Syracuse University allows students, faculty and staff to officially notify the university of their preferred names and pronouns. This information will be used in several communication systems across the university, however, there are limits to where this information can be used.
This practice is consistent with state laws including GENDA, and our university’s non-discrimination policy, which protects campus community members against discrimination based on gender identity and expression. It is currently recognized as a best practice for supporting transgender and gender non-conforming members of university communities.
Students' preferred or chosen names are individual choices and are often deeply connected to students’ identities and sense of belonging. Preferred or chosen names may include a shortened version of a legal name, the use of a middle name, or a completely different name that reflects who they are. Per University policy, preferred or chosen names should be used where possible in the course of University education and communication. However, in many circumstances, it may be a name that the student wishes to exclusively use on campus. In an effort to ensure a safe and positive experience for the student, it is strongly recommended that for any communications sent to a student’s permanent addresses, their primary name be used as opposed to their preferred or chosen name.
Students that need to change your legal name with the University should instead refer to the Change of Student Information Form at https://registrar.syr.edu/students/student-forms/. Faculty and staff should use the Employee Demographic Change form at https://hr.syr.edu/forms/.
What are Preferred Names?
A preferred name is one that you choose to be called that is different from your legal/primary name.
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- @syr.edu e-mail display name
- In MySlice class and grade rosters used by instructors
- Orange SUccess (preferred first name only, meaning your preferred last name will not show in Orange SUccess), it also will show your legal first and last name. The software vendor is working on an update that will remove a student's legal name if a student has a preferred name.
- Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS)
- Degree Works - degree auditing system used by students and advisers.
- Handshake - career management tool.
- Accommodate
- Zoom - Zoom will show others in your meeting/session your preferred name.
- Patient Portal
- Wellness Portal
- Kaltura - a leading video platform powering any video experience for any organization.Students' preferred or chosen names are individual choices and are often deeply connected to students’ identities and sense of belonging. Preferred or chosen names may include a shortened version of a legal name, the use of a middle name, or a completely different name that reflects who they are. Per University policy, preferred or chosen names should be used where possible in the course of University education and communication. However, in many circumstances, it may be a name that the student wishes to exclusively use on campus. In an effort to ensure a safe and positive experience for the student, it is strongly recommended that for any communications sent to a student’s permanent addresses, their primary name be used as opposed to their preferred or chosen name.
- Your preferred name is not visible to "Share My Access" accounts in MySlice, e.g. parents.
- Note: The GET app is anticipated to show preferred name in Q2 2025. Until then only the legal name will appear.
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