Legal Names and Chosen Names

The University of Delaware (UD) accommodates both a Legal Name and a Chosen Name for students, faculty, and staff. 

Legal Name: Your full legal name – may also be called “Primary Name” in some systems. 

Chosen Name: the name that you want to use – may also be called “Preferred Name” in some systems. Unless you take action to set your Chosen Name, your Legal Name is used in most systems at UD.

Follow the instructions below to manage your Legal and Chosen names.
Prospective Students
Current Students
English Language Institute (ELI) Students
Faculty, Staff, and Retirees
Misc Wage Employees, Contractors, and Other Guest Accounts
Alumni
Parent/Guardian Secure Services

The University strives to respect everyone’s Chosen Name; however, some of our computer systems may still present your Legal Name. This may be due to legal requirements, system limitations, or it may be because we are in the process of updating older systems. We appreciate your support with our efforts to modernize our campus to be a welcoming and inclusive environment.

If you need technical assistance with any of the instructions below, please contact askit@udel.edu. Note: The Information Technologies department will only be able to assist you with technical problems.

If you have concerns about the way your name is presented or UD policies, please contact the Office of Equity and Inclusion at oei@udel.edu. Students may also contact Student Diversity and Inclusion for further resources and support (studentdiversity@udel.edu).

Prospective Students

Chosen Name

1. Log in to My Blue Hen Home.
2. Update your My Blue Hen Home Profile.
3. Provide a Preferred First Name.

Legal Name

• Email admissions@udel.edu for assistance.

  Sample email
  Subject: Request to update my legal name
  Body: Please update my legal name from [insert current name] to [updated legal name].  I have also attached a [insert name of documentation] as proof of my name change.  Thank you.
  [Insert your name]

• You will need to provide legal documentation of your name, such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Please note that once you become an enrolled student you will need to update your name with the Registrar’s Office using the instructions below for Current Students.

Current Students

This section provides instructions on how to change your Chosen (Preferred) Name or your Legal (Primary) Name in UDSIS. Adding your Chosen Name in UDSIS will only impact how your name displays in some UD systems, for example Canvas will display your Chosen and Student Financials will still display your Legal Name. 

Chosen Name

1. Log in to UDSIS.
2. Click the Personal Information tile.
3. On the Personal Details screen, if you do not have a Preferred name listed:
   1. Click the plus icon to add a name.
   2. The Edit Name window will open.
   3. Select Preferred for Type.
   4. Provide your Chosen Name information for the other required fields.
   5. Click the Save button.
4. On the Personal Details screen, if you already have a Preferred name listed:
   1. Click the name with Preferred displayed in the Type column.
   2. The Edit Name window will open.
   3. Update your Chosen Name information.
   4. Click the Save button.

Legal Name

• Follow the instructions for the Change of Name Request Form on the Office of the Registrar website.
• You will need to provide legal documentation of your name via the Secure Document Submission Form. Legal documentation may include a copy of your driver's license, passport, state or national-issued identification card, or court order of legal name change.

Additional information is available on the Office of the Registrar website.

Student UD ONEcard

• Go to the ID Card Name Change Request Qualtrics form.
• Complete the required information and sign the form.
• Student Diversity and Inclusion (SDI) will review and process your request within 2 or 3 business days.
• Once approved by SDI, requesters can visit the UD ID Card Office in the Student Services Building for a new card with their Chosen First Name on it.

Please review the Qualtrics form for more information about any fees related to this service.

English Language Institute (ELI) Students

• Complete the Contact Information Update form on the English Language Institute website.
• Email ud-eli@udel.edu if you need additional assistance.

Faculty, Staff and Retirees

Chosen Name

1. Go to the UD Directory.
2. Click Settings in the top menu.
3. Click Login to customize your directory listing.
4. Log in.
5. The Change my Directory Settings form will be displayed.
6. Provide your Chosen name information.
7. Click the Next Step button.
8. Review and confirm your information.
9. Click the Finish & Submit button.

Legal Name

1. Go to the Forms page of the Human Resources website.
2. Under the Life Events heading, download the Name Change Form.
3. Use the Human Resources Secure Document Submission Form to upload and submit a completed copy of the Name Change Form and a copy of your Social Security Card.
4. Email hrhelp@udel.edu if you need additional assistance.

Misc Wage Employees, Contractors, and Other Guest Accounts

• Email askit@udel.edu to request a name change.

Alumni

• Follow the instructions on the Update Your Information page on the UD website.
• Email bio-updates@udel.edu if you need additional assistance or if changing your name in another system did not result in the desired change from Development and Alumni Relations.

Parent/Guardian Secure Services

If your student has shared secure records with you, then you can update your name in the Parent/Guardian Secure Services portal.

1. Log in to Parent/Guardian Secure Services.
2. Click Settings in the top menu.
3. On the Settings screen, click Update my Profile.
4. On the Update my Profile screen, update your Name information.
5. Click the Submit form button.