Use a Preferred Name at Kennesaw State University

With the growing diversity of our campus, many students, faculty and staff use names other than their given name for a variety of personal or cultural reasons. To better serve our campus constituencies, we have created the option to add a Preferred First Name to all legally allowable University applications.

Beginning Fall semester 2017, students may opt to have their preferred name replace their legal name across all allowable applications. This will be the name by which they are recognized in most campus systems. Students wishing to update their preferred name may do so until 5:00pm on the first day of class. Name change forms will be updated three times per year, just prior to the start of the semester. The Preferred Name Change Form is submitted though Owl Express, under the Student Records tab

A list of systems that will be displaying preferred name may be found on the Registrar’s website.

Beginning Spring 2018, Faculty and Staff will have the option to submit a Preferred Name Form. The process and the systems impacted will exactly mirror those of the student preferred name solution.

Students Preferred Name Change

You can submit the Preferred Name Change below through Owl Express.

  • Legal names will be required for students enrolled in eCore courses.
  • Student names must match the name issued on state identifications in order to sit for proctored exams.
  • Preferred names will not be used in cases where legal name is required, including but not limited to, financial aid documents, official transcripts, diplomas, payroll records, and federal immigration documents.
  • In addition to systems where legal name is not required, the Preferred First Name will be added to the Class Roster, Student Advising Guide, and Degreeworks.

 

Student Services: Go to OwlExpress and choose “Student Services”

OwlExpress - Student Services

Changes to Other Personal Information

All Other Personal Information Changes

Faculty and Staff Preferred Name Change

With the growing diversity of our campus, many Faculty and Staff use names other than their legal name for a variety of personal or cultural reasons. To better serve our Faculty and Staff, we have created the option to add a Preferred First Name.

The Preferred First Name replaces the Legal First Name in The following systems:

  • Campus Directory
  • OneUSG
  • Banner INB
  • KSU’s learning management system and electronic classroom
  • Other applications located at Registrar's Office.

Submit Your Preferred Name Tasks

Individuals that are eligible to complete this form should have their primary affiliation for the university as the faculty/staff.

The deadline to submit Preferred Name form is no later than 5pm on the (First Day of Classes of the Fall and Spring Semesters) and the 8-Week session (First Day of Classes of the Summer Semester). 

Refer to the Academic Calendar for specific dates.

Faculty Services: Go to OwlExpress and choose “Faculty Services”

OwlExpress - Faculty Services

Staff Services:  Go to OwlExpress and choose “Employee Services”

OwlExpress - Staff Services

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A preferred name is a first name (i.e., given name) that may be chosen to be used instead of legal first name. Students, Faculty and Staff may opt to go by a preferred name that is different from their legal first name.
  • With the growing diversity of our campus, many students, faculty and staff use names other than their given name for a variety of personal or cultural reasons. To better serve our students, faculty and staff we have created the option to add a Preferred First Name to several University applications that are used by students, faculty and staff.
  • Your legal name is the name that is listed on government issued identification, your birth certificate, and/or associated with your social security or tax ID number. A preferred name is a name by used by a student, faculty or staff that is different than their legal or given name. A student, faculty and staff may use a preferred name for a variety of reasons. Preferred names are used internally to Kennesaw State University and in place of legal name whenever possible. The preferred name designated with KSU does not change your legal or given name.
  • After completing the Preferred Name Change Form and it being approved (see below), you may request a new KSU ID card with your Preferred Name. Your preferred name will be listed on the front of your ID and your legal name will be printed on the back. There will be a $25 fee to order a replacement KSU ID card.
  • Yes, Student requests will be reviewed by The Office of the Registrar and Faculty and Staff requests will be reviewed by Human Resources and the Office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. The University reserves the right to remove a Preferred Name if it contains inappropriate or offensive language. Preferred Names may not be used for purposes of fraud or misrepresentation. Individuals found to have abused the preferred name service may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the appropriate University handbook.

  • The Preferred First Name will be added to the Class Roster, Student Advising Guide, and Degree Works.

    The Preferred First Name replaces the Legal First Name in the following systems:

    • Abila / Sage
    • Access Control - Lenel
    • Access Control - Onity
    • Access Control - Salto
    • AIM
    • Alma (fmr. Voyager)
    • Appointment Plus
    • Apps.kennesaw.edu
    • Banner INB (Both)
    • Bb Collaborate
    • Bright Space by D2L
    • Chalk and Wire
    • Collegiate Link - Owl Life
    • Concur Security
    • Curriculog
    • DegreeWorks (Both)
    • Digital Measures - Course Response
    • Digital Measures - Activity Insight
    • EAB SSC
    • EtQ Reliance
    • OmniUpdate - Web CMS
    • OrgSync
    • Event Management System (EMS) -Classroom Scheduling
    • Event Management System (EMS) - Master Calendar
    • Event Management System (EMS) - Virtutal EMS
    • Fusion Desktop & Web Portal
    • iThenticate
    • Kaltura
    • KSU Connect - Oracle Portal
    • Kurzweil
    • MBS - Bookstore Management
    • Moodle
    • Panopto
    • Peachtree Accounting
    • Proctor U
    • QKSU
    • Qualtrics
    • Rave
    • Red Canyon
    • Respondus
    • Respondus Lockdown Browser
    • Ricoh Printing Services
    • SAS Reporting System
    • Scannet
    • ServiceNow
    • SkillSoft
    • SlimCD
    • Smarter Measures
    • SoftChalk
    • StarRez
    • T2
    • TeamDynamix
    • Ticket Alternative
    • Touchnet
    • TurnItIn
    • VoiceThread
    • Web Checkout

  • There are multiple systems and applications in which your legal name is required to be used. Some key areas in which your preferred name will not appear are academic transcripts and degrees. For a full list of applications and systems in which your Preferred Name will NOT appear.

    The Preferred First Name WILL NOT replace the Legal First Name in the following systems:

    • Blackbaud - Financial Edge
    • Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow
    • Blackbaud Raiser's Edge
    • Higher One/BankMobile
    • OnBase
    • Symplicity Accommodate
    • Symplicity Advocate
    • Symplicity Advocate GME BiasMotivated
    • Symplicity Advocate GME Concern
  • No, once you have completed the Preferred Name Change Form and it has been reviewed and approved your preferred name will appear in all applicable systems. We are not able to limit which systems or applications will utilize the Preferred Name field.
  • Yes, if you would like to revert to your legal name please completed a new Preferred Name Change Form and select your legal name in the form. Once the form has been reviewed and approved your legal name will replace your Preferred Name across campus at the start of the next semester. Preferred name change forms are not processed mid semester.

  • Students: The Preferred Name Change Form for students is managed and maintained by the Registrar’s Office. This includes form review and approval. For concerns regarding the Preferred Name Change Form and approvals, please contact the Registrar’s Office. For other concerns related to your preferred name, please contact the Dean of Students.

    Faculty and Staff: The Preferred Name Change Form for faculty and staff is managed and maintained by Human Resources and the Office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. This includes form review and approval. For concerns regarding the Preferred Name Change Form and approvals, please contact the Human Resources.

  • The deadline to submit Preferred Name form is no later than 5pm on the First Day of Classes of the Fall and Spring semesters and the 8-Week session First Day of Classes of the Summer Semester. Refer to the Academic Calendar for specific dates.