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The university recognizes that as a community many of its members use names other than their legal names to identify themselves. As long as the use of this different name is not for the purposes of misrepresentation, the university acknowledges that a “preferred first name” can and should be used wherever possible in the course of university business and education. In order to provide a safe, inclusive, and nondiscriminatory community, UWF faculty and staff should use a student's preferred first name whenever possible.

Therefore, it is the intent of the university that any student, active or retired faculty or staff member, or alumni may choose to identify themselves within the university’s information systems with a preferred first name in addition to the person's’ legal name. The university will use its best efforts to ensure the preferred first name is used whenever possible. The individual is free to determine the preferred first name he or she wants to be known by in the university’s information systems. However, inappropriate use of the preferred first name process (including but not limited to avoiding a legal obligation or misrepresentation) may be cause for denying the request.

The individual may prefer to be called a name that is different than the legal name. Also, it may be the desire to have this name replace a legal name in the MyUWF Directory profile and in other university records and documents. The university allows this by setting a preferred first name.  The preferred first name can be set via MyUWF access, and it will then appear in the individual's directory profile and other select records.  Some records, such as paychecks, that require use of a legal name, may not accept a preferred first name. However, whenever possible, a preferred first name will be used.


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Click HERE for Frequently Asked Questions!

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titleDo I have to enter a preferred first name?

 No. This is there as a service for people who wish to be known by something other than their primary/legal name. If you regularly use your primary/legal name then please do not enter a preferred first name.


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titleCan I set my preferred first name to whatever I want?

 Yes, but the university reserves the right to remove a preferred first name if it is used inappropriately (such as for misrepresentation, joking, exaggeration, tasteless, improper, offensive use, etc...)


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titleCan I use my preferred first name for everything at UWF?

Preferred first names will only be used in cases where the legal name is not absolutely necessary. Examples of where your primary/legal name is necessary include, but are not limited to, financial aid documents, student accounts, payroll, and official transcripts.

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titleCan I use my preferred first name on my diploma?

No, the diploma is an official document that is attached to your legal name and is a primary form utilized by the university to show proof of graduation.


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titleHow do I correct or change my legal name for university systems?

For students: Complete the Student Data Change form found on MyUWF.  

For employees: Contact Human Resources at hr@uwf.edu or 850-474-2694


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titleWill my preferred first name appear on my instructor's rosters?

Yes.

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titleWill my preferred first name appear in the UWF directory?

Yes.


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titleWill my Nautilus Card displaying my preferred first name be acceptable identification for all campus activities?

It will be for most campus activities. However, there are some situations that will require you to present identification with your legal name (Testing Center exams, proctored exams, etc.) In these cases, you will need to provide alternate identification showing your legal name. 


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titleWhat happens if a student enters an inappropriate preferred first name?

Any preferred first names that may be deemed by a reasonable person to be an attempt at misrepresentation, fraud, or interpreted as offensive will be removed by a member of the Registrar's Office staff. 

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titleHow do I correct or change my legal name for University systems?
  • For students: Contact the Office of the Registrar at registrar@uwf.eduor 850-474-2244
  • For employees: Contact Human Resources at hr@uwf.edu or 850-474-2694http://uwf.edu/offices/human-resources/i-am-a/employee/personal-info/


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    titleI have more questions regarding adding a preferred first name. Who do I contact?

    Please email registrar@uwf.edu with any questions.

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