Students may request a new or updated chosen name by completing the Chosen Name Request form located on the Personal Information tab of MyInfo:  Requests will be processed by staff from the Office of the Registrar.  Once processed, the chosen name will be updated in Banner, and most applicable campus systems will be updated within 48 hours. A new University email will also be issued as part of this process.

The exact locations where chosen names are displayed will grow over time.  Commonly used systems where chosen names will be displayed are.

Places where my Chosen Name will be Used

Campus Directory

CatCard (Optional)

CatScholarships

CatsConnect

Class Lists

DegreeWorks

D2L

Grade Roster

Handshake

Rec Sports and Fitness Center

StarRez Housing

Student Information System (both chosen and legal name are recorded)

Many University Communications

University Email

Common locations where legal name will continue to be used are.

Places where my Legal name will be Used

Degree Verification

Enrollment Verification

Federal and State Agency Reporting

Financial Aid

Immigration Status Reporting

Official University Transcripts

Payroll

Student Information System

Tax Processing

 

Website FAQ

 

Q:  What is the chosen name request service?

A: The chosen name request service is the method by which members of the campus community can request to use a chosen name on campus.

 

Q: What is a chosen name?

A:  A chosen name is a first, middle, and/or last name that is different from your legal name. A chosen name is one you wish to use during your employment or academic career at the University.

 

Q: Am I required to request a chosen name?

A: No, you do not have to request a chosen name. This service is for people who wish to be known by a name other than their legal name.

 

Q: Who can indicate a chosen name?

A: Any student, faculty, or staff at any Montana State University campus.

 

Q: Why do people use a chosen name?

A: People use a chosen name for any number of reasons. Here are some of the major ones:

 

  • They wish to be known by a nickname.
  • They use an abbreviated form of their first name.
  • They use their middle name in place of their first name.
  • To align with an individual's gender, religious or other protected class identity.
  • They wish to use their former last name professionally.
  • They wish to use a pseudonym such as pen name or stage name (common in literature and the arts).
  • To adopt a local name (International students.)
  • To provide an added degree of safety for victims of physical, sexual, or other types of violence.

 

Q: How will I be able to request a chosen name?

A: You may request a chosen name using the chosen name request service in MyInfo.

 

Q: Who can I contact if I have questions?

A: Please send questions to registrar@montana.edu

 

Q: Where will my chosen name be used?

A: Following a chosen name request, an individual's chosen name is entered into the Student  Information System (Banner). The individual's University email address will be updated  as part of the process. Once these updates are complete, their chosen name is displayed in the campus directory and in a wide variety of 3rd party systems such as DegreeWorks, D2L, CatScholarships and many more.

 

Q: Can a chosen name be printed on a University ID card?

A: Students, faculty, and staff may have their chosen name printed on their CatCard.  This is optional and replacement charges will apply.

 

A CatCard which displays a chosen name may no longer be used as a form of legal identification.

 

Q: Is a CatCard a form of identification accepted off-campus?

A: Entities off campus are not likely to consider the CatCard as a valid government ID.  Students are advised to carry a government-issued form of ID such as a driver’s license, U.S. social security card, or passport to access resources that require identification, but which are not on the Montana State University campus.

 

Q: Can a student, faculty or staff member use any chosen name that they wish?

A: Students, faculty and staff members are free to determine the chosen name they wish to be known by in the University's information system. The University reserves the right to deny or remove any chosen name that disrupts the academic or work environment of the University.

 

Q: Are there instances where a chosen name will not be used?

A: Yes. There are many instances where legal name must continue to be used. While this is not an exhaustive list, below are a number of examples where legal name will continue to be used.

 

Degree Verification

Employment Verification

Enrollment Verification

Federal and State Agency Reporting

Financial Aid

Immigration Status Reporting

Official University Transcripts

Payroll

Student Information System

Tax Processing

 

Contact Us

For questions about the Chosen Name Service, please email registrar@montana.edu.