Sometimes a person's given name doesn't reflect who they are. We recognize that you may identify by a name that is different from your legal one.
West Valley College respects students' names and recognizes that students may be unable to go through a legal name change during their time here. We are committed to using a student's True name during their time as a West Valley College student.
Frequently Asked Questions
A true or preferred name is the name a person wants or has elected to be called. A preferred or chosen name is not a person's legal name.
A true or preferred name differs from an individual's legal first name and is not meant to be used to record a nickname (e.g. Becky for Rebecca). Surnames can only be changed through a legal name change request.
Your legal name is the name that appears on an individual's passport, driver's license, state identification (i.d.), birth certificate, or U.S. Social Security Card.
Anyone at West Valley College, employees and students, can elect to use a true or preferred name (excluding nickname and surname requests).
No. This service only applies to first names.
Please visit the California Courts website on Changing an Adult’s Name for more information.
Yes. Students updating their name to reflect their true or preferred first name may have a free one-time update of their student ID card to reflect their true name.
Your true name will display in the following areas:
- MyWVM email display name. Example: preferred first name + legal last (legal first initial + legal [email protected])
- MyPortal display name
- Canvas display first name
- Starfish
- Student ID card
Note: The last name displayed on all student records and accounts will match the student's legal last name.
A true or preferred first name cannot be an attempt at misrepresentation or fraud.
Certain offices require the use of legal name, including:
- Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS)
- Campus Billing
- Financial Aid
- Official Academic Records (ex. final grade rosters, official and unofficial transcripts, diplomas, etc.)
- Athletics
- Safety and Security
- Human Resources/ Student Employment Office
There may be some situations where it may be necessary to clarify that your preferred name is different from your legal name. Examples of this include official interactions with law enforcement, business processes, verification of medical records, academic transcripts, and financial aid.
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) a student's name, including one's True Name, may be disclosed to the public as "directory information" unless the student opts not to permit such disclosure by completing a Request to Prevent Disclosure of Directory Information.
Yes, you may request your true or preferred name to be removed at any time.