What is a preferred name?

A preferred name is a name a student wishes to be known by in the Relay community that is different from the student’s legal name. 

 

What is a legal name? 

A legal name is the name that appears on your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, marriage certificate, or U.S. social security card.

 

What does the Preferred Name policy cover? 

Relay’s preferred name policy covers preferred first and middle names. Legal names (first name and last name) can be changed only when students submit a student record update form from the Relay Support tab of their Portal. Students will be asked to submit official proof (court document, marriage license, etc.) of legal names before the change in Relay’s system.

 

Do I have to use a Preferred Name?

No. Use of a preferred name is optional.

 

Where will my preferred name appear?

• Class Rosters
• Directory information, unless a Directory Information Non-Disclosure form has been requested
• Email communication to students 

 

Where will my legal name be used?

Your legal name will be used in processes that require the use of the legal name. These include:

• Financial Aid Tax Documents
• Financial Aid Offer Letters
• Billing Invoices
• Federal Requests for Information
• National Student Clearinghouse
• Transcripts
• Enrollment Certifications (includes enrollment letters, loan deferment forms, NSLDS, etc.)
• Certification Endorsements
• Partner Communication
• Relay student IDs 
• 1098-T Tax Documents

 

Are there any preferred name restrictions?

Preferred names may not be used for purposes of fraud or misrepresentation. Relay reserves the right to remove a preferred name if it contains inappropriate or offensive language.

 

How do I request a preferred name?

If your preferred name was not entered during the admissions application, you can request Relay to update your preferred name by submitting a student update form from the Relay Support tab of your Portal. All requests are reviewed by the Registrar.

 

How do I remove or update my preferred name?

You can remove or update your preferred name by submitting a student update form from the Relay Support tab of your Portal.

 

Who will have access to my legal name?

School administrators, campus operations staff, and faculty will have access to your legal and preferred names.

 

Will my preferred name appear on my Diploma?

Preferred names can appear on your diploma so long as you indicate the name you would like to appear in the intent to complete form which is sent out in the spring prior to your program completion date (for AY23-24, the form will be sent out on 4/17 and is due no later than 5/20). If you have questions about the intent to complete form or your diploma, please reach out by emailing [email protected]. 

 

Who can I reach out to ask more questions about the preferred name policy?  

If you have more questions about requesting a preferred name, please email the Registrar at [email protected].