UW News
Vern Harner
June 8, 2022
UW doctoral student leads effort to change diploma name policy, demonstrating power of trans community
![Person wearing Western shirt smiling with grass and trees in the background](https://uw-s3-cdn.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/06/08160904/VernHarner-150x150.jpg)
In 2021, UW registrar Helen Garrett announced that, for the first time, the UW would allow graduates to use a chosen first name for their diplomas. The policy change was the result of efforts led by Vern Harner, a UW doctoral student in social work, and a change.org petition that earned over 30,000 signatures, demonstrating the power of the trans community.