Preferred First Name

What Is a Preferred First Name?
Some Eastern Connecticut State University students are known by a first name that is different from their legal first name. In an effort to accommodate these students the University has created a preferred first name option for student information as it appears in select locations. While anyone is welcome to use a preferred first name, there are several groups of people for whom this option is invaluable. For example, some students are known by a middle name or a nickname and are hard to identify when their legal name is used. Additionally, this option will allow transgender students to use a preferred first name on campus prior to or without pursuing a legal change of their first name. Many international students may also find this option helpful if they use a nickname during their course of study in the States.

Use of preferred first name:
Students will be able to add a preferred first name to their student information profile by submitting a preferred first name request to update their information. This request can be made via this survey link. When submitted, this preferred first name will replace your legal name as it appears on course lists, advising/unofficial transcripts, Blackboard, Eastern student email display (not email address) and email directory, and, upon request, can be updated on the EXPRE$$ CARD.

The Office of the Registrar will make every effort to process requests for preferred first name changes within two business days. After processing, the Registrar's Office will send a confirmation email to the student's Eastern email address. Students should retain this confirmation email for their records.

Use of a preferred first name on the EXPRE$$ CARD is optional. If a student decides to use a preferred first name on their EXPRE$$ CARD, they must visit the Card Services Office and complete a Replacement Form using their preferred first name on the form. They must also present their confirmation email which will include a fee waiver notice. The fee waiver will only apply upon surrender of their original EXPRE$$ CARD. Replacements thereafter will be subject to standard fees.

Eastern Connecticut State University has endeavored to display preferred first names to the University community where feasible and has made a good faith effort to update the systems that are designated to use a preferred name. In the event that your preferred first name is not displaying correctly, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Disclaimer:
The University reserves the right to approve or disapprove preferred first name change requests.

Required use of legal first name:
In some instances, students' legal names must always be used regardless of whether preferred names have been added to the system. Legal names will always appear on documents including, but not limited to, hiring paper work, paychecks, accounts payable checks, student billing, financial aid forms, tax forms, official University transcripts, official diplomas, and any other documents required by law. Legal first names can only be changed on these records when students pursue a legal name change with their home state and/or federal authorities and then submit that documentation to the Office of the Registrar.

If students are using a preferred name in the campus systems they must be prepared to use legal name and identification in all instances where legal identification or official information is necessary. In addition to the areas noted above, an EXPRE$$ CARD that displays a preferred name cannot be used as a valid form of identification where it is normally accepted such as in DHS I-9 hiring forms, and in some states for voter check-in during official elections. All students with a preferred name on a University ID card are encouraged to obtain a legal State ID, driver's license, international ID, and/ or a Federal Passport for identity verification purposes when needed.

The use of a preferred name in the University system may also lead to more intensive examinations when seeking certain federal or state security clearances or background checks. You are encouraged to disclose this information to your investigating authorities ahead of time to avoid unexpected discrepancies and delays.

Any student found to have abused this service for the purposes of fraudulent representation will be subject to a student conduct investigation.

Additional Resources:
Office of the Registrar
Change of Information Policy and Form (Legal Name, Address, etc.)
Pride Center
Eastern Card Services Office