Preferred Names

UCI allows a student to submit a preferred name that will appear in place of the student's legal name in certain University related records. Electing to use a preferred name will not change your legal name.

What is a preferred name?

A preferred name is a name that you choose to be used in place of your legal name on certain university related records or documents.

At this time, examples of where your preferred name would be used are:

• Campus Directory
• Class rosters
• UCI identification card
• Canvas
• Electronic Educational Environment (EEE)
• Financial Aid

Examples where your legal name would continue to be used are:

• Academic records
• Transcripts
• Diplomas
• Financial Aid and Scholarships documents
• Financial Services
• Any legal document produced by the University

Important Information

If you choose to use a preferred name, it is recommended that you obtain a new UCI identification card to assist in identification for exam purposes. New UCI identification cards can be obtained from The Card Desk at The Hill (UCI Bookstore).

Your diploma will be printed with your full legal name only. To request your name to be changed on your diploma, you must submit a Request for Name Change on UCI Records (see below).

Setting a preferred name

If you have a current UCInetID, you may set your preferred name via StudentAccess. Requests for a preferred name may be submitted only by the student.

Eligible Preferred Names

There are limits to what you may select as a preferred name. Character limits and character restrictions are outlined in StudentAccess. Other restrictions are set by the Office of the Registrar.

Upon submission of your preferred name via StudentAccess, your choice of preferred name will be reviewed by the Office of the Registrar. Once your preferred name is approved, it will appear in the Preferred Name section in StudentAccess. If your preferred name is not approved, your legal name will remain the only name on your record in StudentAccess.

Examples of preferred names that will not be approved:

• Names containing foul or inappropriate language as deemed by the Registrar
• Names used for the purpose of misrepresentation

Changing your legal name

To submit a change of legal name, please visit: Request a Change of Legal Name.

Changing your Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation

To submit a change of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation, please visit: Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Student Data.