We recognize the importance of preferred name support to respect the identity and maintain the safety of students throughout CUNY, and we are excited to announce that the CUNY preferred name portal process has been enhanced for students.

CUNY policy has long provided that students, faculty, and staff can be identified by their preferred first and middle name, and gender, without the need for official documentation. The enhanced process for students ensures that the preferred name becomes the primary name being displayed in University systems.

Moving forward, if a student submits a preferred name request in CUNYfirst, it will replace the legal first name as part of the student’s CUNY Login ID and will replace the legal first name in these CUNY portal systems:

  • Akademos (online bookstore)
  • ALMA (library systems)
  • Blackboard
  • Brightspace
  • DegreeWorks
  • Dropbox
  • EAB Navigate
  • FACTS
  • Certain Microsoft 365 applications (such as SharePoint and Teams)
  • Schedule Builder
  • Zoom

Faculty and staff are expected to consistently use the preferred name in all written and verbal communications with students.

There is the possibility that changes made through CUNYfirst will not automatically carry over to campus-based systems, such as email. In these instances, the students will be informed of the need to contact their campus IT Help Desks, which are aware of the enhancement and the possible need for their support.

Starting in the 2025-2026 Academic Year, students will be able to specify a diploma name that differs from the legal name through a systemwide enhancement. If a student graduating this Spring 2025 wishes to use a preferred name for their diploma, they will be instructed to contact their campus Registrar’s Office to see what options are available at their school.

Preferred name selections made through this process will not impact official records such as transcripts, for which legal name changes and documentation are required.

Please note that the process for faculty or staff to request the use of a preferred name has not changed. Faculty and staff wishing to use a preferred name should contact their college HR office and complete the Preferred Name Request form to initiate the change.

For more information, including instructions on conveying preferred name and gender at CUNY, go online.

By Hector Batista