Student Chosen Name Policy

Consistent with our Lasallian Catholic mission to “defend the goodness, dignity, and freedom of each person,” and our espoused values of mutual respect, understanding, and inclusive community, Saint Mary’s College of California allows student members of our community to elect to utilize a chosen name. We recognize that some of our students may use names other than their legal name to identify themselves. These may include, but are not limited to, people who use their middle name instead of their first name, people who use nicknames of a legal name, people who use an anglicized name, and people who use a name that affirms their gender identity.

Students may request use of their chosen first name in lieu of their legal first name via an online form found on the Registrar’s page. As long as the use of this chosen name is not for the purposes of misrepresentation, the College acknowledges that a chosen name may be used where possible. Saint Mary’s College reserves the right to remove a chosen name if it is used inappropriately. Additional information can be found on the Registrar’s website.

Legal Name Change

A student’s “name of record” at Saint Mary’s College is defined as the legal name under which the student was admitted. Legal name is defined as that name verified by a birth certified date, marriage certificate, social security card, passport, or court order. The college requires two of the following documents showing the new name:

Driver’s license
Passport
Marriage certificate
Divorce decree
Social Security card
Certified court order

Upon receipt and verification of this documentation, the Registrar will change the student’s name in the student’s official academic record. “Official academic record” in this section is defined as Saint Mary’s College computerized student information system. Questions regarding this policy should be directed to the Vice Provost for Student Success.