University Campus Vienna: Pronoun choice for more diversity from August 26th!

University Campus Vienna: Pronoun choice for more diversity from August 26th!

From today, August 26, 2025, the Vienna University Campus is sending a strong signal for diversity and inclusion. First-year students and all students now have the opportunity to store personal pronouns directly in their student portal and even apply for an individually chosen identity name. This is intended to not only promote the visibility of all gender identities, but also to create a discrimination-free environment that supports equality for all students. meinkreis.at reports that ...

The university emphasizes that these measures are based on its clear commitment to equal opportunities and diversity, which is anchored in the Code of Conduct and the Equality and Diversity Plan. Rector Heimo Sandtner emphasizes the importance of a respectful address by displaying the selected pronouns in internal systems such as attendance lists in order to guarantee an inclusive approach to students. There are five options to choose from: he/him, she/her, they/them, no pronouns or no indication. Students whose legal first name does not match their experienced gender identity can enter their identity name in the portal. This name is used in all internal systems, while the legal name is still retained for legal purposes.

A step in the right direction

With around 8,500 students and almost 70 study programs, the University Campus Vienna is strengthening its position in the educational landscape. Hanna Wachtveitl, a member of the ÖH chairmanship team, emphasizes the enormous importance of the choice of pronouns and the associated self-determination. “It is crucial that we actively develop the university culture and hear the voices of all students,” says Wachtveitl.

In today's society, it is important that gender-sensitive language is included not only in science but also in higher education. Studies show that the use of the generic masculine makes women and non-binary people linguistically invisible in texts. Against this background, the introduction of gender-neutral pronouns and identity names can also contribute to the quality of scientific knowledge and equal opportunities. The LMU deals with the importance of gender-sensitive language for research and science.

Make diversity visible

The Vienna University Campus is also taking the next step to create gender-neutral structures. From now on you can also voluntarily specify pronouns in the application tool. This is not only an expression of respect, but a clear step to promote visibility of all genders. Ultimately, this commitment is intended to help ensure that all students, regardless of their gender identity or religion, have a safe and respected learning environment.

Overall, the university shows that it has a good hand when it comes to promoting a modern and inclusive educational landscape that respects all genders and identities. Such initiatives can promote a positive development towards greater diversity and equality in the academic world.