Diversity, inclusion, and belonging constitute a pillar in Lake Superior State University’s strategic plan and represent core values and key outcomes for student success. This policy contributes to building a sense of belonging by recognizing the diversity of our students and employees. It provides a process through which one’s chosen name, preferred pronouns, and gender identity can be reflected in University records.
A chosen name is the first name by which one prefers to be addressed and may be different from a legal or given first name. The University invites all students and employees to provide their chosen name to be used in place of their legal or given first name for certain University functions and records. Submitting your chosen name will not remove or alter your legal name on record.
Applicants indicating a chosen name on their application for admission will automatically have their chosen first name entered in the University student information system. Current or former University students and employees may add a chosen name by editing their information in Anchor Access.
A chosen name may not be used when the legal name is required by policies applicable to the University, the State of Michigan or in accordance with local, state, or federal laws and regulations.
For questions about this policy, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@lssu.edu
Lake Superior State University defines student name as directory information. As such, both legal and chosen first names may be disclosed without prior consent. A student who does not want names disclosed must complete a Directory Restriction Request and submit it to the Registrar’s Office. The restriction is subject to certain exceptions, including those University officials with a legitimate educational interest. Also note that withholding directory information may prevent the University from verifying a student’s status (e.g., for the purposes of insurance verifications or employment), certifying a degree, or publishing a student’s name in the commencement program without prior written consent.
There are two types of name changes addressed below: 1) Legal Name and 2) Chosen Name. The method and burden of proof is different for each. Please read the guidelines below before requesting a name change. Students with questions about changing their legal name should contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@lssu.edu. For questions about changing your chosen name, please contact the Dean of Student Affairs at deanofstudentaffairs@lssu.edu. Employees with questions about either type of name change should contact the Human Resources Office at humanresources@lssu.edu.
The Registrar’s Office maintains students’ official legal name for Lake Superior State University and for relevant governmental agencies. Human Resources maintains similar records for employees. To change your legal name, complete the Request for a Name Change form on the Registrar’s Website. Reasons for changing your legal name may be:
The Registrar’s Office and/or Human Resources will accept the following forms of documentation to verify your new legal name status.
Your first, middle, and last names may be changed only with the documentation listed above.
Please note the following:
Your chosen name is the first name by which you prefer to be called. If you do not specify a chosen name, your legal name will be your default chosen name. You can only have one chosen name. Common reasons for having a chosen name that differs from a legal name include primary use of a shortened name, nickname, middle name, or a name that matches your gender identity.
To change your Chosen Name in the University system, please follow these steps.
To change your Chosen Name in GmailTM, please follow these steps.
To change your Chosen Name in ZoomTM, please follow these steps.
Please note each of the following:
Personal pronouns will be used across university systems where available. Students and employees are welcome to facilitate the use of chosen name and personal pronouns.
To change your personal pronouns in the University system, please follow these steps.
An individual’s gender identification can differ from the sex assigned at birth. Students and employees can change their gender identification in Anchor Access. The steps are the same as those listed under “Chosen Name” above.
To change your gender identification in the University system, please follow these steps.