This data may not be reflective of the current, published version of the Handbook. To access the most recent version of the Handbook, please visit http://catalog.jwu.edu

Name Corrections/Updates

Students can update the name in university information systems and documents through two options: through a legal name change (Name Change) for first and/or last name which replaces previous name in all systems, or update and add a first name to select records and identifying documents without completing a legal name change (Name in Use).

Name Change

Applicants, current students, and former students have the opportunity to change their names on university records by submitting a Name Change Request Form along with appropriate documentation showing that the student’s name has been officially changed. A copy of a court order, marriage certificate, passport or social security card are examples of documentation required to support an official name change. Upon receipt of the form and supporting documentation, the name change will be processed immediately (except when records exist on microfilm).  

Important note for international students: International students' names must appear on university records exactly as they appear on the passport issued by the student's home country.  

Name in Use

Students at JWU who use a name (Name in Use) other than their legal name have the ability to have that name added as a "preferred name" to the university’s student information system (Banner), which will appear on most course rosters and online course discussion tools. Name in Use cannot replace a legal name for financial aid or immigration purposes. Official university communications will default to legal name (this includes mailings home). If or when a student legally changes their name, the university will make that change in the university system when the student submits a Name Change Request Form with the required documentation. 

Currently, students can have their name in use reflected on 

  • their JWU student ID
  • their university name tag or required uniform (academic or on-campus involvement/employment-based) 
  • the "preferred name" field in Banner, which appears on 
    • ulearn discussion boards 
    • uSucceed 
    • jwuLink 
    • GPS 

To request to add a Name in Use/preferred first name, you have the following options: 

  • Contact Student Academic Services (SAS) to have your name in use added to the "preferred name" field in Banner. This will automatically transfer to ulearn discussions, uSucceed, jwuLink, and GPS within 24 hours. You may email this request. 
  • Update your JWU ID card and, when applicable, JWU name tag, with your Name in Use at no additional cost (there is a fee for lost IDs). Photo can but does not need to be updated for this request. Current ID must be turned in to receive an updated ID and avoid charge.

Email the IT Service Desk from your Wildcat email to request a change to the display name for your Wildcat email. This change will also automatically update JWU Zoom display name. 

We recognize that at the time of initial order, students may not have indicated their name in use be embroidered on their uniform required chef jacket. To see if you are eligible for a replacement jacket with your name in use at no additional cost, contact JWU Special Events. 

Students eligible for graduation may contact Providence or Charlotte Commencement Committee to update the name displayed in the Commencement Program and/or Name Card (read as the student crosses the stage at graduation). Name Card can also be updated the day of commencement. Please note: Diplomas and transcripts cannot be updated without a legal name change and submitting a Name Change Request Form with required documentation. 

Former students who have had a legal name change after graduation or separation can submit a Name Change Request Form with required documentation and then request an updated diploma and/or transcript. 

Please note that these processes may shift over the year due to technology upgrades as we work to improve our systems. 

Students may also contact the The Bridge Center for Diversity, Equity & Social Justice (formerly the Gender Equity Center) with specific questions or for assistance with any of the above steps and review additional resources available. 

**Please note that Student Academic Services, Experiential Education & Career Services, and Center for Academic Support are integrated on the Charlotte Campus. The department is now called the Academic & Career Excellence (ACE) Center.