University of California Admissions Application adds gender identity & sexual orientation voluntary questions

Starting Fall 2015, the entire University of California system will begin collecting data on UC freshman and transfer applicants to the nine undergraduate campuses regarding sexual orientation and gender identity through voluntary self-identification. Read the UC Press Release.

 These students will enroll in Fall 2016.  The questions are asked in this way:

Gender Identity

1) How do you describe yourself? (Mark one answer)

 Male

 Female

 Trans Male/Trans Man

 Trans Female/Trans Woman

 Genderqueer/Gender Non-Conforming

 Different Identity

2) What sex were you assigned at birth, such as on an original birth certificate? (Mark one answer)

 Male

 Female

Sexual Orientation

1) Do you consider yourself to be (mark one answer)

 Heterosexual or straight

 Gay or lesbian

 Bisexual

 Not listed above (please specify) __________

"We will have data from the approximately 193,000 students who apply for the UC. This means we will have meaningful population data for approximately 92,000 freshman students and an additional 20,000 transfer students who accept and enroll," says UC San Diego LGBT Resource Director & Diversity Officer Dr. Shaun Travers.

"With this data, we can target resources and other student support services, such as scholarships and themed housing" says Travers. "This data will also enable campuses to develop curricular and co-curricular offerings that reflect students’ diverse perspectives, and that promote a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students."