Use a preferred name
Declare/change to preferred first name
Change your legal name or other biographical data
Create an email alias
Use a preferred name
The College recognizes that some students may prefer to use a first name other than
their legal name to identify themselves. As long as the use of a preferred first name
is not for an improper purpose, students may request their preferred first name be
used where possible in the course of College business and education. We are striving
to create an educational environment where students may use a preferred first name
wherever a legal name is not required on internal documents, communications, systems,
and web portals. The full policy can be found in the Student Handbook.
At present, preferred first name will appear on:
- Faculty class rosters found in Blackboard
- Student ID cards
- Diplomas and Honor Certificates
- Blackboard
- Navigate
In the future, we plan for additional student record processes to include preferred
first name.
In accordance with policy, a student’s legal name shall be used on all College documents,
systems and communications external to the College and/or where a legal name is required.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Financial Aid Records
- Student Account Records
- Health Records
- Payroll Records
- Student Personally identifiable Information
- Student Directory Information
- Official Transcripts
- Federal Immigration Documents
- Interactions with Government Agencies
Declaring a preferred first name does not change a student’s legal name. Changing Biographical Data section of the Student Handbook documents how to change a student’s legal name on all College records.
Declare/change to preferred first name
New or Returning Students
A new student is a first-time NSCC applicant and has never enrolled in a course. A
returning student is someone who has not been enrolled in a course in the last 2 years.
A preferred first name can be declared on the admissions application or at the time
of re-admission.
Currently Enrolled Students
Complete the Preferred First Name Form. Your request will take 5-7 days to be processed.
Questions regarding the process can be forwarded to registrar@northshore.edu from NSCC student email.
An email notification will be sent to your NSCC email address when the system is updated
to include your preferred first name. Upon receipt of the notification, you can pick
up a new student ID at one of the campus libraries.
Once your preferred first name has been added, it will be used by the College until
you withdraw the request. The College reserves the right to modify, change, alter
or rescind at any time and at its discretion the Changing Biographical Data Policy.
If the use of a preferred first name is for an improper use, including but not limited
to misrepresentation or attempting to avoid a legal obligation, a student may be subject
to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.
Change your legal name or other biographical data
To change your legal name and/or gender on College records, you must complete the form below and upload two documents:
- A certified copy of a court order indicating a legal name change and/or gender change has been granted. Or, in the case of name changes due to marriage: a copy of your marriage certificate.
- A government-issued photo ID showing the new legal name and/or gender (for example: Mass ID, driver's license, or passport)
If you present evidence to the College that your name, gender, or other biographical information has been legally changed, the College will recognize that change in our records and in the application of our policies.
You will be notified by college email when the process has been completed, or if additional documentation is required.
Change of Legal Name or Gender Request
Process to Alter Your Google Profile Display Name
- Log into your NSCC Email Account
- Once you open your NSCC email inbox, click on your profile picture in the upper right-hand corner, then click on your profile picture/pencil icon in the pull-down menu that appears.
- On the left-hand side of the screen make sure that "Personal info" is selected ".
- In center of the screen, under the “Personal info” menu, select “Name”.
- In the “Name” menu, select the name listed, then edit the “First name” and “Last name” fields as appropriate. Select “Save”.
Changes to your Google profile name typically propagate within 10 minutes, but it can take up to 48 hours to appear everywhere across all Google apps (including chat & Drive files) and devices.
It’s possible the old profile information may linger in accounts for a few days. This isn't because the change failed, but because browsers or Google apps are loading a cached (saved) version of your old profile information. People you emailed in the past may need to delete your contact information from THEIR accounts for your new information to display.
If your old profile information persists beyond 48 hours, please email helpdesk@northshore.edu for assistance.
North Shore Community College is an accredited nonprofit public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged.