Body
Overview
Cedar Crest College recognizes the need or preference for members of the College community to refer to themselves by a first name other than their legal first name. We are happy to share that members of our community will now be able to designate a chosen/campus name to be used on campus. We are excited to be able to provide this option to our community as we continue to strive to create the inclusive community we aspire to be.
Steps for Updating Your Accounts with your Chosen/Campus Name
Step 1: Update Name Preference in My CedarCrest for Registrar Approval
Directions for Requesting Approval for Your Chosen Name/Campus Name
Your first step is to login to My CedarCrest and update your Chosen Name within your personal settings. This will be submitted to the Registrar's Office for approval. Once approved, your updated name will be reflected in CANVAS, My CedarCrest, and other faculty-accessed documentation.
Step 2: Send Name Change Request for Email to Information Technology
FalconNet Account Name Change Request (teamdynamix.com)
Once you update your preferred name in My CedarCrest, you will need to request the change for your Cedar Crest College email account. Pending approval from the Registrar's Office, your email account will be updated and you will be notified within 5 business days.
Step 3: Obtain New CCC ID Card
Tompkins College Center: Campus IDs
After you receive notification from Information Technology that your name update has been approved by the Registrar's Office and processed by Information Technology, you will be able to visit the College Center to have a new student ID card printed.
Chosen Name Policy
Cedar Crest College recognizes that members of the College community may prefer to be known by a first name different from their legal name. As long as this choice is not for the purpose of evading legal responsibilities or misrepresentation, the College supports the use of a chosen or campus name in College-related activities, where feasible. Only first names may be designated as chosen names in systems that accommodate this option.
A chosen name may be used in College communications and documents, except where legal or business requirements necessitate the use of the legal name. Not all College systems may be able to display a chosen name, and legal names may be required for specific uses. Therefore, individuals using a chosen name should always be prepared to provide their legal name when required.
The College reserves the right to reject a chosen or campus name in instances such as frequent or arbitrary changes, the use of offensive language, names used for fraudulent purposes, or other cases deemed appropriate by the College.
Examples of Appropriate Name Options
- A shortened version of the legal first name (e.g., Thomas to Tom)
- Initials (e.g., Stacey Marie to S.M.; Mary Ann to M.A.)
- A completely different first name (e.g., Christine to Cory; David Craig to Christy)
While a chosen name can be used in many College systems, the legal name must be used where required, including but not limited to financial, medical, and legal documents, such as transcripts, payroll forms, enrollment verifications, and visa/immigration paperwork.
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