FAQ Names

Below you will find a few common questions about names and pronouns.

1. What if I don't use my legal name?

1. What if I don't use my legal name?

Someone who wishes to be commonly known by a name that is different from their legal first name can set that in PeopleSoft by updating their chosen (preferred) name. Students who wish to have a specific name or format used for their diploma may set a diploma name. Otherwise, legal name changes in campus systems must be handled by the Office of the Registrar or by Human Resources for former employees (including student employees).

2. What are personal pronouns?

2. What are personal pronouns?

Personal pronouns are those that individuals choose for themselves and want others to use when talking to or about them. The Queer Workplace Exchange for Employee Retention & Student Success has more details.

3. Can I set or change my name and pronouns to whatever I want?

3. Can I set or change my name and pronouns to whatever I want?

Yes, unless the name or pronouns are innappropriate or being used for illegal activites. Students who enter inappropriate names/pronouns in Student Center may be a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will be referred to the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities.

4. Will my name and pronouns be used for everything at the University?

4. Will my name and pronouns be used for everything at the University?

We’re using your name in as many places as we can.

Bear in mind that your legal name will continue to be used anywhere a legal name is required - on your official and unofficial transcript, and any documentation involving financial aid or student accounts. For some of these services, you may need to provide government ID containing your legal name (such as when picking up a check).

Right now, pronouns are being used in Canvas and PeopleSoft on the class roster and faculty advising pages.

 

5. Can I change my email address to match my preferred name?

5. Can I change my email address to match my preferred name?

Anyone who has made a change to their identity or legal name can request a change to their Humboldt User Name, which will change their email address. Just submit a request to the Technology Help Desk and they'll walk you through the process.

6. May I request a Humboldt user name that uses my name?

6. May I request a Humboldt user name that uses my name?

Students who have made a change to their identity or legal name can request a change to their Humboldt user name. Just submit a request to the Technology Help Desk and they'll walk you through the process. This option is in process for staff and faculty.

7. May I request an Humboldt ID card with my name?

7. May I request an Humboldt ID card with my name?

Yes! ID cards automatically print with a preferred name, provided that a preferred name was entered in Student Center. If you add or change your name after you receive your initial ID card, you can get a replacement at the Library. An ID replacement fee of $5 will be billed to your student account.

8. Will faculty see my name in Canvas?

8. Will faculty see my name in Canvas?

Yes! It may take up to two days for the name to display in Canvas after you make the change, but it will be there.

9. Am I required to set a name or pronouns?

9. Am I required to set a name or pronouns?

Updating your personal information is optional. However, you should keep your contact information current.

10. How long will it take for my name to appear and be used by the University?

10. How long will it take for my name to appear and be used by the University?

Once you set your name in Student Center, it will automatically appear and be used on the Class and Grade rosters right away. It may take a couple of days for your name to appear in Canvas and other systems. FAQ 4 above has more information about limitations on the use of names. Changes to gender pronouns will update in class rosters immediately.

11. Do I need to change my password when I change my name?

11. Do I need to change my password when I change my name?

Maybe. If your existing password contains your name, your might have trouble logging out. Our password rules prohibit us from using our names in the password. If your password happens to include your name, we recommend that you change it.

 

12. Why can I update my diploma, but not my transcript?

12. Why can I update my diploma, but not my transcript?

The diploma is a ceremonial document, so the university can allow a name other than a legal one. The transcript is the official record of degree(s) earned and coursework completed, so it requires a legal name.

13. Why do we need to keep track of chosen (preferred) names available in the system?

13. Why do we need to keep track of chosen (preferred) names available in the system?

Reasons for name changes may include students with a chosen name different than their given (legal) name, students known by nicknames that are different from their names of record, and/or international campus community members who wish to adopt an English language name. 

14. May I print other titles or degrees as a prefix on my diploma (Dr. Jane Doe)?

14. May I print other titles or degrees as a prefix on my diploma (Dr. Jane Doe)?

No. Neither titles nor degrees previously earned will be included as part of a graduate’s name on a diploma.

15. I still have questions. Who can I talk to?

15. I still have questions. Who can I talk to?

You can contact the Office of the Registrar with general questions about:

  • updating your personal information
  • changing your legal name,
  • diploma replacements, and more.

Send us an email: records@humboldt.edu or call (707) 826-4101

For questions about your university email or your Humboldt username, contact the Technology Help Desk at help@humboldt.edu

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We take your privacy seriously. Read more about the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

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