Final answer:
The most likely situation at Em's college is that the institution may or may not have explicit policies in place for gender-neutral pronoun use and honoring non-traditional gender identities such as Em's preference for 'ze.'
Step-by-step explanation:
Given today's policy environment, the most likely scenario regarding Em's college is that it may or may not have a policy for honoring student choices beyond traditional gender categories. Many educational institutions are beginning to acknowledge the spectrum of gender identities that exist beyond the male/female binary, and some have policies in place to address gender preferences, including the use of gender-neutral pronouns such as ze/hir/hirs. However, these policies can vary greatly from one college to another, and while some colleges may have a well-defined policy, others might still cling to traditional gender categories, or have no policy at all regarding this matter.
Gender identity and the use of gender-neutral pronouns are becoming more recognized and accepted in U.S. society. It is not uncommon for individuals to include their preferred pronouns in email signatures or when introducing themselves, in efforts to communicate their gender identity and avoid misgendering. Still, it is crucial to note that societal and institutional practices are in a state of change, and the acceptance and accommodation of diverse gender identities may not be universal.