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Preferred Name

Student Information Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
Wolverine Access

Using a Preferred First Name

The university recognizes that many of its members use names other than their legal names to identify themselves as a community. As long as the use of this different name is not for the purposes of misrepresentation, the university acknowledges that a “preferred name” can and should be used wherever possible in the course of university business and education.

Therefore, it is the university’s policy that any student, active or retired faculty or staff member, or alumni may choose to identify themselves within the university’s information systems with a preferred name and the person’s legal name. It is further understood that the person’s preferred name shall be used in all university communications and reporting except where the legal name is required by university business or legal need.

Many of our systems still use the term “preferred name.” While we know this is not the ideal language, we are working within the constraints of multiple systems. Preferred names include chosen names, lived names, and nicknames.

Please refer to the U-M Preferred Names Policy.

Where Your Preferred Name Will Appear When You Provide a Preferred Name in SIS

Your preferred name will be used in most university systems and communications, including but not limited to:

  • Class rosters
  • Advising records
  • Online learning platforms (Canvas)
  • Award and honor lists
  • University mailings and correspondence
  • University Google account

Example: If you provide a preferred name, it may appear on mail sent to your home address, on publicly published award lists, or in announcements.

Where Your Preferred Name Will NOT Appear

There are certain official and legal contexts where your legal name must be used:

  • Transcripts: Your legal name is required for all academic records.
  • Enrollment and Degree Verifications: Employers or institutions requesting verification will see your legal name.
  • Financial Aid Information: Any documentation and communication regarding federal Title IV aid will typically necessitate use of the student’s legal name as required by the Department of Education.
  • Visa or Immigration Documents: These require your legal name to match official government records.
  • Paychecks: A legal name is required on paychecks for accurate tax reporting.
  • GET Mobile app
  • Visa or Immigration Documents: These require your legal name to match official government records.

Diplomas and Preferred Names

We allow students to list their preferred name on their diploma, recognizing its ceremonial nature in the U.S. However, there are important considerations:

  • Domestic Use: In the U.S., a diploma is often a symbolic document, and a preferred name is generally acceptable for most purposes.
  • International Use: If you plan to work or study abroad, note that many countries treat diplomas as the primary educational document. A mismatch between your diploma name and official government documents, such as a visa or passport, could lead to complications.
  • If you decide later that you want a different name on your diploma, you can request a new copy for a fee. For assistance, please contact [email protected].
  • You can decide what name goes on your diploma when you apply for graduation. Preferred names are not automatically applied to diplomas.

Making Your Decision

When deciding whether to use a preferred name, consider the following:

  • Privacy: Your preferred name may be visible in contexts outside the university, such as mail sent home or public award lists. 
  • Consistency: Your preferred name may not align with other official documents in some circumstances.

We are here to support you in making the best decision for your personal and professional goals. If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact the Center for Gender and Sexuality.

Preferred Names Outside the Student Information System

MCards

Please refer to the Department of Public Safety website for more information. 

Mcards do not automatically display an individual’s preferred name. To have a preferred name printed on a new or reprinted Mcard, individuals must inform staff of their desired name when making the request. Mcard office staff will manually update the ID card database with the preferred name for faculty, staff, retirees, students, or alumni.

The preferred name will appear on the front of a Mcard, and the legal name will be displayed on the back above the barcode. This procedure is standardized across all three campuses.

A University of Michigan ID card showing the front and back, highlighting a preferred name ("NAT EMCARD") on the front and a legal name ("NATALIE ANNETTE EMCARD") on the back.

Each faculty member, staff member, retiree, student, and alumnus is entitled to one Mcard with a preferred name printed at no charge. To obtain this free card, individuals must return their current Mcard. If the card is not returned, a replacement fee will be applied. Any subsequent requests for Mcards featuring a new or different preferred name after the first free reproduction will incur the Mcard replacement fee.

For more information, please visit Mcard Preferred Name Policy.

Setting a Preferred Name

Students

Students may set their preferred name through the Student Information Systems under the Personal Information tab.

For more information, visit UM-Flint Office of the Registrar > Student Rights.

Student Workers, Faculty, and Staff

Employees must set their preferred name in Wolverine Access. This information is included in HR’s welcome email to new student employees.

