Last Updated: February 16, 2023 9:00:17 AM PST
You may indicate that a preferred name be used on certain university records and systems.
This includes:
- First Name
- Middle Name
- but not Last Name
You may also indicate a set of personal pronouns by which you would like to be identified.
To indicate your preferred name and personal pronouns:
- Use the Social Identities Tool on TritonLink
NOTE: in 2020, the UC Office of the President issued a new policy on Gender Recognition and Lived Name that adds new requirements for handling, processing, and displaying the names of people affiliated with the university, including a preferred or "lived" last name. This is currently being implemented and scheduled to go live by the end of 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is meant by preferred name?
Students choose preferred names, also referred to as lived names or names in use, for a variety of reasons, including:
- Nicknames
- Names that reflect a cultural, religious or familial preference/ practice
- Names that students select for campus use because people mispronounce their given/ birth names
- Names that accurately reflect a person's gender identity
What is meant by personal pronouns?
Personal pronouns are a way of indicating the set of pronouns by which you should be identified. An example of pronouns is she/hers. More information about personal pronouns may be found at mypronouns.org.
If my legal name is the same as my preferred name, do I need to submit a preferred name?
If your legal name and your preferred name are the same, you do not need to do anything; your legal name will be used unless you submit a preferred name. If you have submitted a preferred name and wish to revert back to using your legal name you may remove your preferred name using the
Social Identities Tool.
What systems will use my preferred name and personal pronouns?
Preferred name and personal pronouns are being implemented across campus however many systems are still being modified to display them instead of legal name. As of September 2019, the following systems have been updated to display preferred first name and middle name for students:
- Find-a-Student (includes personal pronoun)
- Class Lists (includes personal pronoun)
- Slate (includes personal pronoun)
- VAC (includes personal pronoun)
- eGrades
- The Social Identities Tool
- Academic History
- Student Activity Hub
- EASy
- Canvas
- uAchieve
- TA hiring app
- Student ID/One Cards
What systems and documents will continue to use my legal name?
Your legal name will continue to be used on official university documents, on authorized external communications not directed solely to you, and in systems that must use legal name due to legal or regulatory requirements.
For example, legal name will continue to be used on official transcripts, diplomas, authorized payer systems, 1098T, financial aid documents, and communications to your parents about orientation.
If my legal name is the same as my preferred name, do I need to submit a preferred name?
If your legal name and your preferred name are the same, you do not need to do anything; your legal name will be used unless you submit a preferred name.
If you have submitted a preferred name and wish to revert back to using your legal name, you may remove your preferred name using the Social Identities Tool.
May I specify a preferred last name?
No, you may only specify preferred first and middle names.
What happens if I leave my middle name blank when submitting a preferred name?
Your displayed preferred name will not include a middle name.
How do I change my legal name on University records?
Do I have to provide a preferred name or personal pronoun?
No, using a preferred name or personal pronoun is entirely optional.
Which pronouns can I choose?
The default list of pronouns from which you can choose is as follows: He/Him, She/Her, They/Them, Ze/Hir, Per/Per, or your name.
You can also specify a custom pronoun or multiple sets of pronouns via the custom pronoun choice.
Can I put anything as a preferred name or personal pronoun?
Your preferred name will be used to identify you in most day-to-day university business and on some documents, so think carefully before indicating a preferred name that you are not comfortable with being used in public settings within the University.
The University reserves the right to remove or deny a preferred name or personal pronoun submission if used inappropriately. This includes, but is not limited to, foul or inappropriate language or identifiers submitted to avoid a legal obligation or to create misrepresentation.
Names with more than 55 characters may not display completely in some systems.
Can I change my university email address to better match my preferred name?
Contact the UCSD Postmaster with inquiries about setting up an email alias or making changes to your email or username.
How do I get a new UCSD ID card or One Card with my preferred name?
Please visit the
Campus Cards Office to obtain a new ID card with your preferred name. First name changes are free of charge, if you surrender your old ID card. There is a $25 charge if you are replacing a lost ID card.
What if a university staff member or faculty refuses to use my preferred name or personal pronoun?
How often can I change my preferred name or personal pronoun?
There is no limit to how often you can change your preferred name or pronoun, but changes may take up to 30 days to propagate in some systems.
I am a graduate student who also teaches: how will my preferred name be displayed?
Currently, preferred name and personal pronouns are only available in student systems. As such, systems that you use as a staff or faculty member will not display your preferred name and personal pronouns at this time. However, preferred names and personal pronouns for faculty and staff will be implemented with the adoption of UC Path.