A history of all name types recorded with The University of Akron is retained by the university registrar.
Students are required to provide their legal name on the application for admission. When the legal name consists of only one word, the information will be recorded as a last name with the standardized designation of 'FNU' (first name unknown) stored as the first name. Legal name is used as follows:
After enrollment, students may process official name changes or corrections with the university registrar. A change of legal name requires an official document or court order verifying the correct information at the time the request is made. One of the following documents must be submitted for verification:
To update your legal name, access your Workday Student account and complete the following steps.
After enrollment, students may record or change their preferred first name with the university registrar. The university reserves the right to remove a preferred name if it is used inappropriately or for misrepresentation.
Every member of the UA community is entitled to be addressed by their preferred/chosen first name. Faculty, staff, and students are expected to facilitate the use of preferred name. Preferred name is used in lieu of legal name as follows:
To update your preferred name, access your Workday Student account and complete the following steps.
A student’s legal name is used on their diploma(s) and in the commencement ceremony program. Their preferred name is used (announced) at commencement ceremonies.
Every member of the UA community is entitled to be referenced by their preferred/chosen pronouns. Faculty, staff, and students are expected to facilitate the use of preferred pronouns. Options for preferred pronouns are:
The University of Akron records the gender (sex marker) provided by students on the application for admission as part of students’ biographical personal information. Gender (sex marker) is defined as the sex assigned at birth and as recorded on the birth certificate, valid driver’s license, federal or state-issued identification card, or valid passport. The University of Akron is required to collect gender data to aggregate for federal and state reporting obligations and, as such, recognizes female, male, and not declared.
Gender identity is how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. Gender identity can be the same or different than their sex assigned at birth. The University of Akron recognizes:
To update your chosen pronouns, gender (sex marker), date of birth and/or gender identity, access your Workday Student account and complete the following steps.
Should you have questions about this policy or how to update your biographical information, please contact the Office of the University Registrar at (330) 972-8300 or registrar@uakron.edu.