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Chosen Name Protocol

The SUNY Oswego chosen first name process 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 the chosen first name aligns with community standards.

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.

Students: The Dean of Students office reviews chosen first name requests from students. Students with questions about the policy and/or process for requesting the use of a chosen first name should contact the Dean of Students. Appeals for denied requests should be presented to the Title IX Coordinator.

Employees: The Human Resources office reviews chosen first name requests from employees. Appeals for denied requests should be presented to the Title IX Coordinator.

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.  

Chosen Name Form for students.

Chosen Name Request form for employees (PDF).