Using a Chosen Name: Information for Students & Employees
In the spirit of acknowledging the diverse and inclusive ethos of SUNY Plattsburgh, to align with current Title IX legislation, and with the purpose of encouraging an environment for personal expression within community standards (i.e. not profane, obscene, or derived from hate-speech; and conform to technical requirements), SUNY Plattsburgh recognizes the needs of students and employees who wish to be identified by a first name that differs from their legal name.
The SUNY Plattsburgh chosen name process allows students and employees to officially notify the college of their chosen name. This name change will be reflected in on-campus communication systems, as long as the chosen name is not used for purposes of misidentification, fraud or misrepresentation; and the chosen name aligns with community standards.
There are limits to where chosen names will be reflected in college communications. Requests for use of chosen name shall be limited to one request per academic year.
Students
The Office of the Registrar reviews chosen name requests from students. Students with questions about the policy and/or process for requesting use of a chosen name should contact the registrar. Appeals for denied requests should be presented to the Title IX coordinator.
Employees
Human Resource Services reviews chosen name requests from employees. Appeals for denied requests should be presented to the Title IX coordinator.
The chosen name is used in internal communication and certain external communications (i.e. website staff bio pages, sports information). Internal applications for the use of approved chosen name include but may not be limited to: class rosters, advising lists, housing lists, and email. Cardinal Cards will display both legal and chosen name. The college is obligated to use the legal first name for many official records and reports, including but not limited to: certain employment and payroll records, billing records, financial aid documents, official transcripts, medical records, employee benefits records, enrollment reporting, expense reimbursements, travel and purchasing authorizations, conduct hearing results, and federal immigration documents.
Adjusting our various information systems to include the use of the chosen name is a multi-year effort, due to the complexity and interrelated nature of systems and record sources. We appreciate your patience as we expand our ability to use a chosen name in records, and work toward providing a solution for this important need.
Chosen Name Policy FAQs
- Why do we have a Chosen Name Policy?
The Chosen Name Policy brings us in line with recommendations for compliance with the government’s Title IX provisions. It also promotes a campus ethos which welcomes and supports self-expression.
- Who does the policy affect?
- Why would someone want to use a chosen name?
- Does the policy allow me to change my legal name?
- Where will I see my chosen name?
- How do I seek the use of a chosen name?
- How often can I request a chosen name?