Preferred Names

Westminster University values and honors diverse experiences and perspectives. Referring to students and employees by the name they wish to be called creates a welcoming and respectful learning and working environment.

Students and employees can provide a preferred name to be used on campus. Your preferred name is used instead of your legal name in ADP, in the campus directory (for faculty and staff only), and on class rosters. Legal names will continue to be used on transcripts, financial aid, payroll, some employee paperwork (I-9 and W-4), and other contractual documents.

Definitions

A legal name is the name that appears on your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, or U.S. Social Security Card.

The term “preferred name” refers to a name you wish to use that differs from your name on legal documents and/or differs from the name listed on your original student or employee university record and that has not been changed legally.

Reasons for choosing a preferred name are personal and different for each individual. Possible reasons include:

• Preferring to use a nickname or middle name instead of a legal first name
• Choosing a name that aligns with your gender identity
• Wanting a preemptive name change while in the process of legal divorce proceedings
  
  

Terms and Conditions

Preferred names may not be used for purposes of fraud or misrepresentation. When you set your preferred name, you agree that you have not set a preferred name with an intent to impersonate someone else, to deceive, or to defraud.

Hate speech, inappropriate language, or repeated frequent use of the preferred name feature may bar you from using it in the future, at the university’s discretion. The university reserves the right to remove a preferred name if it contains inappropriate or offensive language.

Your preferred name may be used in any Westminster University system or correspondence.

Adding or Changing Preferred Name and Pronouns

Log into ADP and click on "Myself." Under "My Information," click on Profile and under "Personal Info" click on "View More." From here you can enter your preferred name and pronouns. It can take up to 7 business days for your name to sync across all systems that accommodate preferred name and pronouns. You may change your preferred name and pronouns at any time and more than once. If you have any trouble updating your preferred name, please submit a Help Desk request.

Where Preferred and Legal Names Appear

Your preferred name will be displayed in most campus systems, but you may need to notify professors or staff members when a class is already underway and a current roster cannot be referenced.