For Students Archive

New Preferred Name Policy goes into effect

The new Preferred Name Policy offers all students the option to use a preferred first name, that will display in many, but not all, University documents. The goal of the Student Preferred First Name Policy is to provide a consistent preferred-name experience across University systems and use of one’s preferred first name wherever legal name is not absolutely necessary. At this time the preferred first name would be used in the following places:

  • Drake ID Card
  • Residence hall roster (for on-campus students)
  • Blackboard listing
  • Class list with photos
  • Adviser list with photos
  • MyDUSIS classmate search
  • Email

While this new policy will benefit a large number of students, this is especially important to help create a safe and engaged learning environment for transgender students

By Wednesday, Feb. 8, anyone who has indicated a “preferred first name” on Drake documents (such as your application for admission) will have the above pieces updated. You may have indicated your preferred name several years ago, or more recently. In the initial launch of this policy and process, all preferred names in the system will be updated.

If you have a preferred first name, and would like that name reflected on your Drake Card, you can take your current Drake Card to the Student Services Center in lower Carnegie Hall, and exchange it for a new ID with your preferred first name. You may also check here for a FAQ on the new policy.

If you did not have a preferred first name in the system and would like to now update your preferred first name, please follow these instructions:

    1. Log-in to blueView
    2. Click the MyDUSIS icon
    3. Select Personal Information from main menu
    4. Select Update Preferred Name

Also, note that if your preferred first name is updated, you will still receive emails to your legal first name as well as your preferred first name.

Questions? Please feel free to contact Tony Tyler, director of student engagement, equity, and inclusion, Carlyn Marron, assistant director of international programs; or Kevin Moenkhaus, director of student records.

—Melissa Sturm-Smith, Academic Excellence and Student Success