ARCHIVED: Set or change your name at IU

This content has been archived, and is no longer maintained by Indiana University. Information here may no longer be accurate, and links may no longer be available or reliable.

Students, faculty, and staff may designate a preferred name, which most university systems will then use. These include your class rosters and grade rosters, Canvas, Exchange display name, and your university ID card. The university will also retain your legal (or "primary") name, which is used when legally required, such as in tax documents, housing contracts, police reports, and certain health records. For further details (including information about surname changes), see ARCHIVED: Review or change your student or applicant personal information or View and modify your personal information (such as preferred name, home address, birthday, or emergency contacts) for IU employees, groups, or affiliates.

To set or change your preferred name:

  • Students: Go to Change Name Students.
  • Faculty and staff: Go to Personal Details and click Name in the left menu; if the menu doesn't appear, you may need to click the double bar Image of the menu selection icon in One.IU to expand it.

Acceptable uses of preferred names include:

  • A middle name instead of first name
  • An abbreviated name (Rob instead of Robert, Manny instead of Emmanuel)
  • An Anglicized name (Wendy instead of Haiyan)
  • A name you are in the process of legally changing to
  • A name that better represents your gender identity
  • A stage or performance name

You may not use your preferred name to misrepresent who you are, nor may you use any profane or offensive language in your preferred name. Your preferred name is subject to approval by university administration, and those who intentionally and egregiously misuse the preferred name option may be subject to disciplinary action.

Notes:
  • Your changes may not appear for up to 24 hours.
  • Be sure to inform your instructors of any name change.

This is document bfeo in the Knowledge Base.
Last modified on 2021-07-15 14:27:29.