Trans and Gender Diverse Students' Guide
Guide Overview
This resource guide was developed specifically for trans and gender diverse students at The University of Winnipeg. It provides information and resources for navigating aspects of UWinnipeg’s systems and campuses, as well as links to services and supports outside of UWinnipeg that are relevant for trans and gender diverse students. This guide may also serve as a resource for those supporting trans and gender diverse students.
This guide will continue to be updated to reflect accurate information on our programs, facilities, systems, and services and how they help to meet the needs and priorities of trans and gender diverse students.
Guide Contents
This resource guide includes information for trans and gender diverse students on a number of areas impacting campus life. You may scroll through or click on a title below to jump to a specific section:
- Changing your Personal Information
- Changing Your Email Address and Account Name
- Personal Information in Nexus
- Graduation and Convocation
- Student Health and Wellness
- Accessing All Gender Washrooms
- Personal Safety and Security
- Campus Living
- Athletics and Recreation
- Other UWinnipeg Resources and Supports
- Community Resources and Supports
- Crisis Supports
Changing Your Personal Information
Change or update your name
To change your name please fill out a Personal Update Form and submit to Student Central, 1st floor Rice Centre, in person, or scan and email to studentcentral@uwinnipeg.ca. For more information, see the Chosen Name webpage in Student Records.
Change your sex or gender designation
You can also change your sex or gender designation with Student Records. To change your sex or gender designation, please fill out a Personal Update Form and submit to Student Central, 1st floor Rice Centre, in person, or scan and email to studentcentral@uwinnipeg.ca.
There is currently no way to change pronouns in the system because they are not documented in Student Records.
To change your name or gender with the province, we've outlined some steps below.
If you encounter any problems or would like more information, please contact: Student Records, studentrecords@uwinnipeg.ca, 204.779.8946.
Getting a new student I.D.
Students who wish to receive an updated student I.D. to reflect a name change, may do so through Student Central at no cost.
Changing your email address and account name
Your email address is an indispensable tool for communicating with professors, employers, and other students. In addition, your email address is the official form of communication recognized by the University. As such, UWinnipeg wants to make sure that your email address identifies you accurately for your electronic communications.
Upon entering UWinnipeg, all students are assigned an email address. If this default email address fails to identify you accurately, there are steps you can take to obtain an email address that does (you can only change the “local” part of your email address, which is the part that precedes @webmail.uwinnipeg.ca).
When students request a chosen name change, they may request for their existing account to be deleted so that a new webmail account can be issued using only the chosen name. In this instance, all documents, including emails and saved files associated with the former account will be deleted.
To request a new email address and account name, fill out a Personal Update Form and submit to Student Central, 1st floor Rice Centre, in person, or scan and email to studentcentral@uwinnipeg.ca.
If you encounter any problems or would like more information, please contact: Student Central, studentcentral@uwinnipeg.ca, 204.779.8946.
Personal Information in Nexus
Many courses at UWinnipeg utilize the Learning Management System called Nexus.
The personal information that is displayed in Nexus is imported on a regular basis from Student Records. As such, any identifying information displayed in Nexus should be the same as the information provided to Student Records. If the information displayed in Nexus is not accurate, ensure the appropriate changes have been made through the Student Records. If you have made the changes with Student Records and information is still appearing incorrectly within Nexus contact Nexus Support for help.
If you encounter any problems, or would like more information, please contact: Nexus Support, nexus@uwinnipeg.ca.
Graduation and Convocation
Your name in the convocation program will be generated automatically from your “Primary” (legal) name on WebAdvisor. If you have obtained a legal name change, before convocation, be sure to have your name processed through a Personal Update Form by August 1 for a Fall Convocation and by February 1 for a Spring Convocation.
When you submit your application to graduate through WebAdvisor, you can indicate your preferred/chosen name to be announced as you cross the stage.
According to University policy, a student’s full, legal name will appear on all official documents, such as a transcript. In order to change your legal name with the University (while enrolled or after graduation), you must complete and submit a Personal Update Form with proper documentation.
If you have gone through a legal name change, the Registrar's Office is able to produce a replacement parchment. To request a replacement parchment, please complete the Request for a Certified Degree Parchment form and submit it to Student Central with payment and legal documentation in support of the name change.
Student Health and Wellness
On Campus
Student Wellness Centre
Location: First Floor of Duckworth Centre (Room 1D24)
Phone: 204.786.9496
The Student Wellness Centre provides two main services: Health Services and Counselling Services. Students accessing health services and/or counselling are encouraged to indicate their preferred name and pronouns during the initial appointment/registration.
Health Services
UWinnipeg Health Services are provided by Klinic on campus. Klinic on campus is open weekdays. For specific hours, location, and to book an appointment with the nurse practitioner, please call 204.786.9496.
