As part of an inclusive institution, Relay uses preferred first names and chosen/lived/professional names during Relay business and education. This may be an important component of an individual’s identity. Relay established guidelines to delineate when legal names are required, and when to prioritize allowing students and employees to indicate their chosen or preferred first names to the Relay community, even if they have not changed their legal names.

Legal Name

The use of a student’s legal name is necessary for specific data exchanges, such as (but not limited to) transcripts, tax documentation, financial aid, and federal/state reporting. Students’ legal names will continue to be used in all Relay-related systems and documents where it is necessary for certain communications and processes that require a verified legal name. In cases where a student has only ONE legal name, Relay will substitute their secondary name with “NFN” (no first name) or “NLN” (no last name) in accordance with recommended reporting guidance provided by the National Student Clearinghouse and in alignment with any government-issued identification.

Preferred Name & Pronouns

Relay recognizes that many of its constituents routinely identify themselves by pronouns and a name other than what may appear on their legal documentation. As an inclusive institution, Relay uses preferred names and pronouns during Relay business and education. A student’s preferred name will be respected at all times. A student’s preferred name and pronouns will appear in select Relay-related systems and documents, provided that the preferred name or pronouns are not being used for the purpose of fraud, misrepresentation, or otherwise violate Relay regulations and/or code of conduct. 

Students may add or change their preferred name or pronouns at any time after admission by submitting a student record update form through the Relay Support tab of their Portal. A student’s preferred name may be disclosed as “directory information” unless the student declines to permit such disclosure. Students can submit a directory nondisclosure form at any time.

In their final term of enrollment, students may elect to have their legal name or preferred name on their diploma.