Preferred Name Change Request Form

What is the purpose of North Country Community College preferred name change process?

North Country recognizes that some students wish to use a name other than their legal or official name of record to identify themselves. As long as the use of this preferred name is not for the purposes of misrepresentation, to avoid legal obligation, or a use of a highly offensive or derogatory name, the College acknowledges that a “preferred name” can and should be used where possible in the course of college education, business, and communication. For non-U.S. citizens, the official name of record is the passport name. The College extends this accommodation in order to help foster a more welcoming, supportive and respectful campus climate for all of its students.

Examples of where we can currently apply this name change request include your NCCC ID Card (note, this will not be a legal document), Student Information System, Blackboard, advisor transcripts, course and grade rosters, directory listings, advisor lists, student email or employee email, and other non-legal documents. Your legal name will still appear on official transcripts, medical records, paychecks, financial aid documents, and other documents that allow for legal name only.

If you see this don't fill out this input box.

Your Full Legal Name *This field is required for us to process your request and match your preferred name in ours student or employee information systems.

Your PronounsThis field is optional. Gender markers are displayed in very limited ways at the College and indicating our preferred pronouns here will help us to share this information if you would like us to.

Your Preferred First Name*This field is for you to write out your preferred FIRST NAME as you would like it to appear on your College email account, Blackboard, and unofficial/advisor transcript, and all other information systems possible.

Your Preferred Last Name (if different from legal name)This field is for you to write out your preferred LAST NAME as you would like it to appear on your College email account, Blackboard, and unofficial/advisor transcript, and all other information systems possible.

Phone Number (including area code)*Please provide a valid and functioning phone number with area code for us to contact you at.

Email Address*Please provide your preferred email address to be contacted at. Please note we will always use your NCCC provided email account as well.

Current Options for Preferred Name Use

Change the display name on your College email account (email account itself cannot be changed from name.name@students.nccc.edu)

Change the display name in our Brightspace Learning Management system (log in email itself cannot be changed name.name@students.nccc.edu)

Student ID with preferred name - follow these instructions to upload a photo of yourself on your Office 365 account first: https://nccc.edu/campus-safety/identification.html

Preferred name notification to faculty - this gives faculty a heads up for their class rosters

Please select all options listed you would like us to provide for you at this time from among the options currently available. As more options become possible we will reach out to offer these.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I update my preferred name?

STUDENTS: Your first opportunity to update your preferred name is on our admissions application. If your request to update your preferred name and/or preferred pronouns occurs after acceptance to the College, please use this online request form.

EMPLOYEES: Your first opportunity to update your preferred name and/or preferred pronouns is during your onboarding in Human Resources. If your request to update your preferred name or pronouns occurs after your initial hiring paperwork is completed, simply contact the Benefits Coordinator to make this adjustment.

Where will my updated preferred name appear?

Your preferred name will appear on your NCCC ID Card (note, this is NOT a legal document), Student Information System, Blackboard, advisor transcripts, course and grade rosters, directory listings, advisor lists, student email or employee email, and other non-legal documents.

Your legal name will still appear on official transcripts, medical records, paychecks, financial aid documents, and other documents that allow for legal name only.

Can anyone update my preferred name?

No. Only you as the student or College employee can update your preferred name.

Can I reset my preferred name whatever I want?

Although students and College employees are generally free to determine the names they wish to be known by, inappropriate use of the name policy (including but not limited to avoiding a legal obligation or misrepresentation) may be cause for denying the request. In addition, the College reserves the right to remove a preferred name if it is deemed inappropriate (e.g., is offensive or derogatory), or if used inappropriately.

How often can I change my preferred name at the College?

Your preferred name may be changed no more than once an academic year and twice during your tenure at NCCC. However, only one NCCC ID card per individual will be provided free of charge. If an individual requests a second preferred name change, they will have to pay a $15 fee for their new NCCC ID card.

How do I correct or change my legal/official name at the College?

Individuals who wish to change their official name of record must submit official documentation (e.g., court order, divorce decree, Social Security card) directly to the Office of the Registrar and Payroll Office.

Do you offer gender neutral campus housing?

The NCCC Association recognizes that same sex housing assignments are not ideal or appropriate for all students living in campus housing. By offering gender inclusive housing, NCCCA hopes to provide a more comfortable living environment that is welcoming of all gender identities.

What is the Name Change Policy?

Please review a copy of our College Name Change Policy. Questions may be directed to the College Diversity Officer in Student Affairs or the Director of Human Resources.