SUNY Oswego is committed to acknowledging the diverse and inclusive ethos of our campus. This policy is intended to align with current SUNY guidance with the purpose of encouraging an environment for personal expression within community standards. SUNY Oswego recognizes the needs of students and employees who wish to be identified by a first name that differs from their legal name.
Chosen Name Policy
The SUNY Oswego chosen first name policy allows students and employees to officially notify the college of their chosen first names, and have this change reflected in on-campus communication systems, as long as the chosen first name is not used for purposes of misidentification, fraud or misrepresentation and that the chosen first name meets community standards (e.g. not profane, obscene, or derived from hate-speech; and conform to technical requirements). There are limits to where chosen first names will be reflected in University communications.
This policy is consistent with current NYS Human Rights Law protecting individuals against discrimination based on gender identity and expression, and is a best practice for supporting transgender and gender non-conforming members of college communities. This service is not limited to use by transgender and gender non-conforming students and employees, however, and is available to anyone who uses a chosen first name on a daily basis other than their legal/primary first name.
The chosen first name is used for internal communication and certain external communications (e.g. awards, Dean's list, President's List, website staff bio pages, sports information). Internal applications for the use of approved chosen first name include but may not be limited to: class rosters (including Blackboard), advising lists, housing lists, and email. SUNY Oswego ID Cards (employee/student identification cards) will display both legal and chosen first name. The University is obligated to use the legal first name for many official records and reports, including but not limited to: certain employment and payroll records, billing records, financial aid documents, official transcripts, medicalal records, employee benefits records, expense reimbursements, travel and purchasing authorizations, enrollment reporting, conduct hearing results, external reporting and federal immigration documents.
Requests for use of chosen first name shall be limited to one request per academic year. See the Chosen Name Protocol and FAQs below for more information.
For more information, contact Lisa Evaneski, Title IX Coordinator.
Chosen Name Protocol
There are limits to where chosen first names will be reflected in college communications. Requests for use of chosen first name shall be limited to one request per academic year. This policy has been in effect since fall 2017.
Adjusting our various information systems to include the use of the chosen first name is a multi-year effort, due to the complexity and interrelated nature of systems and record sources. We appreciate your patience as we expand our ability to use the chosen first name in records, and work toward providing a solution for this important need.
Requests From Students
Use the form below for chosen first name requests. Note that it opens in Maxient and requires login. The Dean of Students office reviews requests from students. Appeals for denied requests should be presented to the Title IX Coordinator.
Requests From Employees
Download and complete the document below for chosen first name requests. The Human Resources office reviews requests from employees. Appeals for denied requests should be presented to the Title IX Coordinator.
FAQs
Why do we have a Chosen First Name Policy?
The policy brings us in line with recommendations for compliance with Title IX, SUNY and state guidance. It also promotes a campus ethos which welcomes and supports self-expression.
Who does the policy affect?
Students and employees, as well as employees of University Auxiliary Services and the Research Foundation or Student Association who wish to be recognized by and use a different first name from their legal first name, and within community standards.
Why would someone want to use a chosen first name?
There are plenty of reasons. Usually because of a personal identification (for example, transgender or transitioning persons), or for an “Americanization” of their legal name, particularly among our international colleagues and students.
Does the policy allow me to change my legal name?
No. Your chosen name is for University related communication and identification. Your legal name remains unchanged.
Where will I see a chosen first name?
You will see them on most internal communications, such as email, MyOswego, advising and class lists, housing lists, and mailroom. ID cards will display the chosen first name on the front and the legal name on the back.
How do I seek the use of a chosen first name?
Complete the Chosen Name Request Form. See the protocols above. Student requests are reviewed by the Dean of Students. Employee requests are reviewed by Human Resources.
How often can I request a chosen first name?
Requests are limited to one per academic year. See the protocols above.
Lisa Evaneski
Title IX Coordinator
Culkin 407
315.312.5604 (private voicemail)
[email protected]
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