My first impression of Mercer University started with my enrollment process. I was able to submit a preferred name in my application.  I enrolled into mercer for the 2021-2022 academic year. I received emails using my preferred name but once I had started my first semester, that was no more. I felt misguided about Mercer. The more I got into my introductory courses the more I heard about how gender-queer students were struggling. I was frustrated and my mentors assigned to me were not as supportive as I hoped. I decided to take it upon my self to advocate for a Preferred Name Policy. One similar to policies I had seen at other universities. I gathered student and faculty statements. I started a campaign account on Instagram, the same platform many school clubs and organizations use. I reached out through the account to collect statements from students anonymously, if preferred. 

 I provided the potential policy definitions and other university's versions of it. I collaborated with a student representative of Common Ground's sub group Rainbow Connection. Common Ground is one of the oldest LGBT+ clubs at mercer. Their subgroup, Rainbow Connection works with students to educate  faculty and staff on inclusion training. With the student representative I worked with administration, who assured me had been hoping to implement this policy. I presented my research to the Dean of Students to hopefully have the policy implemented sooner rather than later. 

In Fall, 2022, the Preferred Name Policy was implemented. The policy went active and students were able to have their preferred or chosen name displayed in instances that their legal name was not needed. This was displayed in most applications and websites. Since 2022 the policy has continued to grow to protect students from being deadnamed.  Though Mercer University is still in need of progression toward accepting gender minorities students and staff this was a huge step forward.