Request to Change Your Name or Pronouns

"Diversity and respect are two of the College of Southern Maryland’s guiding values. Supporting and celebrating students’ diverse identities is an integral part of promoting their overall success and wellness in a higher education setting." - College Safe Zone Advisory Group

Chosen Name Change Policy:

A chosen name is also referred to as preferred name or nickname. A legal name is a name that is reflected on legal documents, such as a driver’s license or birth certificate.

  • Students can elect to identify a chosen first name to be used for internal college purposes. Last names cannot be updated without legal documentation. 
  • The legal and chosen names will be associated with the same student ID/account number.
  • Students will be obligated to pay for charges to their accounts regardless of the name used in communicating with them about College matters.
  • Legal name will be used for official college documents including transcripts, financial aid documents, financial obligations, and payroll records.

Please Note:

Chosen name requests will only be processed prior to the start of each semester (Spring, Summer or Fall).

All chosen name requests will be reviewed. The College of Southern Maryland reserves the right to deny any chosen first name requests that are deemed vulgar, promotes a business, or disrupts college operations.


Students who wish to change their first name and/or pronoun can formally request this by filling out the form below. Please read the policy outlined above before submitting your request.

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