  1. Go to Wolverine Access.
  • Faculty, staff, and some sponsored affiliates (those with regular uniqnames and UMIDs): Select Employee Self Service.
  1. Log in and click Campus Personal Information.
  2. Click the Names tab.
  3. Click the Add a new name button.
  4. Select Preferred Name of Record in the Name Type field.
  5. Enter your preferred name in First Name, Middle Name, and Last Name fields. (Prefix is not required)
  6. Enter the Date new name will take effect
  7. Click Save.

Note: Enter the name(s) using mixed case.
If your Preferred Name of Record is only a single name, enter a period (.) in the First Name field and enter the name in the Last Name field.

Preferred names are pulled into the Directory.


The preferred name does pull through to MCommunity and then to the Directory. It takes the Directory 24 hours to update.

MCommunity

MCommunity is a directory of people and groups at the University of Michigan. As an enterprise directory that includes the entire university, it is part of a larger identity management system that provides information on who is and is not a member of the U-M community.

All U-M Community members are able to update their preferred name and pronouns in MCommunity.

  1. Go to MCommunity
  2. Click Login in the on the right side of screen
  3. Click My Profile
  4. Click Edit my information and away message
  5. Add preferred name under “Also Known As”
  6. Be sure to click to (-) next to legal names or previous name entries you do not want publicly displayed.
  7. Remember to click Save Changes

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  • What is a preferred name?
    A preferred name is a name that you choose to use instead of your legal name in university records where it is not required by law or policy.
  • Why does the University of Michigan-Flint allow students to use preferred names?
    We believe that allowing students to use their preferred names fosters inclusivity and respect for individual identities.
  • How do I set my preferred name?
    You can set your preferred name through SIS at sis.umflint.edu.
  • Can I update or change my preferred name later?
    Yes, you can update your preferred name at any time in SIS. It may take up to 24 hours for changes to be reflected in university systems.

Where Preferred Names Are Used

  • Where will my preferred name appear?
    Your preferred name will appear on class rosters, ID cards, online learning platforms, university directories, award lists, and in university correspondence.
  • Will my preferred name appear on mail sent to my home address?
    Yes, mailings from the university, such as award notifications or general correspondence, will use your preferred name.
  • Can my preferred name be displayed on my diploma?
    Yes, you can choose whether to have your preferred name or legal name printed on your diploma at the time of graduation. This decision is entirely up to you. However, please consider the potential implications of your choice, particularly if you plan to use your diploma internationally, where the name on your diploma may need to match official documents such as visas or passports.

If you decide later that you want a different name on your diploma, you can request a new copy for a fee. For assistance, please contact [email protected].

Where Legal Names Are Required

  • Where will my legal name still be used?
    Your legal name will be used on official records such as transcripts, degree and enrollment verifications, financial aid documents, financial aid communications, payroll, and visa/immigration-related documents.
  • Why can’t my preferred name appear on my transcript?
    University policy requires the use of legal name on transcripts. This is done to ensure accuracy and protect the integrity of our academic records. 
  • Can I request an exception to use my preferred name on official records?
    Unfortunately, no. If you wish to have your preferred name appear on official documents, you will need to consider a legal name change..

Privacy and Implications

  • Will people outside the university see my preferred name?
    Yes, in cases such as public award lists, mail sent to your home, or university events. 
  • What should I consider before using a preferred name?
    Consider how your preferred name might affect situations such as job applications, visa processes, or communications with family members. 
  • What happens if my diploma name doesn’t match my visa or passport?
    This could cause complications, especially if you plan to work or study abroad. We recommend discussing your situation with an advisor if this is a concern. If you decide later that you want a different name on your diploma, you can request a new copy for a fee. For assistance, please contact [email protected].

Additional Support

  • What if I want to legally change my name?
    We can provide resources and guidance for legally changing your name. Contact [email protected] for more information.
  • What should I do if my preferred name isn’t being used correctly?
    If your preferred name is not appearing where it should, please contact the Office of the Registrar [email protected] and/or the Center for Gender and Sexuality [email protected] for assistance.
  • Who can I contact if I have more questions?
    For any questions or concerns, reach out to the Office of the Registrar [email protected] and/or the Center for Gender and Sexuality [email protected] for assistance.