The Preferred First Name Policy (pdf) allows students, faculty, staff, and alumni to indicate their preferred first names to the university community even if they have not legally changed their first name. Please note that the use of a preferred first name does not change the legal name on IUP's records.
A preferred first name is defined as an alternative to the individual's legal name as designated by the individual in university systems. This is a name the individual prefers to be used within the IUP community. These may include individuals who prefer to use:
- a middle name or nickname instead of a first name;
- an anglicized name;
- a name to which the individual is in the process of legally changing; or
- a name that better represents the individual's gender identity.
Preferred first names will be used in the following systems and records to the extent technologically possible. (Some venues will require action by the individual seeking to use a preferred first name in order to effectuate the change.)
- student or employee identification cards (I-Cards)
- online “Find People” directory
- official email display name
- PC login (not username)
- class and grade rosters (for students and employees taking courses)
- D2L learning management system
- Crimson Connect
- housing rosters
- alumni mailing and invitations
- alumni class notes
- commencement booklet and line-up card (announced name at commencement)
- diplomas
A person's legal name is the name used for official government documents, such as licenses, passports, and tax forms. Also commonly known as a given name, this is the name that is officially recorded in university systems and documents. This name can only be changed by IUP following submission of appropriate legal documentation. Legal names will continue to be used where there is a university business or legal need.
Legal names will continue to be used where there is a university business or legal need. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- legal documents and reports produced by the university
- student account statements (bills)
- student tax information (1098T)
- financial aid and scholarship documents
- transcripts
- enrollment and degree verifications
- alumni tax receipts and gift agreements
- employment documents and verifications
- payroll documents (i.e., paychecks, W2s)
- Employee Self Service portal (ESS)
Upon written request by the individual, a preferred first name will be used instead of the person's legal first name in select university-related systems and documents. The legal name will be used in all university-related systems and documents related to official university records.
An individual is permitted to make one preferred first name request. Extenuating circumstances will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. The university reserves the right to suspend the individual's privilege to update their preferred first name.
Preferred first name requests will be denied or revoked when a name is deemed inappropriate, including but not limited to avoid a legal obligation, fraud, obscene/offensive language, or misrepresentation.
The policy may be modified, changed, altered, or rescinded at the discretion of the university.
To request the use of a preferred first name:
- Employees must complete the Employee Preferred First Name Request. Questions should be directed to Lindsey McNickle, Office of Human Resources, at 724-357-2059 or Lindsey.McNickle@iup.edu.
- Students must complete the Preferred First Name Request Online Form.
- Alumni must contact the Division of University Advancement.
Please read the FAQ about the policy (pdf).
For further information regarding form submission and processing: Students can contact the Office of the Registrar at 724-357-2217 or registrars-office@iup.edu. Faculty are encouraged to read and follow the Procedures for Viewing a Class Roster (pdf).