Writing guidelines
Currently the writing guidelines are only partly availabe in English.
Salutation
Leiden University uses a gender-neutral salutation whenever possible. For official announcements and communications, automated messages, forms and policy documents, the following applies:
- The preference of the person being addressed is leading. If necessary, ask for someone's preference.
- For automated communications, choose a neutral salutation.
- Use a neutral salutation and form of address in communication with groups (Dear visitor, Dear colleagues).
- Use neutral job titles.
- Ask (e.g. in forms) about formal gender only when necessary.
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
Formal and automated communicationMessages directed at groups |
Gender-neutral address
|
| Dear Sir, Dear Madam, Dear Sir or Madam, Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, |
Dear student, Dear colleague, Dear participant, Dear reader, Dear user, Dear candidate etc. |
Formal communication directed at one individual |
Full name/initials, or title |
| Dear Mr Van Leiden, Dear Mrs Van Leiden, Dear Ms Van Leiden, Dear Dr Van Leiden Dear Prof. Van Leiden Dear Ms Van Leiden |
Dear M.A. van Leiden, Dear Marijn van Leiden, Dear Professor Van Leiden Dear Dr Van Leiden |
Informal personal communication |
Preferred name |
| Dear Marijn, | Dear Marijn, If preferred name is not known Dear student, Dear colleague, |
See also the guide Tips for gender-inclusive communication