Inclusive and Welcoming PNW
At PNW, you will find space to be your truest self. We offer a culture of inclusivity, equitable treatment and welcoming opportunities for all.
![A student stands in front of a PNW sign.](https://www.pnw.edu/student-life/wp-content/uploads/sites/89/2021/12/Giovanna_Urbina_Student_Union__Library_Building_SUL_Interior_Hammond_ZJ_2021.19.05May2021_-153_900x600-900x600.jpg)
Places For You
Meet new people. Share your perspectives. Gather for events and study in a way that meets your schedule with our multicultural and student-family study lounges.
![Several students walk together outdoors](https://www.pnw.edu/student-life/wp-content/uploads/sites/89/2022/11/2022-PNW-Marketing-Branding-349-1.jpg)
Purdue Northwest distinguished as diverse metropolitan university
A Hispanic-Serving institution, PNW is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment for its campus community.
Inclusivity In Action
Tavinder Bains, ’24
MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING AND SCHOOL COUNSELING
“I feel like [women’s history month is] a way of recognizing women but also a way of setting the stage for the next generation of women.”
Kennedy Jackson, ’23
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
“Knowledge is the highlight of Black History Month and I feel like hearing people’s story and their knowledge will just be so enlightening.”
Creating a Welcoming PNW
Want to be part of building an inclusive PNW community? We’ve got answers to some frequently asked questions below.
Pronouns are words that replace nouns in a sentence, such as “you,” “we,” or “they.” Most of the time we use pronouns without giving them a second thought, but when we’re working to be inclusive of people from all gender identities and expressions, it is important to consider our use of gendered pronouns when referring to people.
A person’s pronouns are part of a person’s identity, just like a name is. It’s important that like a person’s name, we take the time to learn a person’s pronouns rather than making assumptions about how to refer to them in conversation or writing. While it may be our habit to refer to everyone as “he” or “she” based on appearances, we recognize that gender is a spectrum and we can’t assume a person’s gender or a person’s pronouns based on appearances.
Just ask! We encourage our allies to ask rather than assume a person’s pronouns. Similar to a name, we can’t know how to best respect a person in conversation without introductions. We encourage you to introduce yourself with your own pronouns to then open the door for others who feel comfortable sharing their names and pronouns with you to do so. A phrase you might use is “My name is [your name] and I use the pronouns [your pronouns]. Are there any names or pronouns I can use to best respect you?”
It’s okay if a person does not want to share their pronouns with you. Make sure that you don’t force someone to share their pronouns–especially in a public space. If someone doesn’t share their pronouns with you, you can always use their name.
If you misgender someone, we have a few steps for you to keep in mind:
- Realize your impact. You may have hurt that person by misgendering or possibly outing them in a public setting. Focus on how you can support the person you misgendered
- Apologize. Remember not to out someone in apologies in public settings. Sometimes a quick apology is most appropriate.
- Follow up in private if necessary. Remember it’s not about making yourself feel better, but identifying ways to support a person who you may have unintentionally disrespected and hurt. Ask them if they need anything from you and share your plans to getting their pronouns right.
- Commit to correcting your behavior. Practicing a person’s pronouns out loud in a private setting is a helpful strategy for changing the language you use. If you need to practice pronouns with a safe person, you’re welcome to contact Britt Hudson at blrhudson@pnw.edu as a resource.
- Move forward. Breaking your habits may take some time, but focus on why it’s important to get a person’s pronouns and names right. You may also find that if you misgender a person, they may want space from you. Respect what they need and commit yourself to the inclusive practices you value.
- Add your pronouns to your e-mail
- Talk to your supervisor about adding your pronouns to your business cards
- Add your pronouns to your University name badges order
- Consider adding a line for pronouns in any intake forms, information cards, or name displays you might distribute
- Participate in Safe Zone Ally training
He/him/his
These pronouns can refer to people who identify as boys or men, but are not limited to male people. While he can be an affirming pronoun for some people, we can’t assume that all people who appear to be masculine or affirm a male identity use he/him/his pronouns.
She/her/hers
Similar to the he/him/his set, these pronouns can refer to people who identify as girls or women, but are not limited to female-identified people. Likewise, we can’t assume that all people we assume or know to be female use she/her/hers pronouns.
