Name-in-Use policy

Oregon State University believes it is important that while attending the university, students are able to be referred to by the first name they choose to use, or their name-in-use, even if that chosen name is not the student’s legal name. It is the university’s policy to allow students to change their first name-in-use as they desire or need.

In keeping with the university’s commitment to help foster an inclusive community, Oregon State University reserves the right to revoke a requested name-in-use for the following reasons:

• If a name is perceived to be derogatory, inflammatory, or slanderous.
• If a name demeans an individual or community on the basis of race, class, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, national origin, religion, or other protected characteristics.
• If a name references illegal activity.
• If a name endorses commercial interests.

Oregon State University maintains the right to revoke a name-in-use request for reasons other than those listed if the name presents complications or issues not listed above. For more information—or for questions—regarding Oregon State’s name-in-use policy and procedures, please contact the Office of the Registrar by calling 541-737-4331 or visit http://registrar.oregonstate.edu/biographical-information-change-requests.