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Preferred Name Use

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Preferred Name Use at Temple University

Temple University supports the need or preference for members of its community who identify by a name other than their legal name. The university will accommodate a preferred name, when possible, in the course of university business and education. 

Members of the Temple community can update their preferred name via the “update your preferred name” option in the Manage My Account section of TUportal. 

The preferred name will be used in many university contexts, including the following. 

  • Cherry & White directory
  • Canvas learning management software
  • Organizational chart 
  • OWLcards 
  • Residence hall resident lists
  • Performance Development System
  • Self-Service Banner (e.g., instructor names in the class schedule, and student names on faculty class rosters and grade rosters)

Use in Administrative Systems

The above list indicates areas for opportunities where Temple students may use their preferred name. For other records, however, your legal name will be required to ensure we can verify your credentials when contacted by outside agencies, as well as to safeguard against identity theft and the production of fraudulent credentials. These records include financial records, human resources records, library records and educational history records, such as transcripts and diplomas.

Implementing the use of preferred names will be a process that occurs over time. Please be aware that, when an individual contacts a university office in person or by phone, the staff in that office may only have electronic access to the legal name.

Frequently Asked Questions for Students

What is a preferred name?

A preferred name is a first name and/or middle name that is different than a student’s legal name, and it is the name by which a student wishes to be known within the university community. A student’s legal last name will be added to the preferred first name to form the full preferred name. Students’ last names can be changed only through a legal name change.

What is a legal name?

A legal name is the name that appears on your birth certificate, driver’s license, passport or U.S. Social Security card.

Administrative systems where use of legal name is required include, without limitation, the following.

  • Accounting and taxes
  • Accounts payable
  • Admissions application
  • Educational history records (transcripts and diplomas)
  • Employment and payroll
  • Financial aid
  • Government reporting
  • Healthcare and benefits
  • NCAA eligibility
  • Student accounts (billing, loans and collections)
  • Travel and expenses
How do I change my legal name?

Current students who wish to change their legal name should complete the Personal Information Update form.

How do I get my preferred name on my OWLcard?

If a student updates a preferred name through TUportal, it will automatically update on the mobile OWLcard. Any student who wishes to have their preferred name on their printed OWLcard may do so by visiting the OWLcard Office and purchasing a new ID. 

Incoming students who request a preferred name before orientation will receive a new ID at no cost.

How do I get my preferred name to appear as my email display name?

Students using Gmail or other third-party mail applications will have to change their name within the application’s account settings. Exchange users will see their display name automatically update.

Faculty and Staff

University faculty and staff can update their preferred names via the Personal Information section of the Staff Tools tab of TUportal. Preferred name updates made through TUportal will automatically update those administrative systems for which a legal name is not required.

Current faculty and staff can also request a legal name change through the Staff Tools tab of TUportal. Go to Personal Information and follow the instructions in the Name Change Information section.

University Resources

Human Resources

For information about preferred name use for staff and student workers, contact Temple University Human Resources. 
Phone: 215-962-2244
Email:

Main Campus

Mitten Hall, Lower Level
1913 N. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Health Sciences Center

3340 N. Broad St. 
Suite 300
Philadelphia, PA 19140

Temple Administrative Services Building

2450 W. Hunting Park Ave., 1st Fl. 
Philadelphia, PA 19129

Alumni Relations

For Temple alumni who wish to update their preferred name in the directory, contact Temple University Alumni Relations. 

Phone: 215-204-7521
Email:  

OWLcards

For information about preferred name use on OWLcards, contact the OWLcard Office. 

Phone: 215-204-3140
Email:  

Howard Gittis Student Center, Suite 101
1755 N. 13th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19122

Contact

If you have more questions about requesting a preferred name, please send an email to .