They/them/their
In addition to its use as a plural pronoun, they/them/their has a rich history of use as a gender-neutral singular pronoun in the English language. The Oxford English Dictionary sources the singular they as far back as 1375. They is often used in reference to a singular person whose gender pronouns are unknown, such as in the sentences “Someone left their umbrella here. How can we find out who they are?” or “I’m not sure what their pronouns are. I should ask them next time.” It’s also very important to honor that some people specifically use they/them/their pronouns instead of he or she to represent their identity outside of the gender binary.
Ze/hir/hirs, ze/zir/zirs
The ze/hir, ze/zir pronoun sets come from the trans community as another gender-neutral pronoun set. It’s up to each individual to decide which pronoun best fits them and their identities. Ze is typically pronounced like the letter Z. Hir is typically pronounced like the word “here.” Zir is typically pronounced like “here” with a z in front.
Xe/xem/xirs
The xe/xem pronoun set also comes from the trans community as another gender-neutral pronoun set. Xe is typically pronounced like the letter Z. Xem is typically pronounced like the word “them” but with a z in place of th. Xir is typically pronounced like “here” with a z in front.
Just use my name!
Like identities, pronouns can be complex and fluid. Some people don’t use pronouns, some people use different pronouns in different settings, and sometimes we forget to ask for pronouns or aren’t comfortable doing so. It’s appropriate to use the name a person shares with you.
Students, staff and faculty at Purdue University Northwest may use their preferred names on campus regardless of whether it matches their legal name. We are committed to providing a process for those campus community members who use names other than their legal names to identify themselves in times and places where a legal name is not required.
![Una estudiante de enfermería](https://www.pnw.edu/student-life/wp-content/uploads/sites/89/2022/08/Marlene_Garcia_Powers_2nd_Floor_Walkway_Interior_Hammond_ZJ_2021.19.05_May2021_375x250.jpg)
PNW en Español
Obtenga información importante sobre Purdue University Northwest, incluyendo los programas académicos y la vida estudiantil.
![A PNW student in a sweatshirt outdoors](https://www.pnw.edu/student-life/wp-content/uploads/sites/89/2023/08/2023-PNW-Marketing-Branding-089_375x250.jpg)
First-Gen Students
As a First Scholars Institution, Purdue University Northwest celebrates and supports our first-generation students, connecting them with the resources they need to thrive.
Featured Student Organizations
Purdue University Northwest’s 60+ student organizations include many groups committed to sharing and celebrating the diversity that makes us strong. Meet a few of our most-active organizations below!
![A lion statue on PNW's Westville campus](https://www.pnw.edu/student-life/wp-content/uploads/sites/89/2020/06/Lion_Statue_Westville_0B4B2243_550.jpg)
The Spanish Club at Purdue Northwest is dedicated to maintaining and expanding Latin American and Spanish culture and language through our activities.
![Purdue University Northwest sign is shown.](https://www.pnw.edu/student-life/wp-content/uploads/sites/89/2021/11/PurdueUniversityNorthwest_NelsonFacade_550x688-550x688.jpeg)
Chinese Student Association
The Chinese Student Association shares Chinese traditional culture with the PNW community and facilitates communication with the Chinese community on and off campus.
![A sculpture in front of PNW's James B. Dworkin Student Services & Activities Complex](https://www.pnw.edu/student-life/wp-content/uploads/sites/89/2021/12/DSAC_front_550x688-550x688.jpg)
National Society of Black Engineers
National Society of Black Engineers’ mission is to increase the number of black engineers who succeed professionally, excel academically and positively impact the community.
![PNW SULB building is pictured.](https://www.pnw.edu/student-life/wp-content/uploads/sites/89/2021/11/StudentUnionLibraryBuilding_550x688-550x688.jpeg)
Sisters with a Purpose
Sisters With A Purpose aims to provide a safe, supportive space for women of color, specifically Black and Latina women, at Purdue University Northwest and the surrounding communities.
News and Announcements
See Upcoming Events
Aug 07
New Student Orientation – Hammond
PNW Hammond Campus begins their New Student Orientation days.
Aug 09
New Student Orientation – Westville
PNW is hosting a new student orientation day at the Westville campus.
Aug 16
New Student Orientation – International
PNW is hosting a new student orientation day exclusively for international students.
Aug 18
It’s All New to Me Too Picnic – Hammond
Join us and fellow First-Gen students for a special picnic before classes start up this Fall semester!