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Name Change Information

Name Change Overview

Students and former students may request updates to their name on College records using the Name Change Request Form. The request types below outline the available options and the requirements for each type of name change.

To access the Name Change Form, please visit our Academic Forms page. 

Legal Name Change

This option is for students and former students whose legal name has changed and who are requesting an update to their student record.

Documentation Required - Please provide both the following:

  • Valid Photo Identification (examples include): passport, military identification card, alien registration receipt card (with photograph), government or tribal-issued phot identification card. 
  • Official Name Change Document (examples include): Marriage license, divorce decree, or court-authorized name change document. 

Submit through the Name Change Request Form and select: Legal Name Change

 

Name Correction (Typo or Record Error)

This option is for students and former students requesting a correction to an incorrect name in their student record due to an error.

Examples: Misspelled first or last name, incorrect spacing or punctuation, or data entry errors.

Documentation Required - Please provide one of the following: 

  • Passport, driver's license, military identification card, alien registration receipt card (with photograph), government or tribal-issued phot identification card. 

Submit through the Name Change Request Form and select: Name Correction (Typo or Record Error) 

 

Chosen First Name

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.

This option is for students and former students who would like the College to use a first name other than their legal first name. Examples of a chosen first name include a nickname or another first name that is commonly used.

Examples: Nickname, alternative first name, or remove/update the chosen name on record. 

Documentation Required: None

Submit through the Name Change Request Form and select: Chosen First Name Request

Name Change FAQ

  • Does changing my name automatically update my username and email address?  
    No. If you would like to use your name as the basis for your username and email, please indicate that on the Name Change Form. 
  • How do I change my legal gender designation? 
    You may change your legal gender designation by contacting welcome@cocc.edu to start the process. 
  • How do I change my personal pronoun and/or gender identification? 

    You can change your personal pronoun and/or gender identification in your Bobcat Web Account.

    Select 'Personal Information'
    Select 'View Information'
    Select '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.

  • 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.
  • 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 Dean of Enrollment Management & Registrar regarding any concerns. Additionally, chosen names must adhere to database character standards used by COCC data systems.

  • Where is my chosen first name used?

    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
    • Canvas 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 chosen first name on 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.

 

Additional Name Change Questions

Call 541-383-7500 or email welcome@cocc.edu