UCI allows a student to submit a preferred name that will appear in place of the student's
legal name in certain University related records. Electing to use a preferred name will not
change your legal name.
What is a preferred name?
A preferred name is a name that you choose to be used in place of your legal name on
certain university related records or documents.
At this time, examples of where your preferred name would be used are:
- Campus Directory
- Class rosters
- Canvas
- Diplomas
- Electronic Educational Environment (EEE)
- Financial Aid
- Financial Services Student Systems (Zot Account, Transact Payments)
- Transcripts
- ZotKey (Digital ID)
Examples where your legal name would continue to be used are:
- Financial Aid and Scholarships documents
- Financial Services tax, loan, and disbursement documents
- Any legal document produced by the University
Important Information
ZotKey (Digital ID)
If your preferred name is approved, your ZotKey will be updated later that same night.
Diplomas
Your diploma will be printed with your legal or preferred name.
Setting a preferred name
If you have a current UCInetID, you may set your preferred name via StudentAccess. Requests for a preferred name may be submitted only by the student.
Eligible Preferred Names
There are limits to what you may select as a preferred name. Character limits and character
restrictions are outlined in StudentAccess. Other restrictions are set by the Office of the
Registrar.
Upon submission of your preferred name via StudentAccess, your choice of preferred name
will be reviewed by the Office of the Registrar. Once your preferred name is approved, it
will appear in the Preferred Name section in StudentAccess. If your preferred name is not
approved, your legal name will remain the only name on your record in StudentAccess.
Examples of preferred names that will not be approved:
- Names containing foul or inappropriate language as deemed by the Registrar
- Names used for the purpose of misrepresentation
Changing your legal name
To submit a change of legal name, please visit: Request a Change of Legal Name.
Changing your Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation
To submit a change of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation, please visit: Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation Student Data.
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