Preferred Name
Creating an inclusive environment is part of Kent State University’s mission statement, and we recognize that some students use a name other than their legal name to identify themselves. Kent State University has established a process for identifying a preferred name.
The preferred name will be used where possible in the course of University business. There are places where the legal name will continue to be used for University business or legal needs. Students who are utilizing the preferred name should always be prepared to reference their legal name as well as provide their university identification when necessary.
There is an approval process where you may request a preferred name through FlashLine under Student Resources. The preferred name is not intended to be used for purposes of fraud or misrepresentation. The Office of the University Registrar has the authority to deny any request or remove a preferred name. This process is not intended to entertain repeated requests for a preferred name change. Only the first and middle names can be updated with a preferred name. Last names cannot be updated through the preferred name process.
Selecting a preferred name does not change your legal name on Kent State University records. Click here for more information about the process for changing your legal name.
Preferred Name Frequently Asked Questions
Beginning Fall 2016, preferred name will be implemented in the systems below. This list will change as more systems are updated.
| Admissions | GPS (Degree Audit System) |
| ARES | Grade Roster |
| Blackboard | KentLink (University Library) |
| Class Roster | KSU Advising |
| Cognos - Official Student Registrar Reports* | KSUview*** |
| Electronic Reserves (University Library) | Recreational Services |
| FlashCard** | Residential Services |
| FlashFast | Student Accessibility Services System |
| FlashLine | Student Directory |
| Flash Survey | University Health Services |
* Reports will be updated over a period of time
**If the student requests a new FlashCard, the preferred name will be displayed on the front and the legal name on the back.
*** KSUview designees will see the preferred name when they access information that has been authorized by the student.
Once a preferred name has been approved, allow two business days for the name to appear in the systems. It is highly recommended to obtain a new FlashCard with your preferred name as soon as possible.
For all other places not listed above, assume the legal name will be used.
EMAIL DISPLAY NAME: Students can change the display name of their kent.edu email address. To change the display name, please follow the instructions detailed in the article Updating the "send mail as"/display name in Gmail, found at TechHelp. If you are unable to complete the steps, please contact TechHelp at either support.kent.edu or at 330-672-HELP.
PLACES WHERE A PREFERRED NAME WILL NOT APPEAR
| Bursar's Office | National Student Clearinghouse |
| Commencement Program | National Student Loan Data Systems |
| Degree Verification | Official Transcripts |
| Diploma | Payroll processing and forms |
| Enrollment Verification | Reporting to any entity external to the University |
| Financial Aid | SEVIS |
| Health Center Insurance billing | Student bill |
| Media release (President's list, Dean's list, etc.) | Student refunds |
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the University Registrar at 330-672-3131.