180.040 Student Preferred Name Policy

Bd. Min. 2-9-17.

It is the policy of the University of Missouri that a student may choose to identify themselves within the university community with a preferred first and/or middle name that differs from their legal name.

As long as the use of the preferred first and/or middle name is not for an inappropriate purpose (explained in greater detail below), it will appear instead of the person’s legal name in university-related systems and documents where it is technically feasible, except where the use of the legal name is required by university business or legal need.

1. Preferred Name. A student’s preferred first and/or middle name will be used in lieu of a student’s legal name when it is unnecessary for the legal name to be used and it is technically feasible. Students are expected to facilitate the use of preferred name by updating the Campus Student Information System.

   The University of Missouri reserves the right to deny or remove any preferred name for misuse, including but not limited to misrepresentation, attempting to avoid legal obligation, or the use of derogatory names, with or without notice.

   Instances in which preferred name will be used include, but are not limited to:

   1. Class rosters;
   2. Residence hall rosters;
   3. University identification cards;
   4. Transcripts (there is an option to select either preferred or legal name at the time of ordering);
   5. Diplomas (if requested in the Campus Student Information System); and
   6. Wherever it is not necessary for the legal name to be used.
2. Legal Name. Students are asked to provide their legal names prior to enrollment. After enrollment, students may process official legal name changes or corrections. A change of legal name requires an official document or court order verifying the correct information at the time the request is made.

   Instances in which legal name will be used include, but are not limited to:

   1. Reporting to state or federal agencies;
   2. Transcripts (there is an option to select either preferred or legal name at the time of ordering);
   3. Diplomas (unless the student has requested a preferred name in the Campus Student Information System);
   4. Payroll documents;
   5. Financial aid documents and processes;
   6. Enrollment and degree verification processes;
   7. Other records where the student’s legal name is required by law or University policy;
   8. Official lists of students made available to the public; and
   9. Communications with the “Family of _______”.
3. FERPA. Under the Family Rights and Privacy Act, a student’s name, including preferred name, may be disclosed to the public as “directory information” unless the student opts not to permit such disclosure. To revoke the disclosure of directory information, a student has the option of requesting privacy through the Campus Student Information System.