Chosen Name & Pronouns
Policy
Westchester Community College recognizes that some students and employees may use a different name other than their legal name and/or may have chosen pronouns. Westchester Community College allows the use of a chosen name and pronouns, wherever possible, for all students and employees, that is consistent with applicable laws and regulations. In some instances, the College is obligated to use a person’s legal name and cannot use a chosen or preferred name. In addition, whenever Westchester Community College collects data on sex or gender/gender identity, individuals will be offered the option to select “X” for at least one of these fields.
The College will provide all students and employees with the opportunity to enter their chosen name that is different from their legal name as well as their chosen pronouns. Westchester Community College will honor and respect the right of individual’s to be referred to as their chosen name, pronouns, and gender markers in all instances permissible under the law. The College reserves the right to remove a chosen name if it is used inappropriately, including but not limited to: for the purpose of misrepresentation, to be disruptive, or to attempt to avoid a legal obligation. Westchester Community College will not deliberately refuse to use an individual’s chosen name, pronouns or gender marker based on an individual’s actual or perceived gender identity or expression.
Procedures to Identify a Chosen Name
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Chosen Name?
A chosen name is a name you prefer to be called that is different from your legal name.
For example:
- Philip has a long name and prefers to be called Phil.
- Abayomi has a name that’s difficult for English speakers to say, and prefers to be called Omi.
- Sandra no longer identifies as female and prefers to be called Ryan.
Who Can Set A Chosen Name?
Any student or employee can set, change, and/or delete a chosen name.
What Happens After I Submit My Chosen Name?
A chosen name will be reviewed and processed by the Registrar’s Office.
Can Anyone Update My Chosen Name?
No. Only you can enter a chosen name for yourself.
How Do I Set My Chosen Name?
Students may set their preferred name following the instructions listed above in the
Can I Set My Chosen Name To Whatever I Want?
You may set your chosen name to whatever you would like. The College reserves the right to remove a chosen name if it is used inappropriately, including but not limited to: for the purpose of misrepresentation, to be disruptive, or to attempt to avoid a legal obligation. Westchester Community College will not deliberately refuse to use an individual’s chosen name, pronoun or title based on an individual’s actual or perceived gender identity or expression.
Can I Use My Preferred Name For Everything At The College?
No. Your chosen name can only be used and will only appear on certain college platforms. Your legal name will appear on certain college platforms and records as required by law. By the start of the Fall 2023 semester, a student or employee’s chosen name will appear on the following college platforms and records:
- Class Rosters
- Grade Books & Rosters
- Learning Management Systems (Degreeworks, Brightspace, etc.)
- Email Display Name
- Windows Sign-On Display
- College ID
A student or employee’s legal name will appear on the following college platforms and records:
- Transcripts
- Financial Aid Applications & Records
- Reports Made To Federal Agencies
- International Student Records
- Medical Records
- Employment & Payroll Records
- Health Insurance Records
- Billing Records & Reimbursements
- Travel & Purchasing Authorizations
- Diplomas*
*Special Note About Diplomas:
- Students who wish to have their chosen name listed on a diploma will receive information when their initial diploma (that has their legal name printed) is sent to them. Students will be able to order a second diploma with their chosen name printed. To receive a second diploma with a chosen name on it, the chosen name must be on the student’s record prior to the last day of the semester in which they graduate.
- Some professional and licensing boards require use of one’s legal name in the licensing process, so use of a chosen name on a diploma may delay or complicate a certification or licensure process. In addition, some countries may require a diploma with a legal name for various legal, immigration, employment purposes.
- Chosen name diploma orders will be available beginning with the December 2023 graduating class.
NOTE: The above list is subject to change without notice. For a complete and accurate list of all current locations where a chosen name may be used, a student should contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@sunywcc.edu or at 914-606-6810.