Chosen Name

About Chosen Name

​​​Santa Ana College recognizes that some students, staff, and faculty wish to identify themselves by a name other than their legal name. 

In order to continue use of your preferred name, you will need to log in to Self-Service and re-enter the name you prefer to be identified by.  It is important to understand that designating your Chosen Name for use at SAC does NOT constitute a legal name change.  A students' legal name will continue to be used on certain college documents, such as transcripts. A student's Chosen Name will automatically display in Canvas and will be listed on class rosters and waiting lists for use by instructors and departments.

Change "Chosen Name" in Self-Service

Wha​t is a Chosen Name?

A Chosen Name is a name that you can designate to be used in Canvas and on class rosters in addition to your legal name. It is a name that you wish to be known or identified by and is different from your legal name. Santa Ana College students will be able to designate a Chosen Name beginning in spring 2021.​

How do I set my Chosen Name?

You are able to set/update your Chosen Name by logging into your account in Self-Service:

  1. STEP 1: Log into Self-Service with your district or student login
  2. Click on “User Options" in the left menu
  3. Click on “User Profile" in the drop down menu
  4. Click on “Edit Personal Identity" below your current account info
  5. Fill in your Chosen Name
  6. Click Save

Frequently Asked Questions

You may designate a first, middle and last name. Chosen Names are limited to alphabetical characters, a hyphen (-) and space. Generally, you can set a Chosen Name to any name, but the college reserves the right to delete a Chosen Name if it is used inappropriately, ​such as misrepresentation or fraud; such usage will also subject the student to disciplinary action in accordance with college policy.

Examples of Chosen Names tha​t will not be approv​​ed:

  • Names containing foul or inappropriate language as deemed by Admissions and Records
  • Names used for the purpose of misrepresentation

Your Chosen Name will be used on Canvas, class rosters, and waiting lists for use by instructors and departments. The Chosen name will also populate into the mailing address for informational mail or when addressing you in emails sent out by SAC.​

Chosen Names will not be used in cases where the legal name is required, including, but not limited to, financial aid documents, official transcripts, diplomas, payroll records, and federal immigration documents. In some cases, if you use a preferred name, it might be necessary to clarify that your preferred name is different from your legal name. Also, as the campus is engaged in several projects involving student information systems, some systems may not be able to accommodate the Chosen Name until a later period.

Your Chosen Name can be changed an unlimited number of times. It is recommended, however, that changes to your Chosen Name remain minimal to avoid confusion by your instructors and fellow students.

​​Yes. If you have designated a Chosen Name and later decide that you would prefer to use your legal name on the class roster and in Canvas, contact the Admissions and Records Office. ​​

Legal name changes and other personal profile information can be changed by completing the Stu​dent Change of Information Requ​est form. A legal form of identification showing the change must accompany the request form. See details on the form for more information.

Student Change of Information Request Form

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Your diploma will be printed with your full legal name only. To request your name to be changed on your diploma, you must submit a Request for Name Change.