Preferred First Name Policies

What Is a Preferred First Name?

Some Eastern Connecticut State University students are known by a first name other than their legal first name. To better support students and promote inclusion, the University allows students to designate a preferred first name that will appear in select University systems and records.

Although any student may choose to use a preferred first name, this option is especially valuable for certain individuals. For example:

• Some students are commonly known by a middle name or nickname and may be difficult to identify when their legal name is used.
• Transgender and gender-diverse students may wish to use a name that aligns with their identity, either prior to or without completing a legal name change.
• Many international students may choose to use a nickname or alternate name during their studies in the United States.

How to Request a Preferred First Name

Students may add or update a preferred first name by submitting a Preferred First Name Request through the designated online form.

Once approved, the preferred first name will replace the legal first name in the following locations:

• Course and class lists
• Advising
• Degree Evaluation
• Select pages in eWeb
• Blackboard
• Eastern email display name (does not change the email address)
• Eastern email directory
• EXPRE$$ Card (optional and upon request)

The Office of the Registrar makes every effort to process preferred first name requests within two (2) business days. Once processed, students will receive a confirmation email sent to their Eastern email account. Students are encouraged to retain this email for their records. 

Preferred First Name on the EXPRE$$ Card

Use of a preferred first name on the EXPRE$$ $Cardis\; optional.$$StudentswhowishtoupdatetheirEXPRE\$\$$ Card must:

1. Visit the Card Services Office
2. Complete a Replacement Form using the preferred first name
3. Present the confirmation email from the Registrar’s Office, which includes a fee waiver notice

The fee waiver applies only if the original EXPRE$$ Card is surrendered. Any subsequent replacements will be subject to standard replacement fees.

Display and Technical Limitations

Eastern Connecticut State University has made a good faith effort to display preferred first names across University systems where feasible, given current legal and technological limitations. If a preferred first name does not appear correctly in an approved location, students should contact the Office of the Registrar for assistance.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to approve or deny preferred first name requests.

Required Use of Legal First Name

In certain situations, the use of a student’s legal first name is required, regardless of whether a preferred first name is on file. Legal names will always appear on official or legally required documents, including but not limited to:

• Hiring paperwork and I‑9 employment forms
• Paychecks and accounts payable checks
• Student billing and financial aid records
• Tax documents
• Official University transcripts
• Any other documents required by law

Legal first names may only be changed on these records after a student completes a legal name change through appropriate state and/or federal authorities and submits official documentation to the Office of the Registrar.

Students using a preferred first name should be prepared to present legal identification when required. An EXPRE$$ Card displaying a preferred name cannot be used as legal identification in situations where legal name verification is required, including employment eligibility (DHS I‑9 forms) or, in some states, voter check-in at official elections.

Students are strongly encouraged to maintain valid legal identification, such as a state ID, driver’s license, passport, or international ID, for identity verification purposes. The use of a preferred name may also result in additional review during certain background checks or security clearances. Students should proactively disclose this information to investigating authorities to avoid delays or discrepancies.

Any misuse of the preferred first name option for fraudulent purposes may result in a student conduct investigation.

Additional Resources