Chosen Name Policy

I. Summary

Purdue Global is committed to creating an inclusive environment, and we recognize you may identify yourself by a first name other than your legal/primary first name. Except when your legal name is required by law, policy, or business needs, you may choose to be identified in some University systems and contexts by a chosen name you have designated.

II. Definitions

Chosen name: An alternative to your legal first name

Legal name: Your first, middle, and last name as they appear on official governmental documents such as licenses, passports, Social Security card, birth certificates and/or tax forms

III. Examples

Many in the Purdue Global community choose a first name that differs from their legal/primary name.

Chosen names may include (but are not necessarily limited to):

  • A shortened derivative of a name (e.g., “Sue” for “Susan”)
  • Initials (e.g., “J.T.”)
  • A name you find better represents your identity
  • A name to which you are in the process of legally changing


Purdue Global will not accept a chosen name that is inappropriate. Inappropriate chosen names include but are not limited to those that avoid legal obligation, misrepresent, harass, or threaten. In most cases, a chosen name should not be a message, company, or group name, especially if it is for promotional purposes. Chosen name submissions are subject to review at any time by the University.

IV. Usage

Your chosen name will be used wherever reasonably possible.

Examples of where chosen names will be used include but are not limited to:

  • Conversations with your instructors and Student Support teams
  • Purdue Global Campus
  • Online classroom, seminars, and Faculty Connect sessions
  • Student clubs, organizations, and honor societies
  • Graduation ceremony (name customizable)
  • Written correspondence about any of the above

Examples of where the legal name will appear include but are not limited to:

  • Financial aid documents
  • Billing and financial statements
  • University transcripts (official)
  • Enrollment verifications and deferment requests
  • Legally binding contracts
  • Elements of the student record created prior to entry of the chosen name
  • Written correspondence about any of the above

V. Procedure to Submit a Chosen Name

If you are a prospective student, you can submit a chosen name in the student Profile section of the Student Enrollment Portal. If you are enrolled at the University, you can submit a chosen name in the Profile section of the Purdue Global Campus student portal. You may change your chosen name up to three times during your enrollment at Purdue Global.

VI. Directory Information

Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Purdue Global may release “directory information” to third parties without student consent. At the University, directory information includes all of a student’s names on file, including a chosen name if submitted.

Directory information also includes:

  • Address
  • Telephone number
  • Email address
  • Photographic representations of students
  • Field of study
  • Grade level
  • Enrollment status
  • Dates of attendance at the University
  • Degrees, honors, and awards received
  • Participation in officially recognized campus activities

If you would like to prevent the University from disclosing your directory information, you may choose to withhold all of your directory information by filling out and submitting the Directory Information Withholding Request Form available from your Student Advisor. Currently, there is not an option that allows you to withhold select information from your directory information.

Note: if you submit a chosen name for use at the University and do not fill out and submit the Directory Information Withholding Request Form, the University may disclose your chosen name to third parties.

VII. Nondiscrimination Policy and Accessibility Services

It is Purdue Global’s policy to maintain an academic environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. All individuals have the right to strive to reach their potential in an atmosphere free from discriminatory practices, including unlawful discrimination and/or harassment based on race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, disability, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status under applicable federal, state, and local laws. Sexual harassment is a prohibited aspect of sexual discrimination under this policy. For more on Purdue Global’s nondiscrimination policy and accessibility services, please visit https://catalog.purdueglobal.edu/policy-information/student-rights-responsibilities/nondiscrimination-policy/.

VIII. Resources

For questions or concerns related to student identity and inclusion, please contact the Student Relations department at studentrelations@purdueglobal.edu.