Preferred Name Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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. 

Where does Preferred Name appear for students?

@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.
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.

Where does Preferred Name appear for faculty?

Your @syr.edu e-mail display name
Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) - An instructor's Preferred Name will appear in the Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) next to the course listing, as the instructor of the course, in the class roster, as well as in the discussion board.
Orange SUccess - (preferred first name only, meaning your preferred last name will not show in Orange SUccess)
Zoom - Zoom will show others in your meeting/session your preferred name.
Kaltura - a leading video platform powering any video experience for any organization.

Where does Preferred Name appear for staff?

Your @syr.edu e-mail display name
Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) - in all places where a name is displayed (e.g., Blackboard Communities)
Orange SUccess - (preferred first name only, meaning your preferred last name will not show in Orange SUccess)
Zoom - Zoom will show others in your meeting/session your preferred name.
Kaltura - a leading video platform powering any video experience for any organization.

Will Preferred Name appear on my SU ID card?

If the cardholder already has a card, please log into the MySlice Portal (https://myslice.ps.syr.edu ) and click the View/Update Names link in the My Profile section and update your preferred name. Once this has been done, please email the ID Card office at idcard@syr.edu for a replacement card to be produced at no cost. If you want your preferred name to appear on your new card, you must specify that during your request, otherwise your legal name will be the default. The ID Card office located in 111 Waverly, Suite 111, is open Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Will Preferred Name appear on my Paycheck and/or Pay Notice?

Human Resources records related to salary, benefits, taxes, or other financial issues must contain an individual's legal name so that the records can be matched to files or information required, requested, or retained by the federal, state, or local government.

Where do I change my Preferred Name?

SU students, faculty and staff can log into the MySlice Portal (https://myslice.ps.syr.edu ) and click the View/Update Names link in the My Profile section. See next section for SUNY ESF.

I am an ESF student, faculty or staff. How do I change my Preferred Name, and where will it appear?

ESF students will not see the option to update their Preferred Name in the Syracuse University (SU) MySlice Portal as there is a separate Preferred Name procedure already in place at ESF for these students. This process can be found at the ESF Registrar website for Chosen/Preferred Names. An SU student taking classes at ESF who wishes to use a Preferred Name in ESF systems must update the Preferred Name utilizing the ESF procedure.

Can I delete my Preferred Name once I enter one?

Yes, after you add a Preferred Name, you have the option to delete it at any time (in reality it just gets deactivated, but you will not see your Preferred Name in MySlice or other systems until you add a new one). Please be aware that changes may take several hours to propagate to the various systems that utilize the Preferred Name, so you may still see a deactivated name for some time after you indicate that you would no longer like to use it.

How often can I change my Preferred Name?

You may change your Preferred Name as often as you choose. Please be aware that changes may take several hours to propagate to the various systems that utilize the Preferred Name. In addition, remember that it is your responsibility to alert faculty of this change if you wish them to use it as soon as possible.

Is my Preferred Name visible to my parent or guardian via MySlice (meaning if I give them proxy access through MySlice)?

No.

Can I add personal pronouns and preferred gender markers to my MySlice Portal?

Not at this time.

What if I have additional questions that have not been addressed here in the FAQ's?

You can send an email to help@syr.edu with your question. You can also find more details on the University's Preferred Name Policy webpage.

What if I have additional questions about this Policy?

Please contact the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience regarding student name usage and the Office of Human Resources regarding employee name usage. You can also send an email to help@syr.edu if you have questions or comments.

Will my Preferred Name appear on my diploma?

Your preferred name will not appear on your diploma by default. You may specify how you want your name to appear on your diploma. All information and a link to some FAQ’s on how to do this can be found on the Office of the Registrar diploma web page ( http://registrar.syr.edu/students/diplomas/)

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