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Bucks County Community College

Services & Resources

  Services + Resources  —  Preferred First Name

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, 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
  • Canvas – Preferred name displays in Discussions, Inbox Messages, Comments
  • Display name for your Bucks username and email account

Please note that some of the College’s systems do not have the capacity to display preferred name rather than legal name. As a result, it is important that you inform all instructors and advisors of your preferred name.

Your Legal First Name will appear on all other records and documents, and remain unchanged in all other College-related systems. To change your legal first name, follow the steps to request a Change of Name.

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?

You 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 Bucks?

No. Your Preferred First Name can only be used and will only appear in Self-Service, some areas in Canvas (discussions, inbox messages and comments), and as the display name for your Bucks username and email address. Your Legal First Name will appear on all other College records, documents, and systems. As a result, it is important that you inform all instructors and advisors of your preferred name.

Where will my Preferred First Name appear?

  • Self-Service
  • Canvas – Preferred name displays in Discussions, Inbox Messages, Comments
  • Display name for your Bucks username and email account

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.Your legal name will appear in:

  • Canvas – Gradebook, People tool
  • Course rosters
  • 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

Some of the College’s systems do not have the capacity to display preferred name rather than legal name. As a result, it is important that you inform all instructors and advisors of your preferred name.

*You can request a preferred name on your diploma when you place an 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).

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Newtown | 215-968-8000
275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940
Bristol | 267-685-4800
1304 Veterans Highway Bristol, PA 19007
Perkasie | 215-258-7700
One Hillendale Rd, Perkasie, PA 18944
Bucks Online | 215-968-8052
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