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 Name Policy is a consistent preferred-name experience across University systems and use of one’s preferred name wherever legal name is not absolutely necessary. At this time the preferred 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
You will see changes to students’ first names when the update process is implemented Feb. 6–8. Any student who has indicated a preferred first name on Drake documents (such as the application for admission) will see that preferred name in the documents indicated.
This process and policy is especially important to help us create safe and engaged learning environments for transgender students. 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
Thank you! This policy will also help international students, whose preferred names are often not obvious (to Americans) from looking at their legal names. Please make sure international students know about this feature/policy.