Chosen First Name FAQ - Student
Central Oregon Community College recognizes that many individuals prefer to use first names other than their legal first names to identify themselves. In support of our commitment to creating and sustaining a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment, COCC provides you with the option to use a chosen first name.
What is a chosen first name and why is it important?
A chosen first name is a name that you commonly use that is different from your legal first name. Consistently referring to people using the names with which they identify is a basic matter of respect. This can be particularly helpful to some transgender and gender non-conforming students, international students, or anyone with a desire for a casual name reference.
How do I indicate a chosen first name?
Providing a chosen first name on the COCC admissions application is the best way to ensure the consistent use of your chosen first name by college instructors and other staff. However, you may provide, edit or remove your chosen name following admissions by emailingwelcome@cocc.edufrom your COCC email address.
选择的名字在哪里使用?*
Once your chosen first name is provided to the College it will be displayed in the following areas:
- Class rosters
- GradTracks degree audit
- Printed communications sent by mail
- Blackboard online learning environment
- Email account
- Student identification card
- Commencement Ceremony and Program
*Please Note: Indicating a chosen first name only updates the COCC systems listed above. All other academic records will reflect your legal name. However, COCC is committed to ongoing work to update College systems and communications to display your chosen name.
Can I use my chosen first name for everything at the college?
Your legal name will continue to be used in business processes that require use of the legal name, such as official transcripts, enrollment verification and financial aid documents.
What do I need to know about my ID card?
You may choose to utilize your chosen first name on your COCC ID card. However, this will impact your ability to use it as a form of legal identification.
Can I use any chosen first name that I wish?
You are free to determine the chosen first name that you want to be known by as long as you act in good faith. Inappropriate use of the chosen first name procedure including attempts to avoid a legal obligation via misrepresentation, or the use of inappropriate or vulgar language, will result in the denial and/or reversal of the request. You may contact the Director of Admissions/Registrar regarding any concerns. Additionally, chosen names must adhere to database character standards used by COCC data systems.
How do I change my legal name?
Students wishing to change their legal name may do so by submitting theLegal Name Change Formto the Admissions and Records Office with the appropriate supporting documentation.
How do I change my gender?
You may formally change your gender by submitting supporting legal documentation to the Admissions and Records Office.
How do I change my personal pronoun and/or gender identification?
You can change your personal pronoun and/or gender identification by logging into yourBobcat Web Accountand following the instructions below:
Select'Personal Information'
Select'View Information'
Click on'Update Your Personal Pronoun or Gender Identification'
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our Diversity and Inclusion Office at 541-383-7412.