Preferred First Name

A preferred first name is a name that you have chosen to use rather than your legal name.

For questions, please contact the Records Office at stu_info_chg@owens.edu.

Once your preferred first name is available, an email will be sent to your instructors informing them of your preferred first name. The email will only be sent if you are currently registered for a class and the class has already started. If the class has not started, your preferred first name will appear on the class roster.

If you have changed your legal name, you will need to complete the Name Change form (found on Personal Information card) and provide documentation. Your preferred first name will not change unless requested.

No. Use of a preferred first name is optional.

The legal name will be used on all means of identification from the College on the following:

• Application
• Financial Aid
• Diplomas
• Transcripts
• National Student Clearinghouse
• Official correspondence

A legal first name is the name that appears on your birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, or Social Security card.

You may designate a preferred first name with which they identify and prefer to be called. Owens Community College reserves the right to deny a request that contains inappropriate or offensive language. 

If a preferred first name was not included on the original application:

1. Log into Ozone.
2. On the Personal Information card, select Preferred First Name.
3. Input your preferred first name.
4. Click Submit.

You will receive an email stating that your request will be updated within 5 business days.

The preferred name will be used on:

• Class rosters
• Blackboard
• Advising sheets
• Degree Works
• Other administrative pages