Austin Community College recognizes that faculty, staff, and students may use names other than their legal name to identify themselves. ACC has a process that allows students to request use of a chosen first name where possible within the college’s records and systems. Legal names are used when necessary for college business or legal purposes.
- A person may choose to be known by a shortened first name or nickname. Alternatively, a person may choose to be known by an entirely different name.
- The use of a chosen name cannot be for misrepresentation, fraud, or illegal purposes.
- The college reserves the right to deny requests for chosen names that are offensive, derogatory, or involve repeated requests.
- This process may be modified or changed at the discretion of the college.
- Once you’ve submitted your chosen name, the college will review the name to ensure that it does not violate any of these standards. If your chosen name is not approved, you will be contacted within 24 hours to make another selection or decision about your name.
- The college designates a student name as directory information under the Family Rights Educational & Privacy Act (FERPA). As such, both legal and chosen names may be disclosed without prior consent unless you have elected to withhold directory information according to the directions included in the college’s annual FERPA notice. For questions regarding this please email Admissions & Enrollment or visit the FERPA website.
How to Request a Chosen First Name
- Go to the MyACC Student Portal.
- Click on My Profile in the upper right-hand corner.
- Click Change next to Chosen First Name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Specifying a Chosen Name
Are there any limitations on my selection of a chosen name?
Yes. Only alpha characters may be submitted; no special characters or numbers are allowed. There is a character limit of 15 characters. No slurs, derogatory words, or commercial names are allowed. In addition, no professional titles are allowed in the chosen name field.
Do I have to specify a chosen name?
No, you do not have to specify a chosen name. This is an option for people who wish to use a name other than their legal name to identify themselves. If you use your legal name, you are not required to specify a chosen name.
How do I delete or edit my chosen name?
If you are a student who has submitted a chosen name and later decide that you would rather use your legal name or a different chosen name everywhere on campus, you may edit or delete your chosen name.
Students can delete a chosen name by logging into MyACC and clicking on My Profile.
Am I able to update my pronouns?
Yes.
- Go to the MyACC Student Portal,
- then click on My Profile in the upper right-hand corner.
- Locate the “Pronoun” row and click “Change”.
- Click the dropdown list to see available options.
- Select your option and click Save.
These changes will be visible in Blackboard and on class rosters within a 48 hour period.
Chosen Name Use
Can I use my chosen name for everything at ACC?
The college will strive to use your chosen name where possible. Your legal name will continue to be used for business, legal, and other purposes that require the use of a legal name. Examples of where your legal name is necessary include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Official transcript
- Diploma
- Scholarship & financial aid documents
- Enrollment verifications
- Billing records
- Medical records
- Benefits forms and records
- Federal Immigration documents
- Non-resident visas and supporting documentation
- Tax forms (i.e. W2, 1095C, 1099s)
- Student loan documents
Where will my chosen name appear?
For now, your chosen name will appear in the following places:
- ACCmail address, only upon request. ACCmail name changes are irreversible.
- Blackboard
- Official class rosters
How does the chosen name policy affect F-1 and J-1 visa students?
Chosen name is for use within the college community. International students may feel free to select a chosen name for on-campus use. However, this does not apply in situations where one’s legal name is required. For the purpose of F-1 or J-1 student visa status, the legal name is required on I-20s and DS-2019s. An individual’s legal name is what appears in the passport. Please contact the International Student Office for additional assistance.
