Preferred First Name
The University of Toledo recognizes that many members of its community use names other than their legal or official names. The University permits you to indicate a preferred first name in several systems (myUT Portal, Self Service, university email display name, Rocket ID display name, Blackboard, and the eDirectory). These systems can now synchronize and share your preferred first name. Additionally, you may use a preferred first name on your diploma when you graduate from The University of Toledo.
For example, perhaps you have always gone by a nickname, a name that is easier to pronounce, or for transgender students, you may self-identify by one name but have not opted to make that change legally.
What is a preferred first name and how is it different than legal name?
Your preferred first name is the name you are called in day-to-day life. It is your chosen first name.
Your legal first name is your official first name of record. For example, your official transcripts, tax forms, payroll records will not change from your legal first name to your preferred first name.
Example: Thomas Smith is known by the first name Tom. Thomas is his legal first name. Tom is his preferred name. The systems noted in the first paragraph will now recognize “Tom Smith” as his name.
Example: Michael Smith identifies as Rachel. Michael is her legal name. Rachel is her chosen name. The systems noted in the first paragraph will now recognize “Rachel Smith” as her name.
How do you change your preferred first name?
If you decide to update your preferred first name, you can change it by following these steps:
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- Log in to the myUT portal at myut.utoledo.edu
- Click on the Student tab.
- Select Student Profile, in the My Registration Steps section.
- Within Student Profile, click Update Personal Information.
- Your default preferred first name is your legal first name. Enter your preferred first name in the box and click the Update button.
- You may reset your preferred first name to your legal first name by clicking the Reset My Preferred First Name button.
To change your legal name, follow the steps here.