Name Change & Preferred Name

Locations:


Name Change & Preferred Name

Preferred Name Change


Legal/Official Name Change or Correction


Here are the steps to change or correct your legal / official name in North Seattle College's systems:

  1. Send an email asking for a legal name change to: ARRC@seattlecolleges.edu.

  2. Attach 1 piece of documentation of the name change or correction, e.g.: picture or scan of the court order, passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, or other legal document.



For help financing a legal name change, ask the court to waive the filing fee, contact Ingersoll (gender-related name change), or apply for Emergency Assistance.

For free legal help with a gender-related name change, make an appointment with the non-profit organization QLaw.

More resources:


For further questions about name changes and corrections at North Seattle College, please email the Office of the Registrar at ARRC@seattlecolleges.edu, call (206) 934-3663, contact a trusted person on campus, or visit the Equity & Welcome Center.



Preferred Names


North Seattle College allows students to identify the name they would like to be called in classroom settings and when interacting with college employees.

This preferred name is used in a variety of applications.

Terms and Conditions

When you set or change your preferred name, you agree to all of the following:

  • You have not entered a preferred name with an intent to impersonate someone else, to deceive, or to defraud;

  • Hate speech, inappropriate language, or repeated frequent use of this feature may bar you from using this feature, at the College's discretion;

  • Your preferred name may be used in any North Seattle College system.

screenshot of MyNorth interface showing student profile and field for entering preferred name

MyNorth

  1. Log into MyNorth with your student ID and PIN (birthday: mmddyy).

  2. Click on the small head next to your name at the top right.

  3. Type in your preferred first name.

  4. Click "Update my Profile" (green button)

screenshot of Canvas interface showing navigation bar

Canvas

  1. Log into Canvas

user name: your student ID number

password: first 8 letters of your last name, all lower case (e.g.: O’Callaghan = ocallagh; Kelly = kellykel; Wu = wuwuwuwu)

  1. Click on "Account" at the top left, then on "Profile"

  2. Click on "Edit Profile" at the top right (look for pencil icon)

  3. Type in your preferred name and click "Save Profile" at the bottom right

Help with Canvas


Preferred Name - Frequently Asked Questions

Why does North Seattle College use preferred names on non-legal documents?

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and North Seattle College value and honor diverse perspectives, identities, and experiences.

North Seattle College believes enabling students to use a preferred name supports and affirms the diverse needs of students, as well as ensures equity for marginalized populations.

Referring to students by the name they wish to be called in classrooms and when interacting with college staff supports the goal of ensuring equity and inclusion for students.

What does a preferred name mean at North Seattle College?

The term “preferred name” refers to a name that an individual wishes to use which differs from their legal name on legal documents.

It can also refer to a name that differs from the name listed on a student’s original North Seattle College student record when it has not been changed legally.

Why would someone want to use a preferred name?

The reasons for choosing a preferred name are personal and different for each individual.

Students may have multiple interrelated reasons for using a preferred name.

Below are a few examples:

  • Wanting a preemptive name change while in the process of legal divorce

  • Preferring to use a nickname or middle name instead of legal first name

  • Preferring an Anglicized or 'Americanized' name rather than legal name from another language

  • Choosing a name aligned with gender identity or presentation

  • Decolonizing names, e.g. revitalizing ancestral names

  • Personal reasons, e.g. safety from stalker or bully

  • Cultural reasons, e.g. different names for different life stages

Where will the preferred name appear?

Your preferred name shows up in:

    • Canvas (visible to instructors and students)

    • College email (visible to college staff and students)
      --> send an email to       ITHelp@seattlecolleges.edu to request an email address that reflects your preferred name


Your preferred and legal names show up in:

    • MyNorth (visible to yourself only)

???

    • Instructor Briefcase class roster (visible to instructors)

    • Online Orientation (visible to yourself only)

    • EdPlan (visible to college staff and student)

    • Starfish (visible to college staff and student)

    • College library system (visible to college staff and student)

    • Student ID cards (visible to collgege staff and students)

Coming soon (February/March 2020): cTc Link

  • replaces MyNorth

  • has preferred name option (self-service)

  • legal name change and correction process remains the same

  • ???


Which documents will NOT have preferred names?

Legal names, not preferred names, will appear on some documents.

Your legal name will be used where required by law.

This includes:

    • College diploma/degree

    • Academic certifications, certification documents

    • Transcripts (National Student Clearinghouse)

    • Official student accounts

    • Student Financial Services documentation

    • Financial Aid (FAFSA/WAFSA) records

    • Student employment records

    • Immigration/SEVIS documents, International Programs documentation

    • Federal Requests for Information

    • Veteran Administration documentation

What does it cost to use a preferred name?

There is no cost for using a preferred name at North Seattle College.

How do I update my name on my college records?

A preferred name does not require additional documentation.

Official college records, however, show the student's legal name.

For information and help with legal name changes or corrections, please see Legal Name Change & Correction above.

When will my preferred name go into effect?

You can enter a preferred name or update your preferred name anytime.

It will take 24-48 business hours for the update to appear in the applications provisioned for preferred names.

Are there any preferred name restrictions?

Preferred names may not be used for purposes of fraud or misrepresentation, and preferred names may not contain hate speech or offensive language.

North Seattle College reserves the right to remove a preferred name if it harms an individual or historically marginalized group.

Does a preferred first name affect my legal name?

No.

Using a preferred name at North Seattle College does not change your legal name.

Do I have to use a preferred name?

No.

Use of a preferred name is completely optional.

Who do I contact if I have more questions?

Please email the Office of the Registrar at ARRC@seattlecolleges.edu, call (206) 934-3663, contact a trusted person on campus, or visit the Equity & Welcome Center.