Preferred First Name Change
Bucks County Community College recognizes that some students prefer to identify themselves by a First Name other than their Legal Name. For this reason, beginning in the fall 2018 term, the College will enable students to use a Preferred First Name where possible in the course of college business and education.
What is a Preferred First Name?
A Preferred First Name is one that you choose to be called that is different from your legal first name.
What is a Legal Name?
A Legal Name is the name that appears on your passport, driver's license, birth certificate, and/or U.S. Social Security Card.
Does a Preferred First Name affect my Legal Name?
No. A Preferred First Name does not change your Legal Name.
What are the Bucks Preferred First Name guidelines?
As long as the use of your Preferred First Name is not for the purpose of misrepresentation, the College will utilize the Preferred First Name for:
- Self-Service
- Course Rosters
- Canvas
- Bucks username and email account
Your legal first name will appear on all other college records and documents. A student's legal name will remain unchanged in all other college-related systems. Students who wish to change their legal first name can do so following the college's name change directions.
How do I request a Preferred First Name?
Students may request this service via a paper form in the Registrar's Office (Lower Level Linksz Pavilion, Newtown Campus), or by sending an email from the Bucks student email account to registrar@bucks.edu.
How do I remove my Preferred First Name?
Students may request to remove a Preferred First Name via a paper form in the Registrar's Office (Lower Level Linksz Pavilion, Newtown Campus), or by sending an email from the Bucks student email account to registrar@bucks.edu.
Can I set my Preferred First Name to whatever I want?
You may set your Preferred First Name to whatever you would like. However, the college reserves the right to decline a Preferred First Name if determined inappropriate or if it contains offensive language.
Can I use my Preferred First Name for everything at the college?
No. Your Preferred First Name can only be used and will only appear in self-service, course rosters, Canvas, and your Bucks username and email address. Your Legal First Name will appear on all other college records, documents, and systems.
Where will my Preferred First Name appear?
- Self-Service
- Course Rosters
- Canvas
- Bucks username and email address
Where will my Legal First Name be used?
Your Legal First Name will be used in college business and other processes that require use of a Legal Name. These include:
- Student Financial Services/Financial Aid
- Student Accounts
- Admissions Office (including International Student Services)
- Veteran's Certification
- Academic and Enrollment Certifications
- Transcripts
- Diplomas*
- Athletic Rosters
- Safety and Security Office
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Bucks Student ID Card
*Students can request a preferred name on their diploma at the time they place their order for a diploma.
Questions regarding Preferred First Name should be directed to the Registrar's Office at registrar@bucks.edu or 215-968-8000 (option #1).