Chosen Name Change FAQ

A chosen 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 chosen name. All active WVU faculty, staff and students may select a chosen name for identification with the University information systems that are technically capable of accepting such names. 

How is the chosen name process changing? 

Previously, employees and students had to submit a ticket to ITS to request a chosen name, and the change was made manually. A new “Manage Account” feature at login.wvu.edu eliminates the need for a ticket, automating and expediting the process. 

Who can enter a chosen name? 

Anyone with an active WVU student or employee role is eligible to identify their chosen name via the WVU Login self-service site. 

How do I change my chosen name?

1. Go to login.wvu.edu.

2. Select Manage Account. If you are not already logged in, you will be prompted to enter your Login credentials and authenticate with Duo.

3. Select the Profile tab.

4. Enter your chosen first and/or last name.

5. Click Save.

6. A message will display at the top of the page. If your chosen name change is automatically accepted the message will say “Profile saved. Please allow 1 business day for systems to be updated.”
   Note: 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 chosen name will change the way your name displays on your email, but it won’t change your email address. For questions about email aliases for @mail.wvu.edu accounts, contact the ITS Service Desk.

Can all systems display a chosen name? 

Chosen 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 chosen first or last name, but not both. As vendors upgrade their applications or new services come online at WVU, chosen names will automatically flow to them; whether the chosen names will be able to display may vary.  

Systems listed here will display your chosen name(s).  

How long will it take for my chosen name to show up once it’s accepted? 

Once the chosen name is accepted, it generally takes one business day to appear in eligible systems. Chosen name requests that require additional review will take 3-5 business days to process. 

Will my chosen name display on my diploma or tax return? 

Your chosen 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 chosen name multiple times? 

You can change your chosen name as many times as you like; however, you will be charged the normal card replacement fees.

I already have a chosen name in some WVU systems. How will that be affected?  

If you already have a chosen name in MAP or STAR, you do not need to take any action. If you entered different chosen 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 chosen name? 

This is an optional service. You are not required to select a chosen name. If a chosen name is not entered, your legal name will continue to appear within all University information systems. 

Can alumni and former students select a chosen name? 

At this time, alumni and former students cannot set chosen names through the Login self-service site.  

How do I change my legal name? 

If your legal name changes, please submit a Personal Information Change Form. Legal name changes require official documentation showing your new name such as a driver’s license, marriage certificate, divorce decree or other court documents. If you experience issues submitting this form, contact Shared Services for assistance.

What should I do if others don’t refer to me by my chosen name? 

If you experience problems related to the use of your chosen name, you should contact the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for assistance. 

Can I choose any chosen name I want? 

Most likely. All chosen name submissions will be compared against a database with hundreds of thousands of names and nicknames from dozens of global sources. If the name you choose is in the database, you’ll see an automatic, on-screen acceptance. Those that aren’t found in the databases will be reviewed. 

How does WVU determine whether a chosen name is automatically accepted?  

WVU’s identity management system checks submitted names against nearly 40 databases from both U.S. and international sources. Any chosen name submission found in one of these databases is automatically accepted. Those that aren’t found in the databases will be reviewed by humans. As additional names are accepted, they will be added to the evolving WVU database so the next person who requests that name will get an automatic acceptance. The databases currently in use are listed below.  

Why is my dead (legal) name still printed on the back of my ID card? 

 The University Police Department requires that legal names be printed on the backs of WVU ID cards to support public and personal safety. Often, students only carry their Mountaineer Cards. In the case of a medical emergency, law enforcement officers must be able to quickly confirm a person’s legal identity so they can alert family or close contacts. The Chosen Name used in some University systems is not available in the other local, regional and national data systems upon which law enforcement and emergency services rely. 

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.