “Sports Descriptions”. To view the list of available club sports, click here.
Athletic Department
The 2022-2023 Student Athlete Handbook outlines the Athletic Department’s major policies. Because the Athletic Department is in compliance with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the University at Albany recognizes and follows the guide to the NCAA Inclusion of Transgender Student-Athletes This guide, created in 2011, covers the rights trans student-athletes have when choosing to play on a gender-segregated team or using gender-segregated spaces such as showers and locker rooms.
The current NCAA policy on transgender student-athletes participating in gendersegregated teams is as follows:
If the athlete is undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT):
1. A trans male (FTM) student-athlete who has received a medical exception for treatment with testosterone for diagnosed gender identity disorder or gender dysphoria and/or Transsexualism, for purposes of NCAA competition may compete on a men’s team but is no longer eligible to compete on a women’s team without changing that team status to a mixed team.
2. A trans female (MTF) student-athlete being treated with testosterone suppression medication for Gender Identity Disorder or gender dysphoria and/or Transsexualism, for the purposes of NCAA competition may continue to compete on
a men’s team but may not compete on a women’s team without changing it to a mixed team status until completing one calendar year of testosterone suppression treatment.
If the athlete is not undergoing HRT, the rules apply as follows:
• A trans male (FTM) student-athlete who is not taking testosterone related to gender transition may participate on a men’s or women’s team.
• A trans female (MTF) transgender student-athlete who is not taking hormone treatments related to gender transition may not compete on a women’s team.
The gender-segregated facility policy is as follows:
1. Changing Areas, Toilets, Showers Transgender student-athletes should be able to use the locker room, shower, and toilet facilities in accordance with the student’s gender identity. Every locker room should have some private, enclosed changing areas, showers, and toilets for use by any athlete who desires them. When requested by a transgender student-athlete, schools should provide private, separate changing, showering, and toilet facilities for the student’s use, but transgender students should not be required to use separate facilities.
Study Abroad
There are many things to consider for a transgender student planning to study abroad. Will I be in housing that matches my gender? How do I navigate gender-segregated aspects of campus life? If I’m living with a host family, will I need to disclose my gender status to them?
Every country is different, and the individual university policies regarding LGBTQ matters may change depending on the general anti-discrimination laws of the country. If you have decided on a specific country in which to study abroad, you will first need to meet with the corresponding study abroad advisor, who can provide you with information on each university and their LGBTQ policy. The office for International Education and Study Abroad can be found in the basement of the Science Library, office G-40, and can be reached by phone at (518) 591-8172 or by email at studyabroad@albany.edu.
Family Support
Coming Out To Family
For most LGBTQ+ young adults, there is a period of time in which they must consider how their parents will react if and when they decide to come out. Transgender identity is something that, after significant social and/or physical transition, cannot easily remain hidden for long. There may also be students who are required to seek a guardian’s approval to begin physical transition, which motivates the conversation.
If you’re unsure of how your family will respond, it’s especially important to consider what you know about their convictions beforehand. Have they talked openly about their opinion of transgender people, good or bad? Do they have acquaintances who are transgender, and if so, how have they interacted with them? Would it be best to have the conversation face-to-face, over the phone, or through writing? It’s up to you to observe and decide the best course of action.
Losing Family Support
Losing family support can be a devastating experience, but you are never alone. If you are in need of counseling during this turbulent time, please view the information on ours Counseling Center
If you have recently lost permanent housing, there are programs in Albany for homeless youth and adults that can help you by providing safe, transitional housing. Equinox is an Albany-based organization that includes a Transitional Living Program (TLP), which provides housing for homeless youth from ages 16 to 21. From their website: “Residents of TLP work closely with a case manager to establish and achieve goals. Staff assists youth in: accessing needed community services such as medical and mental health care; learning life skills; accessing education and employment services; and identifying supportive adults and mediating conflicts.” To contact Equinox, you can call their Intake Case Manager at (518) 689-2129 or attend a group orientation session, held every Wednesday at 3:30pm at 35 South Ferry St., Albany, NY 12202.
