Preferred Names
Guidelines for Using a Preferred or Chosen Name at Southeast Technical College
Southeast Technical College is committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment on campus, online and at all college-sponsored activities. To foster this sense of belonging, STC has established guidelines for students who may wish to use a preferred or chosen name. We seek to honor this choice wherever a legal first name is not required.
Southeast Tech understands that students may choose to use names other than their legal name to identify themselves. In some cases, someone may choose to use their middle name rather than their first name. An individual may use a nickname or a shortened version of their name. This option also includes people who choose to use a name adapted from their language to an English name or people who use a name that aligns with their gender identity.
Following this recognition and using these guidelines, the college supports the use of preferred names, regardless of whether the name has been legally changed, except where the legal name is required by law or business need.
- A preferred or chosen name may not be used for illegal or other deceptive purposes.
- Employees are encouraged to make reasonable efforts to use an individual’s preferred name when referring to someone with a known preferred name that differs from their legal name.
- These guidelines use the words "preferred" and "chosen" names interchangeably as each word supports the intent of fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment.
- Whether an individual is using a nickname, a preferred name or a chosen name, or a shortened name, the FAQs below will refer to a chosen name as a "preferred name."
Legal Name Change Request Form Preferred First Name Change Request Form
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this opportunity is available to all students at STC.
No. This is just an option for people who want to be identified by something other than their legal name. If you want to use your legal name, you don't need to do anything.
No. Students are given an opportunity to share their gender identity so that we may be aware of their preferred pronouns. If students are seeking legal modification of their designated gender, they must work with the state in which they were born to initiate that process.
Incoming students (new students) may indicate their preferred name on the admission application. Current students can request a preferred name by using the Preferred Name Change Request form located in myTech.
Southeast Tech strives to use a preferred name where possible, but your legal name will continue to be used in business and other processes that require the use of a legal name. Examples include, but are not limited, to the following:
- Academic records (e.g., diploma, transcript)
- Financial aid documents
- Veteran Affairs education benefits
- Payroll
- Billing records
- Medical records
- Federal immigration documents
- Tax forms (e.g., W2, 1095C, 1099s, 1098s, etc.)
- Checks and direct deposit files issued by accounts payable
- Student loan documents
- Scholarships
The full implementation of these guidelines is ongoing as information systems, processes and services are added or removed regularly.
We aim to have a preferred name appear wherever a legal name is not required.
Yes, a preferred name will appear on your ID card.
We anticipate that preferred name changes will be made within seven business days.
Once a preferred name is updated in our system, instructors and advisors will see the name change. It is your responsibility to inform instructors of a preferred name if you want to be addressed by that name immediately.
STC recognizes that a name is a special identifier, chosen with intention. We don't anticipate denying a name change request, but we do reserve the right to reject unprofessional or inappropriate name requests and to remove preferred names with or without notice. Symbols may not be used in preferred names.
Students may submit another name change form to document this change.
If you are a current student, visit myTech for information about changing your legal name. You will need to provide appropriate documentation, such as a driver’s license, marriage license, court order or dissolution decree or a Social Security card. Non-US citizens must present a current passport or official proof of identity, certified by the U.S. Embassy abroad or by the appropriate foreign embassy in the U.S.
Yes, after approval of a preferred name, the STC username and email address will update. Please allow seven days for this update to process.
In some cultures, students may go by what is legally their middle name or their last name. STC will use the legal name in all areas where the legal name is required. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for students who speak multiple languages to adopt an “English” name. Some may believe it’s easier for others to pronounce an English name, and others may have been “given” an English name by a classmate or former teacher at some point in time. Indigenous students may go by a name in their heritage language or another name. Students may not be asked to use an “easier” name, but they may indicate if they have a preferred name of their choosing.
Questions?
If you have questions about this process or would like to discuss a name change, please reach out to Marcella Prokop, Director of Access and Workforce Opportunity at marcella.prokop@southeasttech.edu.
If you have submitted a name change request and it has been more than seven business days, please contact Megan Fischer, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs at megan.fischer@southeasttech.edu.