Chosen Name Form (Student)

As an institution, we recognize that some of our students may use names other than their legal name to identify themselves. These may include, but are not limited to, people who use their middle name instead of their first name, people who use nicknames in place of a legal name, people who use an anglicized name, or people who use a name that affirms their gender identity.

Students may request use of their chosen first name in lieu of their legal first name in certain College systems. As long as the use of this chosen name is not for the purposes of misrepresentation, the College acknowledges that a chosen name may be used where possible. Saint Mary’s College reserves the right to remove a chosen name if it is used inappropriately. The student's legal name will still continue to be used for official transcripts, diplomas, financial aid documents, payroll, and other instances where a legal name is required by law or university policy.

Chosen names are limited to first name only, alphabetical characters, a hyphen (-) and a space. Your legal name will be written in small letters on the back of your student identification card. Although students are generally free to determine the chosen names they wish to be known by, inappropriate use of the chosen name policy (including but not limited to avoiding a legal obligation or misrepresentation) may be cause for denying the request. A committee comprised of the Vice Provost for Student Academics, Dean of Students, and Registrar will determine appropriateness in conjunction with the student.

View the SMC Student Chosen Name Policy (pdf)