This Is Me

What is a preferred name?

A preferred name is a name that a person chooses to be identified by, apart from their legal name. Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) allows students and employees to use a preferred name.

Why are personal pronouns and gender identity important?

Identifiers such as name, gender and personal pronouns are core factors in many individuals’ sense of self. In alignment with the College’s goals and values as an inclusive institution, the newest update to the employee and student information forms include fields to indicate preferred name, personal pronouns and/or gender identity. Instructors, advisors and administrators will see these values on class rosters, advising rosters and other administrative pages.

People may use different personal pronouns in various contexts. This includes using no pronouns or only using one’s name. Below is a chart of some common pronouns and their pronunciations.

Gender identity describes an individual’s personal sense of their gender, not their biological sex. A person’s gender identity may or may not be the same as what they marked as gender on their application to the College.

For more information about personal pronouns, gender identity and why they matter, visit the Safe Zone website.

How do I make these changes?

You may update your preferred name, add your personal pronouns and/or update your gender identification on my Tri-C space. View step-by-step instructions. If you do not see your gender designation, please contact your campus Lambda Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA) advisor or the Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

Where will my preferred name be seen?

Your preferred name will appear in the following areas and will substitute for your primary/legal name:

• Advising rosters
• Blackboard
• Class rosters
• Grade rosters

Where will my preferred name not be seen?

All official Tri-C student record documents, such as enrollment verification, degree verification and transcripts, must use the student’s legal name. Preferred names cannot be used on these documents. In order to use a different name on any of these forms, individuals must first petition for a name change through their county probate court.