Use of Preferred Names

The University of Alaska recognizes that many members of its community use names other than their legal names to identify themselves.  Students and employees may indicate their preferred first names to the university community even if they have not changed their legal names.  This preferred name will appear instead of the person’s legal name in select university-related systems and documents, provided that the preferred first name is not being used for the purpose of misrepresentation. The official/legal name will continue to be used in all university-related systems and documents that require a verified legal name.

Preferred names may be used in the following systems and records, including but not limited to:

• UAOnline, DegreeWorks and Blackboard
• Class and grade rosters
• Dean’s list and Chancellor’s list
• Advisee lists
• Student and employee ID cards
• Directory listing and directory information (unless you have chosen directory information exclusion)

Legal names will continue to be used for official University records, including but not limited to:

• Official transcripts
• Unofficial transcripts
• Student account statements (bills)
• Financial aid and scholarship documents
• Responses to individual enrollment inquiries such as verification requests (unless you have chosen directory information exclusion) under legal and/or preferred name
• National Student Clearinghouse enrollment and degree verification
• Professional education certification records
• Student employment documents
• Housing contracts
• Legal documents and reports produced by the university
• Legal and mandatory reporting of benefits
• Paychecks, W2s, and other payroll documents
• Employment verifications
• Employment documents