Use a Preferred Name at Kennesaw State University

To better serve our campus constituencies, we have created the option to add a Preferred First Name to all legally allowable University applications. This will be the name by which they are recognized in most campus systems. Faculty and Staff will have the option to submit a Preferred Name Form though Owl Express.
Name change forms will be updated three times per year, just prior to the start of the semester.
A list of systems that will be displaying preferred name may be found on the .

 

Faculty and Staff Preferred Name Change

Many Faculty and Staff use names other than their legal name for a variety of personal or cultural reasons. To better serve our Faculty and Staff, we have created the option to add a Preferred First Name.

The Preferred First Name replaces the Legal First Name in The following systems:

  • Campus Directory
  • OneUSG
  • Banner INB
  • KSU鈥檚 learning management system and electronic classroom
  • Other applications located at .

Submit Your Preferred Name Tasks

Individuals that are eligible to complete this form should have their primary affiliation for the university as the faculty/staff.

The deadline to submit Preferred Name form is no later than 5pm on the (First Day of Classes of the Fall and Spring Semesters) and the 8-Week session (First Day of Classes of the Summer Semester). 

Refer to the Academic Calendar for specific dates.

Faculty Services: Go to OwlExpress and choose 鈥淔aculty Services鈥�

Staff Services:  Go to OwlExpress and choose 鈥淓mployee Services鈥�

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A preferred name is a first name (i.e., given name) that may be chosen to be used instead of legal first name. Students, faculty and staff may opt to go by a preferred name that is different from their legal first name.
  • Many students, faculty and staff use names other than their given name for a variety of personal or cultural reasons. To better serve our students, faculty and staff we have created the option to add a Preferred First Name to several University applications that are used by students, faculty and staff.
  • Your legal name is the name that is listed on government issued identification, your birth certificate, and/or associated with your social security or tax ID number. A preferred name is a name by used by a student, faculty or staff that is different than their legal or given name. A student, faculty and staff may use a preferred name for a variety of reasons. Preferred names are used internally to Kennesaw State University and in place of legal name whenever possible. The preferred name designated with KSU does not change your legal or given name.
  • After completing the Preferred Name Change Form and it being approved (see below), you may request a new KSU ID card with your Preferred Name. Your preferred name will be listed on the front of your ID and your legal name will be printed on the back. There will be a $25 fee to order a replacement KSU ID card.
  • Yes, Faculty and Staff requests will be reviewed by Human Resources and the Office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. The University reserves the right to remove a Preferred Name if it contains inappropriate or offensive language. Preferred Names may not be used for purposes of fraud or misrepresentation. Individuals found to have abused the preferred name service may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the appropriate University handbook.

  • There are multiple systems and applications in which your legal name is required to be used. Some key areas in which your preferred name will not appear are academic transcripts and degrees. For a full list of applications and systems in which your Preferred Name will NOT appear.

    The Preferred First Name WILL NOT replace the Legal First Name in the following systems:

    • Blackbaud - Financial Edge
    • Blackbaud NetCommunity Grow
    • Blackbaud Raiser's Edge
    • Higher One/BankMobile
    • OnBase
    • Symplicity Accommodate
    • Symplicity Advocate
    • Symplicity Advocate GME BiasMotivated
    • Symplicity Advocate GME Concern
  • No, once you have completed the Preferred Name Change Form and it has been reviewed and approved your preferred name will appear in all applicable systems. We are not able to limit which systems or applications will utilize the Preferred Name field.
  • Yes, if you would like to revert to your legal name please completed a new Preferred Name Change Form and select your legal name in the form. Once the form has been reviewed and approved your legal name will replace your Preferred Name across campus at the start of the next semester. Preferred name change forms are not processed mid semester.

  • Faculty and Staff: The Preferred Name Change Form for faculty and staff is managed and maintained by Human Resources and the Office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. This includes form review and approval. For concerns regarding the Preferred Name Change Form and approvals, please contact the Human Resources.

  • The deadline to submit Preferred Name form is no later than 5pm on the First Day of Classes of the Fall and Spring semesters and the 8-Week session First Day of Classes of the Summer Semester. Refer to the Academic Calendar for specific dates.