Students and employees can change their preferred names at login.wvu.edu. View these frequently asked questions to learn more about the new and automated process for changing a preferred name. A preferred name is any name you choose to use other than your legal name. For example, you may wish to shorten your first name (e.g., Amanda to Mandy), use a nickname, or go by your middle name instead of first name.
West Virginia University and Information Technology Services are committed to inclusion and recognize that individuals have a variety of reasons for using a preferred name. All active WVU faculty, staff and students may select a preferred name for identification with the University information systems that are technically capable of accepting such names.
| Table of Contents | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
...
...
How is the preferred name process changing?
Previously, employees and students had to submit a ticket to ITS to request a preferred name, and the change was made manually. The A new Login feature “Manage Account” feature at login.wvu.edu eliminates the need for a ticket, automating and expediting the process.
...
Who can enter a preferred name
...
?
If you have previously entered a preferred name in MAP or STAR, it will be automatically set for you. If you entered a preferred name in both systems, the MAP preferred name is the default until you change it. Anyone with an active WVU student or employee role is eligible to identify their preferred name via the WVU Login self-service site.
How do I change my preferred name?
Go to login.wvu.edu.
Select Manage Account. If you are not already logged in, you will be prompted to enter your Login credentials and authenticate with Duo.
Select the Profile tab.
Enter your Preferred First Name and/or Preferred Last Name.
Click Save.
A message will display at the top of the page. If your preferred name change is automatically accepted the message will say “Profile saved. Please allow 1 business day for systems to be updated.”
While most changes are automatically accepted, you may see a message that says your request is “Pending review.” This means your name is not found in the database and needs to be added. You will receive an email notification when your name is added to the database and updated.
Will this change my email?
Selecting a preferred name will change the way your name displays on your email, but it won’t change the email address.
Can all systems display a preferred name?
No. Not all vendors have updated their technology to accommodate preferred names. Preferred names may not display in all University information systems due to technical limitations and/or compliance requirements. Many vendors have yet to enable this option in their services, but many are working on it.
Additionally, some WVU systems allow either a preferred first or last name, but not both. As vendors upgrade their applications or new services come online at WVU, preferred names will automatically flow to them; whether the preferred names will be able to display may vary.
Systems listed here will display your accepted preferred name(s) as entered in Login self-service. However, systems that let you directly enter your preferred name, such as Zoom, will not be synchronized.
Target System | Preferred |
First | Preferred |
Last |
MIX | Yes | Yes |
Office 365 | Yes | Yes |
STAR/Banner | Yes | |
Degree Works | Yes | |
eCampus/Blackboard | Yes | |
Portal | Yes | |
Mountaineer Card | Yes | Yes |
EAB Navigate | *Yes | *Yes |
Advocate | *Yes | *Yes |
Handshake | *Yes | *Yes |
Can alumni and former students select a preferred name?
...
Zoom | View Change Your Zoom Display Name for more information. | |
How long will it take for my preferred name to show up once it’s accepted?
If your Once the preferred name is automatically accepted, it should generally takes one business day to appear in the eligible systems. Preferred name requests that can accept it within eight hours. If a manual review is required, the process will generally take 1-3 business days. You will receive an email once the name is accepted, and it will appear in WVU systems within eight hours of that notificationrequire additional review will take 3-5 business days to process.
Will my preferred name display on my diploma or tax return?
Your preferred name is only a display name within WVU information systems. Your legal name will continue to be associated with your WVU account and will appear on official documents generated by the University, including but not limited to transcripts, diplomas and verifications.
Can I change my preferred name multiple times?
You can change your preferred name as many times as you like. The first preferred name change on a WVU ID card will be provided at no charge; however, normal card replacement fees will be charged for subsequent updates to your preferred name.
I already have a preferred name in some WVU systems. How will that be affected?
If you already have a preferred name in MAP or STAR, you do not need to take any action. If you entered different preferred names in the two systems, the MAP name will be used. If you want to change that, you will need to use the “Manage Account” feature at login.wvu.edu.
Do I have to select a preferred name?
This is an optional service. You are not required to select a preferred name. If a preferred name is not entered, your legal name will continue to appear within all University information systems.
Can alumni and former students select a preferred name?
At this time, alumni and former students cannot set preferred names through the Login self-service site.
How do I change my legal name?
If your legal name changes, please submit a Request to Change Personal Information form to the Office of the University Registrar. Legal name changes require official documentation showing your new name such as a driver’s license, marriage certificate, divorce decree or other court documents.
What should I do if others don’t refer to me by my preferred name?
If you experience problems related to the use of your preferred name, you should contact the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for assistance.
Can I choose any preferred name I want?
Most likely. All preferred name submissions will be compared against multiple, multi-cultural databases with tens a database with hundreds of thousands of names and nicknames , including those recognized by the U.S. Social Security Administration. from dozens of global sources. If the name you choose is recognizedin the database, you’ll see an automatic approval , on the -screen acceptance. Only names that are not recognized by any of those Those that aren’t found in the databases will be reviewed by ITS, and only those considered inappropriate, offensive or in violation of the [POLICY]will be rejected. Based on historical preferred name requests, ITS expects these denials to be extremely rare.
How does WVU determine whether a preferred name is automatically accepted?
WVU’s identity management system checks submitted names against nearly 40 databases from both U.S. and international sources that collectively contain hundreds of thousands of names and nicknames. Any preferred name submissions that are submission found in one of these databases are is automatically accepted. Those that aren’t found in the databases will be reviewed by humans. As those additional names are accepted, they will be added to the evolving WVU database so the next person who requests it that name will get automatic approval. an automatic acceptance. The databases currently in use are listed below.
After I select a preferred name, will that name appear in my email address?
...
I still have questions. Who can I ask?
Contact the ITS Service Desk at 304-293-4444 and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.