Wittenberg University recognizes that many members of our community prefer to use first names other than their legal names to identify themselves. The University is committed to using the chosen first names of individuals in our community wherever possible.
By adding a chosen name, I understand that:
The Chosen First Name replaces the Legal First Name in the following systems:
- Campus Directory
- Class Roster
- Email Display Name
Student’s legal name will remain unchanged in all other University related systems, including the student view in Experience.
Submission Deadlines
There is no deadline to submit the Chosen First Name request. Once submitted, the request will be processed immediately.
Students are encouraged to notify their professors and other staff that may need to know about their chosen first name being updated and to also check their Witt email accounts for important messages from Wittenberg.
Note: Chosen First Names will not be used in cases where the legal name is required, including but not limited to, financial aid documents, official transcripts, payroll records, Witt ID, and federal immigration documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How do I add a chosen name?
A: Login to Self-Service. In the left-hand menu, select User Options, then User Profile. Click Edit Personal Identity and enter the chosen name, then click Save. The chosen name will appear beneath the email address once populated.
- Q: What is a chosen first name?
A: A chosen name is a first name (i.e. given name) that may be chosen to be used instead of the legal first name. Students may opt to go by a chosen name that is different from their legal first name.
- Q: Why do we offer a chosen name option?
A: Wittenberg University recognizes that many members of our community choose to use first names other than their legal names to identify themselves. The University is committed to using the chosen first names of individuals in our community wherever possible.
- Q: What is the difference between chosen and legal name?
A: Your legal name is the name that is listed on all government issued identification, your birth certificate, and/or associated with your social security or tax ID number. A chosen name is a first name used by a student that is different than their legal or given name. A student may use a chosen name for a variety of reasons. Chosen names are used internally to Wittenberg University and in place of their legal first name whenever possible. The chosen name is designated with Wittenberg University and does not change your legal or given name.
- Q: Will my chosen name be used on my Witt ID?
A: You may opt in to receive a new Witt ID. Using your chosen name on your Witt ID will result in not being able to use the banking function of the card because the names will not match with your government or state issued ID.
- Q: Where will my chosen name appear?
A: The Chosen Name replaces the Legal First Name in the following systems:
- Campus Directory
- Class Roster
- Email Display Name
- Q: Can I limit the places in which my chosen name is used?
A: Once you have completed the Chosen Name Change Form and it has been reviewed and approved, your chosen name will appear in all noted systems. We are not able to limit which systems or applications will use the Chosen Name field.
- Q: Can I change my chosen name back to my legal name at a later date?
A: Yes, if you would like to revert to your legal name please submit your request via the Chosen Name Change Request. Once the request has been reviewed and approved your legal name will replace your Chosen Name.
- Q: Who do I contact with concerns about my chosen name?
A: All Chosen Name Change requests for students are managed and maintained by the Associate Dean of Students and Director for McClain Center for Diversity. This includes request review and approval. For concerns regarding the Chosen Name Change Form and approvals, please contact the Associate Dean of Students and Director for McClain Center for Diversity at 937-327-7803.
- Q: What are the submission deadlines for Chosen Name Changes?
A: The Chosen Name Change process is on-going. Once the request has been reviewed and approved, the appropriate University officials will be notified of the change so your account can be updated. It is NOT the responsibility of the Associate Dean of Students and Director for McClain Center for Diversity or any other University staff person to notify the faculty of this change. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure their professors are aware of the process being approved and that their Chosen Name is being used.
Click Here To Read Official Wittenberg Chosen Name Change Policy
Adapted from Georgia State University, Office of the Registrar