Daemen's Chosen Name Policy
Daemen University recognizes the need or preference for students and employees to refer to themselves by a "chosen" other than their legal given or first and/or middle name. This is consistent with Title IX federal law which protects against discrimination based on gender identity and expression and is currently recognized as a best practice for supporting transgender and gender non-conforming members of university communities. This service is not limited to use by transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, however, and is available to anyone who uses the first name on a daily basis other than their legal/primary name. Where a student or employee seeks to use a chosen name for a significant reason, and such use is not intended for the purposes of avoiding legal obligations, in jest, or for misrepresentation, the University acknowledges that, where possible and practical, a chosen name can be used in the course of University business and education. The University reserves the right to remove a chosen name if deemed inappropriate.
- Only the first and/or middle name may be changed to a chosen name;
- Last/family name must remain the same as the full legal last name in the University records system;
- The chosen name may be used in some University communications and informational materials, except where the use of the legal name is required by University business or legal need. This may include but is not limited to financial, medical, and law enforcement documents; transcripts; diplomas; W-4 forms; I-9 forms; 1098-T forms; payroll documents; Visa/immigration documents; employment applications and related documents; background check documents; insurance documents; and student conduct records;
- Chosen names are limited to alphabetical characters (a-z).
Development to accommodate the use of a chosen name in University systems is ongoing. Not all University information systems, databases, and processes may be able to display a chosen name and many uses of an individual's name require the display of the legal name; therefore, individuals who utilize a chosen name should always be prepared to reference their legal name and provide corresponding identification when necessary. A chosen name designation is not a legal name change. The chosen name will be utilized in the student information system, ID cards, and classroom management system where deemed appropriate by Daemen University. The legal name will appear on all other records and documents. Please note that chosen names cannot appear on the academic transcript, as this is a legal document. Once the electronic Change of Name Form has been completed, requests will be reviewed and processed within one week.
A chosen first name is one that you choose to be called that is different from your legal or
official name of record. Daemen University allows you to do this by setting a chosen First Name
with the Registrar’s Office.
Daemen recognizes that some students and employees wish to use a first name other than
a legal or official name of record to identify themselves in day-to-day use. As long as the use
of this chosen name is not for the purposes of misrepresentation, to avoid legal obligation, or
use of a highly offensive or derogatory name, the University acknowledges that a “chosen
name” can and should be used where possible in the course of college education, business,
and communication. This policy is limited to first and middle names, and not surnames or family names.
For non-U.S. citizens, the official name of record is the passport name. The University extends
this accommodation in order to help foster a more welcoming, supportive, and respectful
campus climate for all of its students.
The University will utilize the chosen First Name for MyDaemen, Blackboard, the Online
Directory, Class Rosters, etc. If you like, it can also be used on your diploma or in
Commencement. A student’s legal/official name of record name will remain unchanged in all
other University-related systems. Students who wish to change their legal/official name of
record must contact the Registrar’s Office.
Students wishing to add a chosen first name, or modify an existing first name, will use this online form.
Wherever reasonably possible, the chosen first name is used in Daemen University’s systems.
Official transcripts, enrollment verifications, third-party database systems, paychecks,
medical records, financial aid documents, federal immigration documents, all external
communications (in many cases even letters home), or any other University business requiring legal needs, however, will
continue to use your legal/official name. The University will attempt to display chosen first name
to the University community where feasible and appropriate and make a good-faith effort to
update reports, documents, and systems accordingly.
Although students are generally free to determine the chosen names they wish to be known
by, inappropriate use of the chosen name policy (including but not limited to avoiding a legal
obligation or misrepresentation) may be cause for denying the request. In addition, the
University reserves the right to remove a chosen name if it is deemed inappropriate (e.g., is
offensive or derogatory), or if used inappropriately.
Your chosen name can be changed no more than once an academic year and twice during your tenure at Daemen.
Individuals who wish to change their legal or official name of record must submit official
documentation (e.g., court order, divorce decree). Students must submit documentation
directly to the Office of the Registrar. Employees must submit documentation to the Office of
Employee Engagement.