If you are no longer receiving financial support, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you won’t be able to continue attending college. The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC) has an Emergency Fund set in place specifically for students who have found themselves with no financial safety net. To ask about this process, please contact Courtney D’Allaird, the Coordinator of the GSRC, to make an appointment. They can be reached by phone at (518) 442-5580, or by email at cdallaird@albany.edu.
There are also other general methods to manage your campus finances. In order to create a stable financial plan, please visit the Financial Aid office on campus to discuss ways in which you can fund your academic future. The office can be reached by phone at (518) 442-3202, by email at fao@albany.edu, or by visiting in person at Campus Center G-25.
Transitioning on Campus
For questions related to social transition, check out these online resources:
Beyond Gender Project
Coming Out As Trans (Planned Parenthood)
For questions related to physical transition, check out these online resources:
[FTM (Female-to-Male): For trans men, trans masculine people, some non-binary people]
[MTF (Male-to-Female): For trans women, trans feminine people, some non-binary people]
Safety and Protection Protocol
Interacting with Police
University Police Department (UPD)
Regardless of gender status or any other identity, everyone has the right to be treated respectfully by the police.
What you need to know as a student:
⮚ Police officers, once informed, must address you with your correct pronouns and name.
⮚ Department officials cannot disclose your transgender status to any non-involved persons.
⮚ Police officers are not allowed to inquire as to your anatomy or surgical status in order to determine or “prove” your gender.
⮚ In the case of being physically searched, you are entitled to the decision of whether a male or female officer should conduct the search.
If a police officer disobeys these guidelines, you can file a complaint using the guidelines in Reporting Discrimination, By UPD.
Albany Police
If you are stopped by the police in the city of Albany, it is important to know your rights as someone living in New York State. The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) has a comprehensive page detailing what to do if you’re stopped by the police in New York. The website also has information on immigration rights, reproductive rights, and LGBT rights, among others.
The city of Albany police department has a LGBT liaison, whose information can be found on the department’s page.
Another available resource is Don’t Call the Police linked here for Albany and here for nationwide
Title IX
UAlbany’s Title IX office is dedicated to supporting students who have been the victim/survivor of sexual violence. Title IX is defined as follows:
“Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a comprehensive federal law that protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities which receive Federal financial assistance. The law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. Colleges must promptly respond to complaints of sexual harassment and sexual violence in a way that limits its effects and prevents its recurrence.”
Complaints of sexual misconduct will be overseen by Michelly Peña, the Director of Equity and Compliance and Title IX Coordinator. Her office is located in Hudson Building, Suite 117. She can be reached by phone at (518) 442-3804, or by email at mpena@albany.edu
Reporting Discrimination
Everyone at the University has the right to experience an environment free from discriminating or harassing behavior. In the unfortunate event that harassing behavior occurs, the University at Albany is prepared to support its students should they choose to file against their assailant(s).
Filing for an incident of bias/harassment is different than discrimination and is a different process than an incident of sexual violence
If you would like to anonymously report an incident of bias or hate, you can do so through BART using this online form or through Title IX using this online form.
General Discrimination
If you would like to report discrimination-based harassment by faculty, staff, or a fellow student, the procedure is as follows:
● Complaints will be overseen by the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Equity and Compliance, and the Title IX Coordinator.
● “Students must file a complaint within 180 calendar days following the alleged discriminatory act, or 90 calendar days after a final grade is received, for the semester during which the discriminatory acts occurred, if that date is later.”
● The complaint must contain:
o 1. The name, email, phone, university ID number, status (faculty, staff, student, third party) of the complainant (i.e. the person filing the complaint).
o 2. Time and place of the incident
o 3. Include victims or complainants as well as
o 4. Include individuals being reported, all known contact information and student or employee ID if known.
o 5. A statement of facts explaining what happened a
o 6. Attach any supporting documents of this incident.
More information about the procedure can be found through BART and Title IX.
Sexual Violence
If you would like to report an incident of sexual violence (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking), please visit the Sexual Violence Support and Advocacy Services.
