Creating an inclusive and welcoming community at Mason is linked to our strategic goals related to retention, sense of belonging, and degree completion as well and becoming a Well-Being University. Providing a means for students and employees to designate a chosen first name and pronouns that are visible in internal data systems is the right thing to do. It is particularly important for transgender and gender nonconforming members of our community as recently published research demonstrates the improved mental health outcomes for these students who are addressed by their chosen name