The nurse practitioner provides gender affirming care which includes: hormone therapy assessment, prescriptions, and monitoring. The nurse practitioner can also refer students to the Trans Health program at Klinic.
If you require health services outside regular hours, please go to myrightcare.ca for a list of walk-ins, urgent care facilities, and emergency departments.
For medical services, there are limitations in terms of needing to link the name and sex on your Manitoba Health Card. However, the name that appears on your medical file for UWinnipeg Health Services can be changed.
Counselling Services
Personal counselling is available for free to any student currently registered at UWinnipeg in an undergraduate or graduate program; the English Language Program (ELP); or in Professional, Applied and Continuing Education (PACE).
Counselling can cover a wide range of concerns. Topics might include relationships, homesickness, procrastination, work-life balance, grief, addiction, abuse, anxiety, difficulty eating, sexual orientation, and suicide.
Students have the option of meeting with a counsellor via Zoom, phone, or in-person by appointment only.
If you would like to explore counselling services, please call 204.258.3809 or email studentwellness@uwinnipeg.ca. When requesting counselling supports, you are not required to provide your gender or legal name when booking an appointment.
Wellness Services
Sexual Violence and Human Rights Advisor
The UWinnipeg Sexual Violence and Human Rights Advisor is available to provide supports and on- and off-campus referrals for 2SLGBTQ+ students regarding sexual health, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, sexual violence, anti-racism, and other human rights issues. Contact Hema Krueger Vyas at h.kruegervyas@uwinnipeg.ca for support.
Two-Spirit Sweats
The Office of Indigenous Engagement and the Indigenous Student Services Centre (ISSC) organize Two-Spirit Sweats every year. Sign up for the ISSC Newsletter to find out when the next one is happening.
Off-Campus
Students wishing to self-refer for gender affirming surgeries, or specific medical questions related to their journey are encouraged to contact the Trans Health Klinic. Trans Health Klinic (THK) provides care to trans individuals 16+ years of age seeking gender affirming transition care living in Manitoba. This care may include gender affirming hormone therapy and/or surgical referrals.
You can choose to self-refer or your primary care provider can refer you.
Provincial Government Funding
Manitoba Health requires a diagnosis of Gender Dysphoria (GD) for surgeries to be funded.
- Manitoba Health requires 1 referral letter by one of Klinic’s providers that are on both approved provider lists for Health Professionals as well as Mental Health Professional to confirm GD.
- Your medical practitioner may refer you to the psychologist if you are wanting a surgery referral
- Your psychologist will perform an in-depth assessment for surgical readiness
- Your referrals will be sent to the surgeon and Manitoba Health
For more information, visit the Trans Health Klinic.
All Gender Washrooms at UWinnipeg
UWinnipeg has continued to prioritize the availability of all gender (also referred to as gender inclusive) washrooms. Currently, there are eight all gender washrooms available throughout the UWinnipeg campus with plans for several additional all gender washrooms and locker rooms:
- Asper Centre for Theatre and Film - 2nd Floor
- Bryce Hall - 1st Floor and 2nd Floor
- Buhler Centre - 3rd Floor
- Centennial Hall (fully wheelchair accessible and equipped with sling lift) - 1st Floor
- Centennial Hall (fully wheelchair accessible) – 4th Floor
- Manitoba Hall - 2nd Floor
- Menno Simmons College - 1st Floor
- Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex - Atrium
Still having a hard time finding an all gender washroom?
Click on UWinnipeg Accessibility Map to find the nearest all-gender washrooms and other resources on campus.
If you encounter any problems or would like more information, please contact: Facilities, facilities@uwinnipeg.ca.
Personal Safety and Security
The University of Winnipeg takes the personal safety and security of all students very seriously. For trans and gender diverse students, ensuring your personal safety and security is paramount. The following resources provide information on where to turn should you feel unsafe on campus.
The Sexual Violence Response Team is a small group of senior staff who coordinate accommodations and resources for students who have experienced sexual violence. They can be reached at 204-230-6660 (call or text) or at svrt@uwinnipeg.ca.
Available during University business hours (Monday to Friday 8:30am-5:00pm).
Reporting an Emergency
To report an emergency on campus, dial 204.786.6666, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To report an emergency off campus, simply dial 9-911 (from a campus phone) or simply 911.
Reporting an Incident (non-emergency)
If you would like to report an incident that is not an emergency or urgent that made you feel unsafe or you wish to share, please email tips@uwinnipeg.ca or call the Tip Line at 204.258.2930.
Note: While this resource is available for reporting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; the system is not monitored 24 hours a day. If the incident is an emergency that requires immediate action please contact Security at 204.786.6666 or call 911.
