Change my name
Follow the instructions below to provide VCU with the name, gender and pronoun by which you identify. VCU will generally use this name for you when communicating to you and others, but be aware that some systems must still address you by your legal name.
We strongly encourage you to read through these considerations before you proceed with changing your name of use.
Changing your name of use at VCU is not the same as changing your name legally. Learn more about navigating the legal name change process.
How to change your name of use
- Go to the eServices Personal Information page: go.vcu.edu/myname.
- Click "Edit" in the top right corner of the Personal Details section.
- In the Name of Use field, enter the name you intend to use at VCU. This name along with your legal last name will be your full name with the university, exactly as it is entered. If you are going to enter something other than your legal first name, please follow the specific system rules below. Entries that do not fit within system parameters will be removed.
- Do NOT enter anything into this field other than a name you use. Any entry of a name other than one you actually intend to use for university purposes may result in action under university policy, such as the Student Code of Conduct or employment policies.
- If you do not want to provide a name of use, please leave the field blank. Do not enter any version of the phrase “not applicable." If you do not input anything into the Name of Use field, then the system will create your name using your legal first name and legal last name.
- Do not utilize any numbers or symbols as characters for your name of use; do not use alphanumeric combinations for your name of use.
- Do not enter multiple options for your name. For example, do NOT write “Maria or Mari.” You must choose one version of your name and enter it exactly as you wish it to appear.
- You can put in a name that has multiple parts, including middle name(s), additional last name(s), initials and punctuation. For example, if your first name is Amahle and your legal last name is Kuhmalo, but you also want to use Dalmini as part of your name, you can enter Amahle Dalmini in the name of use field. Your full name will be known as Amahle Dalmini Kuhmalo.
- Do not include your last name in the name of use field unless you want to incorporate an additional last name. At this time, VCU will continue to use legal last names.
- Do NOT enter anything into this field other than a name you use. Any entry of a name other than one you actually intend to use for university purposes may result in action under university policy, such as the Student Code of Conduct or employment policies.
- Select your gender/gender identity from the dropdown menu. This is not a required field, but we encourage you to select the option that best fits you. If you do not find your gender/gender identity listed, please select not listed and email myname@vcu.edu with the appropriate gender/gender identity for future updates to the system.
- Select your pronoun from the dropdown menu. This is not a required field, but we encourage you to select the option that best fits you. If you do not find your pronoun listed, please select not listed and email myname@vcu.edu with the appropriate pronoun for future updates to the system.
- Click the Update button.
- Wait 48 hours for major systems to update.
- Check that your name of use has updated in the systems that apply to you.
Gender identity terms
VCU understands gender identity to be one’s internal, deeply held sense of their gender and recognizes that each of us has the right to claim our gender identity regardless of how anyone else may interpret it. VCU affirms each individual’s right to live and be recognized as the gender they are.
External expression of one’s gender identity, usually expressed through behavior, clothing, haircut or voice and which may or may not conform to socially defined behaviors and characteristics typically associated with being either masculine or feminine.
A term used to identify people whose gender identity matches cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Being cisgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation.
An umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Being transgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation.
A term used for people who experience their gender identity and/or gender expression as existing outside the gender binary of “man/woman” or they may define it as wholly different from these terms. This term is not synonymous with the term transgender, though people may identify with both/all of these terms.
A term used for people who experience their gender identity and/or gender expression as existing outside the gender binary of “man/woman” or they may define it as wholly different from these terms. This term is not synonymous with the term transgender, though people may identify with both/all of these terms.
A term used when one’s physical presentation does not align with traditional cultural expectations of “man” or “woman.” This term is not synonymous with the term transgender, though people may identify with both/all these terms.