Student Legal & Preferred Name Changes
Learn how to change your name at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, whether legally or for preferred use.
At Â鶹ÊÓƵ, you have options for legal and preferred name changes. Uncover the required documents and secure procedures for initiating the change.
Change Legal Name Change Preferred Name
Request Legal Name Change
We understand that you may choose to legally change your name for various reasons including marriage, divorce, court order, or adoption. Please collect the required documentation and complete the request form.
Collect Required Documentation
For legal name changes, Â鶹ÊÓƵ requires different documentation depending on the situation. Please contact the Records Office at records@tulsacc.edu if you have questions.
- Â鶹ÊÓƵ Student ID or Government Issued Photo ID (passport, driver's license, military ID)
- Social Security Card
- Driver’s license reflecting new name, divorce decree, or marriage certificate
- Supporting court documents
Complete Request Form
Login to the Legal Information Change Form, using your MyÂ鶹ÊÓƵ account, to upload the required documents and complete the request form.
Request Preferred Name Change
We acknowledge that not everyone is in the position to legally change their name, but would still like to use a chosen, or preferred name. This option has been developed to respond to the needs of those who prefer to use their middle name instead of their first name, people who use nicknames of a legal name, international students that might use an anglicized name, or students who use a name that affirms their gender identity.
Preferred name requests can be made by students privately and securely through your .
Preferred Name FAQs
A first name, other than the legal first name, by which the student or employee prefers to be identified, which has been designated by the student or employee.
Why are preferred names important? Calling an individual by their preferred name shows respect. Use of preferred names contribute to providing an empowering, safe, and inclusive environment. Names are an important part of an individual’s identity. Therefore, using the wrong name can cause a person to recall a time or experience when they couldn’t openly express who they are. Additionally, many names are gendered. Use of a preferred name often better aligns with individual gender expression and prevents that person from being subjected to misgendering.
No, having a chosen name is not mandatory. If you regularly use your legal name and it suits your needs, there's no need to request a chosen name.
Yes, you can choose any name you like. However, Â鶹ÊÓƵ has the right to decline inappropriate preferred names. This includes names with offensive or disrespectful language, improper use of special characters, or if it's being used to misrepresent. Preferred names cannot be used for commercial purposes, meaning they can't include a company name, group name, catchphrase, or message.
Not for everything. Â鶹ÊÓƵ will use your preferred name in most communications and reports, unless using your legal name is necessary for college-related matters.
However, there are three specific cases where we have to use your legal name:
- Official transcripts
- Documents related to Financial Aid
- Documents related to International Student Services
Once you update your preferred name, it will show in these Â鶹ÊÓƵ systems:
- Starfish
- MyÂ鶹ÊÓƵ (coming soon)
- Blackboard
- Â鶹ÊÓƵ email
- Class Rosters
- DegreeWorks
- Diplomas
Yes, you can. After you've gone through the process to change your preferred name, go to the Student Life office on any campus and ask to have your preferred name on your Â鶹ÊÓƵ ID.
It's important to note that these ID cards with your preferred name are for college use and aren't government-issued IDs.