Blue Light emergency phones are activated by pushing the red button. Once activated the blue strobe light flashes and a call is placed to the Security office.
There are internal emergency telephones located throughout the main campus and the off-site buildings. Most of these telephones are red in colour however there are some that are black. Each emergency telephone is identified with a red sign.
Following is the locations of the Blue light phones.
- Lockhart Hall
- by Ellice Avenue entrance
- Manitoba Hall
- by Balmoral Street entrance
- Wesley Hall
- on front walkway
- Buhler Centre
- Portage Avenue by the main entrance
- Colony Street by the main entrance
- back parking lot by rear entrance
- Richardson College for the Environment and Science Complex
- Langside Street on east wall close to main entrance
- Furby Place north wall by the rear entrance
- Furby Street west wall
- Green Space
- on walkway
SafeWalk and SafeRide Programs
To request a SafeWalk escort or a SafeRide, stop at or call the Security Services office (located just inside the main doors of Centennial Hall, 204.786.9272) and identify your need. SafeWalk will provide you with an escort to your car or bus stop within a one-block radius of the University. SafeRides will be provided within the patrol area boundaries: William Avenue to the north, Assiniboine Avenue to the south, Sherbrook Street to the west and Main Street to the east.
UWinnipeg Safe App
The University of Winnipeg has a free mobile safety app for students, staff, and faculty — available for iPhone and Android devices!
UW Safe is an essential tool that sends important safety alerts and provides instant access to campus safety resources.
Features include:
- Safety notifications — get instant alerts and instructions when on-campus emergencies occur.
- Emergency help — easily connect with campus security staff for help when needed.
- Campus resources — access important safety resources in one convenient place.
To download and install the UW Safe app, just visit the Apple app store or the Google Play store.
Respectful Working and Learning Environment Policy
The University of Winnipeg’s Respectful Working and Learning Environment Policy reflects the expectation that students will conduct themselves in compliance with university regulations and policies; departmental policies; and federal, provincial and municipal laws, as well as codes of ethics that govern students who are members of regulated professions.
If you feel that you have been subject to a behaviour by or interaction with another student that violates UWinnipeg’s Respectful Working and Learning Environment Policy, please contact Stacey Belding, Human Rights and Diversity Officer, 204.988.7508, s.belding@uwinnipeg.ca.
If you encounter any problems or would like more information, please contact: Security Services, security@uwinnipeg.ca, 204.786.9272.
Campus Living
Campus Living has a long history of supporting students. In recent years, the needs of students who identify as trans or gender diverse has become more prominent. Gender-inclusive accommodations and room selection process allows students to select a room without disclosing gender to roommates. As a trans or gender diverse student, you can always request to room with another trans or gender diverse student.
During the application process, Campus Living collects information about gender identity and roommate gender preference. These options are used when matching roommates within double dorms. If you would like to disclose your gender identity to Campus Living, you may do so when registering or updating your profile on the Campus Living Portal. See Gender Identity and Roommate Gender for more information.
All Campus Living shared bathrooms are all gender.
For those students who choose to identify, Resident Advisors are trained by the Rainbow Resource Centre and available to help them make a smooth transition to community living.
If you encounter any problems or would like more information, please contact: Campus Living Office, housing@uwinnipeg.ca, 204.786.9900.
Athletics and Recreation
Athletics
Wesmen athletics consists of four teams in two sports (volleyball and basketball).
U SPORTS is the national sport governing body of university sports in Canada. As a U SPORTS member institute, The University of Winnipeg proudly supports gender equity in sport and is guided by the 2018 equity policy recently adopted by U SPORTS.
If you encounter any problems, or for more information, please contact: Cara Isaak, Director of Athletics, 204.786.9166, ca.isaak@uwinnipeg.ca.
Recreation
The University of Winnipeg's recreation facilities are located in two buildings: the Duckworth Centre (400 Ellice at Spence) and the Axworthy Health & RecPlex (350 Spence between Portage and Ellice). Both buildings offer fitness, health and wellness, sports and recreational programming. All UWinnipeg students automatically have a membership to recreations services, including the Bill Wedlake Fitness Centre.
An all gender changeroom is located on the second floor of the Duckworth Centre.
To activate your student membership please visit the Duckworth Centre Customer Service Desk on the first floor. Please have your student card with you.
For more information on services offered to students, please contact: Stefanie Esposito, Business Development and Operations Manager, recreationmanager@uwinnipeg.ca, 204.786.9262.
