Charlotte is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus environment as a foundation for your success! We recognize that a legal name or assigned sex isn't always a good fit for everyone, and that there are many reasons one might use a name, gender identity, or pronouns that is different from their legal name or assigned sex.
Your Preferred First Name
We are aware that many students use a first name other than their legal first name and want to ensure it is easy for you to update that information. We strive to create a personal experience by allowing opportunities for every member of our community to get to know each other better.
- One of the many ways we are doing this is by allowing you to provide your “preferred first name” which can be used on your 49er ID card, in emails, in classrooms, and in everyday conversation.
- We appreciate your patience as we are rolling out this functionality across the multiple systems on campus.
- As systems are updated to include preferred first names, we will post them here.
FAQs
Many members of the Charlotte community use a preferred first name that differs from their legal first name. These may include individuals who prefer to use:
- a middle name instead of a first name
- an anglicized name
- a name that most aligns with an individual's gender identity
- a name to which the individual is in the process of legally changing
At Charlotte, we strive to create a personal experience consistent with being a member of the Niner community.
Yes, although...
- Charlotte reserves the right to deny a request to include a preferred first name (PFN) if the request constitutes a misrepresentation, is fraudulent, or otherwise violates a University Policy and/or the Code of Student Responsibility.
- These issues related to misuse of the PFN process will be referred to the Dean of Student's Office or Office of Human Resources for investigation, review and possible referral to other units on campus.
Log in to MyCharlotte > Select Student Self Service under Quick Links > Select Personal Information in the 4-square menu > Select Personal Information Dashboard > Make the appropriate selections to update your information
After submitting your preferred first name in Banner Self Service, allow 24 hours for your record to update and export to the 49er ID card system. You may then request a new 49er ID card at the 49er Card Office located in the Auxiliary Services Building, at the ID Office located in the Popp Martin Student Union or at the Center City Campus.
Please be aware that if you have plans to use your 49er ID card for various legal, immigration, employment or voting purposes, the name listed on your 49er ID card may not match records maintained by other agencies outside of Charlotte.
First, determine where your reporting data originates. There are many ancillary systems on campus that provide data, including the Office of the Registrar. Once you have identified the office responsible for providing the data, reach out and request that preferred first name is used, if available. It will be helpful to include the name of the report or system you are referencing.
For Office of the Registrar supplied data, contact Jessica Miller, jcharper@charlotte.edu.
Some campus departments interact with and send reports to federal, state, and other government agencies that verify the identity of a student, faculty, or staff by using their legal name and other personally identifiable information that prohibits the use of preferred first names. View the System Updates chart to see where preferred first name will not be used.
Even though these systems may not be using preferred first name, Charlotte is still committed to using preferred first name when interacting with students and colleagues. It is important to use one's preferred first name to create a more welcoming and affirming campus environment, as a way to personalize the Charlotte experience.
We are striving to create an ethically responsible, respectful, and inclusive campus environment in alignment with the vision and values of the university. If you unintentionally use a student's or employee's legal first name, correct yourself once you notice or when feedback is provided, apologize, and continue to practice utilizing preferred first name.
If the unintentional use of preferred first name is a result of confusion with an LGBTQ student, we encourage you to attend the Sexuality and Gender Education (SAGE) Program training to become more aware of how important it is to use a correct preferred name with the LGBTQ community. For other training opportunities, reaching out to knowledgeable offices, such as Title IX, Human Resources, etc. is encouraged.