Westchester Community College policy provides all students with the opportunity to choose a preferred name that is different from their legal name, where possible, appearing on the class rosters, grading rosters, Blackboard, and DegreeWorks. A student’s legal name will remain unchanged in all other College-related systems.
In some instances, the College is obligated to use a person’s legal name and cannot use a chosen or preferred name. Such instances include but are not limited to: employment and payroll records, health insurance records, billing records, financial aid documents, reimbursements, travel and purchasing authorizations, official transcripts, and diplomas.
The College reserves the right to remove a preferred name if it is used inappropriately, including but not limited to: for the purpose of misrepresentation, to be disruptive, or to attempt to avoid a legal obligation.
Check how to do it: https://www.sunywcc.edu/admissions/registering-for-classes/preferred-name-information/
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a Preferred Name?
A. A preferred name is a name you choose to be called that is different from your legal name.
For example:
Philip has a long name, and prefers to be called Phil.
Abayomi has a name that’s difficult for english speakers to say, and prefers to be called Omi.
Sandra no longer identifies as woman, and prefers to be called Ryan.
Q. Who Can Change Preferred Names?
A. You as a Westchester Community College student can set, change, and/or delete your preferred name.
Q. Can anyone update my preferred name?
A. No. Only you can set, change, and/or delete your preferred name.
Q. Can I set my preferred name to whatever I want?
A. You may set your preferred name to whatever you would like. However, the College reserves the right to remove a preferred name if it is used inappropriately, including but not limited to: for the purpose of misrepresentation, to be disruptive, or to attempt to avoid a legal obligation.
Q. Can I use my preferred name for everything at the College?
A. No. Your preferred name can only be used and will only appear on the class and grading rosters. On all other College records and documents, your legal name will appear as required by law.
