Updating Name and Pronouns
Name Changing on Campus
Primary (Legal) Name vs Preferred/Chosen/Common Name
A campus "Preferred" name is the name a student wishes to be commonly known as, if different from their legal first name. The "Preferred" name will be used on class rosters.
Your Primary or Legal name will continue to be the your legal name and will be used on official university documentation:
- Official and Unofficial Transcripts
- TowerCard (Front: Preferred Name, Back: Legal Name in smaller font)
- Any documentation involving financial aid or student accounts
For additional information please see the Office of the Registrar's page on Updating Personal Information.
Using a Preferred/Chosen/Common Name at SJSU
Please see the following guides to update your name or pronouns on following SJSU systems:
- MySJSU
- Canvas
- SJSU Email
- Zoom
- Diploma Name (Registrar's Website)
Changing Primary (Legal) Name through SJSU
- Once you have finalized your official legal name change, submit the Personal Information Change Request form.
- If you need help with figuring out the campus process of getting your name changed legally, please see the Registrar's Office page: Updating Personal Information: Primary (Legal) Name.