Other UWinnipeg Resources
The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA)
2slgbtq@theuwsa.ca and wtnbs@theuwsa.ca
UWSA has two representatives that advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community on campus. The 2SLGBTQ* Students’ Director advocates for the community as a whole by working with students to create better policies and aids those who require it due to discrimination. The Women, Trans, and Non-Binary (WTNB) Students’ Director specifically advocates for the unique needs of the transgender and non-binary community on campus either on a systemic level or by helping individual students with specific issues they need resolved.
Community Support and Resources
Changing your name/sex in Manitoba
If you wish to change your name:
- You may apply to the Vital Statistics Division – the application form is available at https://vitalstats.gov.mb.ca/pdf/application_change_of_name_adult.en.pdf/.
- Supporting documents may include: original birth/marriage/death certificates, immigration documents, divorce certificates, child custody documents, or court orders that apply to the family members who want to change their names.
- For more information, see Manitoba Vital Statistics Branch for more information.
If you wish to change your sex/gender identification:
- You may apply to the Vital Statistics Division – the application form is available at https://vitalstats.gov.mb.ca/pdf/application_change_of_sex_designation_en.pdf.
- If you are applying for a change of sex designation to (X), please be advised that the Government of Manitoba cannot guarantee that a birth certificate with a sex designation of (X) will be accepted by organizations in Manitoba or by other jurisdictions.
As an international student or worker, you can now also (as of April 2021) change your sex or gender identifier with Immigration Canada without having to amend the gender on your country of nationality's passport or other travel document. You can follow the instructions available here, and after getting it changed in IRCC records, obtain a Verification of Status as an identity-linking document by following the instructions available here.
After your name/sex is changed, you must also update your information with government and private entities. Here is a non-exhaustive list:
- Canada Revenue Agency
- Service Canada
- Your bank / credit union
- Your workplace
The most important entities as a Temporary Resident to update are Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and The University of Winnipeg Student Records.
- IRCC will recognize a provincial change of name but may not recognize a change of sex/gender.
- Student Records must know of your legally changed name and/or sex or gender identifiers in order to issue academic transcripts and diplomas with the appropriate information, as these are legal documents.
Rainbow Resource Centre offers support to the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the form of counselling, education, and programming for individuals ranging from children through to 55+. It also supports families, friends, and employers of 2SLGBTQ+ individuals.
Trans Manitoba is a grassroots collective of folks who believe the radical idea that Two Spirits, nonbinary people, and transgender folks should speak for ourselves and be seen as critical stakeholders in decisions made for our lives. We believe the personal is political. We advocate for systemic change to improve the lives of Manitobans of all genders through outreach, education, and political and legal action.
The Two-Spirit Michif Local is the first of its kind in the Métis Nation. We’re a home for 2SLGBTQ+ Métis citizens looking for belonging, for family and friends, for support and a safe space. Our Local is part of the Winnipeg region. What makes our Local unique is that our citizens can live elsewhere. If you are beyond borders, you can request our local to be yours.
Two-Spirited People of Manitoba
Two-Spirited People of Manitoba is a community-based organization that focusses on helping 2Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQQIA+ holistically improve their circumstances.
This community-based, non-profit, pro-choice organization is dedicated to promoting sexual health through education. The centre offers affirming and supportive programming for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, queer, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBT*) individuals and their families and friends in Manitoba.
Sunshine House is a community drop-in and resource centre focusing on harm reduction and social inclusion. We work to provide programming that fulfills people’s social, community, and recreational needs. Participants can come as they are, and are not expected to be “clean” or sober.
Hope for Wellness Help Line offers 24/7 mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigneous people across Canada. You can call 1.855.242.3310 or visit www.hopeforwellness.ca to chat with a counsellor by phone or online. This service is available in English and French, as well as Cree, Anishinaabemowin, and Inuktitut, upon request.
Crisis Supports
24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line: 709.737.4668, or 1.888.737.4668 (toll-free)
Klinic Crisis Support Line: 204.786.8686 or 1.888.322.3019
Shared Health Adult Crisis Response Centre & Crisis Services (Winnipeg): 204.940.1781
Mental Health Inpatient Services: Hospital-based mental health inpatient services are available for individuals who may require an admission during a period of illness or intense suffering. Mental health beds are located in three hospitals across the city.
Klinic Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24-hour crisis hotline): 1.888.292.7565 or 204.786.8686
Trans Lifeline: 877.330.6366
Manitoba Suicide Prevention and Support Line: 1.877.435.7170
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Services: 1.855.242.3310
Do you have a suggestion, comments or update that will improve this guide?
If you have a suggestion, a criticism, or a comment to improve this guide, or you would simply like to add/update information you've added to this guide, please email Larissa Wodtke, Director of Academic Programming and EDI, provost@uwinnipeg.ca. This guide will be updated as necessary on an ongoing basis.
Updated: April 3, 2025