From their description: “UAlbany is partnering with the Albany County CVSVC to provide confidential services to victims of sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, anda other gender-based violence on college campuses, as part of the University’s plan to provide enhanced support and prevention services for students. If you would like to speak with the CVSVC advocate please call (518) 442-CARE (2273) and select option 1 for the CVSVC advocate”
Albany County CVSVC can be found in the Health and Counseling Services Building on the ground floor of Dutch Quad, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1pm to 4pm or chat online Monday through Friday, 10am - 2pm.
Another option is to fill out the Sexual Misconduct Complaint online, which can be anonymous and will also be overseen by the Title IX Coordinator.
For more information regarding other non-campus methods of reporting and the investigation procedure, please view the Sexual Violence Response Policy document (effective October 2015).
Student Insurance and Benefits
There are various forms of insurance for employees at UAlbany.
Here is a broken-down list of benefits broken down by type of employee. Graduate Assistant and Teaching Assistant Insurance with an at a glance of coverage
Research Foundation Insurance Insurance:
Post Doctoral and Graduate Insurance with trans spectrum care on pages 39-40.
Benefits by type of Employee:
Regular/Postdoctoral Benefits
Graduate Benefits
Undergraduate Benefits
Albany Resources
In Our Own Voices is an Albany-based organization whose mission is to “work for and ensure the physical, mental, spiritual, political, cultural and economic growth of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People of Color Community” They offer a support program called TransCare, which provides Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming people with “culturally specific resources revolving around adequate healthcare, advocacy around discrimination and support services for sexual violence, hate crimes and other trauma they have experienced”. Trans People of Color can use In Our Own Voices to access care such as help with employment and housing, hormone therapy, and identity-specific support groups.
Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood (UHPP) is a branch of Planned Parenthood offices that offer medical services specifically catered to transgender patients. They offer hormone therapy with informed consent, among other general care such as preventative sexual health care. This page outlines their offered services, as well as links on how to legally change one’s name on various records (Social Security, Birth certificate, etc.) in New York State. To make an appointment at their Albany office, please contact them at (518) 434-5678 or book an appointment online.
**There is also a student branch organization of Planned Parenthood located at UAlbany called Planned Parenthood Generation (PPGen), which often collaborates with UHPP and holds frequent educational meetings about a variety of issues, including how to access essential health services on campus. To contact their organization, you can email them at ppgenatualbany@gmail.com.
UAlbany’s Purple Pantry has a section called Purple Threads that is devoted to giving out free clothing to students in need. After presenting their UAlbany ID, students can choose to take up to three articles of clothing per semester or donate their old clothes. Students who are on the transspectrum and are looking to safely experiment with new clothing can find Purple Threads on the
third floor of the Campus Center in Room 323. For questions about Purple Threads, please contact Purple Threads Coordinator Violette Davenport by email: vdavenport@albany.edu.
The Pride Center of the Capital Region offers a Gender Diversity program, which is “dedicated to empowering trans, gender non-conforming, and intersex people (ages 18+) and their allies through social opportunities, community building, resource sharing, and advocacy”. They hold Gender Diversity Group Tuesdays every month, from 6-8 pm. visit the Pride Center at 332 Hudson Ave, Albany, NY 12210. For more information, please call the center at (518) 4626138.
Choices Counseling and Consulting offers a variety of support groups for trans-spectrum people of Albany, with different groups offered by age range and gender. They offer a variety of support groups with sliding scales for pricing. To inquire further, please email info@choicescounseling.com, call (518) 438-2222, or for insurance coverage concerns, please contact the Care Coordinator, Grey Fisher (They/Them), at carecoordinator@choicesconsulting.com
For more resources and information outside of the University, please check out our Trans Resource Toolkit Folder! This can be found from the QR code on our Instagram @gsrcualbany
Gender and Sexuality Resource Center
Campus Center West O190
Albany, NY 12222
Phone: (518) 442-5015 E-mail: gsrc@albany.edu
Our mission: The Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (GSRC), provides a safe and inclusive environment for all students to engage in intercultural conversation around sex, gender and sexuality. Core to this mission is the centering of resources for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Pansexual, Transgender, Queer, Asexual and Allied (LGBTQ+) students, faculty, staff and their allies. The center is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all LGBTQ+ persons at UAlbany. The GSRC enhances the University commitment to social justice and diversity and is a valuable source of support and networking for students, faculty and staff.
