Resources

Avoiding Sexism

Use the correct gender or neutralize the context with words that incorporate both sexes:
• “the best person (or candidate) for the job,” rather than “the best man for the job”
• “department or committee chair,” rather than “chairman” or “chairwoman” Note: If referring to a specific individual associated with a business or organization outside of the University, check to see if that person has a preference.
• “supervisor,” rather than “foreman”

In cases where pronouns include both genders, use the plural, if appropriate:
• “Students should see their advisors,” not “Each student should see his advisor.”

Electronic Terms

• dot-com
• e-mail
• http
• instant messenger (IM)
• Internet
• online
• on the Web
• URL
• Web design
• webmaster
• Web page
• website
• WWW