Student Preferred Name Policy
Manchester University recognizes that many members of our community prefer to use names other than their legal names to identify themselves. The University is committed to using the preferred names of individuals in our community wherever possible. There are certain legal documents and communications that require use of an individual’s legal name.
The University allows students to use a first name different than their legal name on certain University records. Any student may choose to identify a preferred first name in addition to their legal name (as listed on the driver’s license, Social Security card, Tax Identification Number card, or passport). The University will display the preferred first name to the University community where feasible and appropriate and make a good faith effort to update reports, documents and systems accordingly.
The student’s preferred first name may be used in University-related systems and documents except where the use of the legal name is required by law.
Where preferred & Legal Names Appear
Below is a partial listing of areas in which the preferred and legal names will appear:
Preferred name will appear:
- Advisor/advisee lists
- Class/grade rosters
- Commencement program
- Dean’s List
- Diploma
- Email display and username
- Gateway/SharePoint
- ID card
- Major/minor lists
- Online student directory
- Residence Life rosters
Legal name will appear:
- Billing statements
- Enrollment verification
- Financial aid documents
- Immigration documents
- Medical documents
- Official correspondence with external
entities - Official and unofficial transcripts
- Paychecks/W2/1099T
More Name Policy Information
Students who have had their legal names changed by the appropriate government entities shall inform the University of this change by completing and submitting the Personal Information Change form to the Office of the Registrar. Official documentation showing the name was changed legally is required. Acceptable documentation includes:
- Court order
- Driver’s license
- Passport
- Social Security card or Tax Identification Number card
Former names and previous identities are maintained in the University student information system database to ensure correct selection when records are searched.
Students may request a preferred name by completing the Preferred First Name form on the Registrar’s ChetNet page. Preferred names are limited to alphabetical characters, a hyphen (-) and a space. The University reserves the right to deny a preferred name request if it is inappropriate in nature. Preferred names used as misrepresentation or fraud can result in disciplinary action in accordance with University Policy. The Legal last name (surname) will remain unchanged and will be included with the preferred first name.
Replacement ID cards may be requested through ChetNet.
Consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Manchester University allows for the release of Directory Information, as defined under FERPA, which includes name (preferred), mailing and email addresses, phone numbers, dates of attendance, major, enrollment status, degrees awarded, honors received, participation in University activities, and height and weight of athletic team members. Students who wish to opt out of the release of Directory Information – contact the registrar to complete the “Request to Withhold Directory Information Form”.
The University honors all requests to withhold Directory Information, and assumes no liability for the effect withholding information has on the student. Directing the University to withhold directory information means enrollment and/or graduation will not be verified to potential employers, insurance companies or lending institutions. Also, the University will not include information regarding achievements (such as Dean’s List or graduation with honors) or campus activities (programs for musical or athletic events) for students requesting to withhold directory information.