Preferred First Name

Michigan Technological University recognizes that individuals may choose to identify themselves using a name that differs from their legal name. Because of this, individuals may designate a preferred first name to be used across university systems, where feasible.

Individuals are free to determine the preferred first name they want to be known by, regardless of whether they have legally changed their name. The University reserves the right to remove a preferred first name if it is used inappropriately, including but not limited to, avoiding a legal obligation or for the purpose of misrepresentation.

Legal Name

The legal name is the name that appears on government issued identification. The legal name will continue to be used in university related systems, business processes, and documents such as reporting, financial aid, transcripts, tax documents, payroll, and other records where use of legal first name is required by law or University Policy.

How to Add a Preferred First Name

Students and employees who wish to designate a preferred first name, may do so using the following methods:

Students:

through the online application for admission; or
log in to MyMichiganTech: select the “Current Students” tab -> in the Personal Information box on the right side, select “Review or Update Preferred First Name;” or
when submitting a photo for the Tech ID card; or
contact the Registrar’s Office.

Employees:

log in to Banweb: select the “Personal Information” tab -> select the “Update Preferred First Name” option; or
when submitting a photo for the Tech ID card; or
contact the Human Resources Office.

How to Change Preferred First Name
Before Attending Michigan Tech

If changing preferred name BEFORE attending Michigan Tech:

Login to Banweb
Go to the Personal Information tab
Select "Update Preferred First Name"
Enter name and hit "Set Preferred Name"

This process will change your name on:

Class Rosters
Husky Card (Student ID)
Housing and Residential Life
Canvas and MyMichiganTech
Google (Drive, Gmail, Calendar, etc)
Mass emails from most people
Printing (PaperCut)

This process will not change your name on:

Banweb
Financial Aid information
Mass emails from some people
Dining Services
Quad Core (QCFC)
Payroll
Tax Documents
Transcripts

To assist faculty and instructors in consistently addressing a student throughout a semester, students are encouraged to add a preferred first name prior to the start of a semester.

How to Change Preferred First Name
While Active at Michigan Tech

If changing preferred name WHILE ACTIVE at Michigan Tech:

Name Change Procedure

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will my preferred first name appear?

Preferred first names appear on class rosters, in the campus directory, and on the front of the Michigan Tech ID card. (Legal Names are printed on the back of the Michigan Tech ID card).

Who may use a preferred first name?

Preferred first names may be used by students, faculty, staff and alumni.

How soon will my preferred first name be updated in university systems?

It will be updated in university systems within 24 hours.

Does it cost anything to use a preferred first name?

There is not a fee associated with using a preferred first name. However, please see the Michigan Tech HuskyCard website for information regarding fees associated with replacement Michigan Tech ID cards.

Will my preferred first name be used for all business and educational matters at Michigan Tech?

No. Your legal name will be used in systems and processes where it is required by law or University Policy.

How many times can I change my preferred first name?

You may change your preferred first name as many times as you would like. However, keep in mind that it may have ripple effects in your day-to-day on-campus experiences. Changing your preferred first name more than once can lead to confusion regarding your identity, challenges in customer service, and/or the interruption of your ability to access some university systems.

How do I update my legal name at the University?

Students should contact the Registrar’s Office. You will need to submit 2 pieces of identification: photo identification and the name change document (i.e. a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court document reflecting the name change). Employees should contact Human Resources.

Legal Name

How to Add a Preferred First Name

How to Change Preferred First Name Before Attending Michigan Tech

How to Change Preferred First Name While Active at Michigan Tech

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Change Preferred First Name
Before Attending Michigan Tech

How to Change Preferred First Name
While Active at Michigan Tech