Name Change
Application for admission to the University requires students to use their legal name. The legal name must be the name that is recorded with the Social Security Administration. The same is true for a student to change his/her name; the University will require proof of that legal name by evidence of the social security card. The legal name is imperative at both the state and federal level reporting (i.e. financial aid, College Opportunity Fund, employment.)
Preferred Name
A first name by which an individual wishes to be identified that is other than the individual's legal name is a "preferred name". UNC will provide a process for any student to include a preferred first name in UNC's information systems. While UNC will work toward primary use of the preferred name, students should be aware that the use of the legal name will continue to be necessary in multiple communications and processed due to UNC business or legal requirements and/or system limitations.
UNC reserves the right to deny a request to include a preferred name in its information systems if the request is fraudulent, carries connotations offensive to good taste and decency, or violates the Board Policy Manual, University Regulations and/or Student Code of Conduct. Issues relating to such matters may be referred to the VP of Campus Community and Climate and the Dean of Students Office for consideration and resolution
UNC will investigate reports of misuse and abuse of the preferred name process/policy statement. Depending on the circumstances, those involved in such investigations may include Human Resources, Dean of Students,
Provost, University Counsel, and/or appropriate law enforcement agencies.
The university also reserves the right to remove preferred names that are deemed misrepresentative and suspend the individual's privilege to update their preferred name.
Preferred Name/Graduation Ceremonies
For graduation ceremonies and commencement program publication, the Office of the Registrar will use a student’s legal name. If a student chooses to use a preferred first name in place of a legal first name at the graduation ceremony and in the commencement program (not transcripts or diplomas) they must submit an Individual Data Change Request Form and select the appropriate box to override legal first name and use the preferred first name at the ceremony. Students may also provide their preferred first name at the point they apply for graduation on the graduation application.
Students with a preferred first name on file with the Office of the Registrar and who wish to use their preferred first name for graduation ceremonies and commencement program publication, must submit an Individual Data Change Request Form or Graduation Application by the respective graduation application deadline. For information on deadlines, please visit the Graduation Deadlines site.
Students without a preferred first name on file with the Office of the Registrar and who wish to use their preferred first name for graduation ceremonies and commencement program publication, must submit an Individual Data Change Request Form or Graduation Application by the respective graduation application deadline. For information on deadlines, please visit the Graduation Deadlines site.
If a student uses their middle name as a preferred first name, we recommend that a student request to remove their middle name to prevent duplication. Please see the FAQ section for more information. If a student chooses to not delete the middle name from the system and the middle name is the same as the preferred first name than the middle name will be omitted from the program.
By changing your preferred name on the graduation application it will also impact:
Housing contracts
Recreation Center
Student online directory
Canvas
Library Checkout
Career Services (Handshake)
Student Email address
A student’s legal name will be published on diplomas and official transcripts.
This policy statement may be modified or rescinded at the discretion of UNC.