What to consider

Entering a name of use publically into the VCU system that is different than your legal name is a significant decision. A change of this type impacts a large number of systems and processes both at VCU and beyond.

We want you to make the most informed decision possible about whether entering into a public system a name of use other than a legal name is the right decision for you.

It is your responsibility to communicate your decision to all the necessary parties when selecting a name of use other than your legal name. This includes those outside the VCU system who may not know your name of use and those within the VCU system who do not have access to your legal first name.

Before changing your name of use, consider:

• Once you make this change, VCU will utilize your name of use wherever applicable.
  • This is how VCU will know you; how faculty, staff and other students will search for you and how VCU will address you in official communications, including in mail that is sent to your permanent address (for many students, this means your parents’ home).
  • Employees’ information is available to people outside of VCU through the online directory.
• This is a VCU-only change.
  • While you will be known in VCU systems by your name of use, updating VCU systems does not update systems outside of VCU. You will need to make any updates to systems outside VCU directly, and some may require you to provide proof of legal name change in order to update your information.
  • Changing your name through VCU systems is not the same as going through a legal name change. It is your responsibility to coordinate your name with all other legal documents (driver’s license, passport, etc.). Visit our Resources page for information about changing your legal name. 
• Your professional organizations may have a different name for you.
  • You are responsible for informing them about your name of use if you wish to do so.
  • Your professional achievements may be known by multiple names and, thus may require explanation and/or integration of this information.
• Your applications for jobs or graduate school may have a different name for you.
  • You are responsible for informing both the future institution and your recommenders. We advise that you communicate clearly with individuals who may recommend you about your identifying information at VCU and outside VCU, as needed. 
• If you use your VCU ID as your voter ID, your VCU ID name must match the voter register.
  • You can obtain a Virginia state ID at the Virginia DMV if you choose to change your VCU ID and are in need of an official ID with your legal name.