How it's used
You may designate a preferred first and/or middle name with the university, whether that be a nickname, middle name, professional name, anglicized name or name more closely associated with your gender identity. Where technically and legally feasible,
preferred names are displayed instead of primary (legal) names in university systems and records, and are used to identify students in the classroom and other places on campus.
After designating a preferred name in UCDAccess, your preferred name automatically appears in the following university systems and records without additional action:
- Class and grade rosters (used by faculty)
- Advisee rosters (used by advisors; this also displays primary name)
- Unofficial transcripts
- Degree audits Student Center in UCDAccess
- Learning management systems (Canvas)
- Housing
Your primary name may be required for official documented business needs (e.g., financial aid, tax forms, health insurance records, etc.). Systems that rely on data stored in enterprise systems should be updated regularly to reflect the most current name
information.
How to change your preferred name
No documentation is required to designate a preferred name. Last names may only be updated through the official primary name change process with supporting legal documentation.
- Log in to UCDAccess Student Portal
- Click on Student Center
- Click on All Student Functions
- Choose the Profile icon
- Scroll down and click on Names
- If you don’t see Preferred Name, click on Add Name
The following university systems and records require additional steps to update your preferred or primary name.
Email
Display Name: To change the name displayed in the "from" line of email messages, contact OIT at 303-724-HELP.
Alias: To request an
update to your email alias (the part of your email address before @), contact OIT at 303-724-HELP.
Campus Directory (online student lookup): The campus directory publishes the display name from the Identity Management system.
CU Denver ID badge:
All badges are issued with your primary name. If you've submitted a primary or preferred name change, you may bring your current card to the badging office in the Tivoli Student Union and purchase a replacement card.
Contact the Office of the
Registrar for instructions on updating your primary or preferred name for university systems and processes not listed here.
Note: The university reserves the right to remove any preferred name that is deemed to be inappropriate, derogatory or
misrepresentation (e.g., student is attempting to avoid legal obligations or confuse their identity with that of another). Students may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct.
