FAQ Names

Someone who wishes to be commonly known by a name that is different from their legal first name can set that in PeopleSoft by updating their chosen (preferred) name. Students who wish to have a specific name or format used for their diploma may set a diploma name. Otherwise, legal name changes in campus systems must be handled by the Office of the Registrar or by Human Resources for former employees (including student employees).

Personal pronouns are those that individuals choose for themselves and want others to use when talking to or about them. The Queer Workplace Exchange for Employee Retention & Student Success has more details.

Yes, unless the name or pronouns are innappropriate or being used for illegal activites. Students who enter inappropriate names/pronouns in Student Center may be a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and will be referred to the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities.

We’re using your name in as many places as we can.

Bear in mind that your legal name will continue to be used anywhere a legal name is required - on your official and unofficial transcript, and any documentation involving financial aid or student accounts. For some of these services, you may need to provide government ID containing your legal name (such as when picking up a check).

Right now, pronouns are being used in Canvas and PeopleSoft on the class roster and faculty advising pages.

Anyone who has made a change to their identity or legal name can request a change to their Humboldt User Name, which will change their email address. Just submit a request to the Technology Help Desk and they'll walk you through the process.

Students who have made a change to their identity or legal name can request a change to their Humboldt user name. Just submit a request to the Technology Help Desk and they'll walk you through the process. This option is in process for staff and faculty.

Yes! ID cards automatically print with a preferred name, provided that a preferred name was entered in Student Center. If you add or change your name after you receive your initial ID card, you can get a replacement at the Library. An ID replacement fee of $5 will be billed to your student account.

Yes! It may take up to two days for the name to display in Canvas after you make the change, but it will be there.

Updating your personal information is optional. However, you should keep your contact information current.

Once you set your name in Student Center, it will automatically appear and be used on the Class and Grade rosters right away. It may take a couple of days for your name to appear in Canvas and other systems. FAQ 4 above has more information about limitations on the use of names. Changes to gender pronouns will update in class rosters immediately.

Maybe. If your existing password contains your name, your might have trouble logging out. Our password rules prohibit us from using our names in the password. If your password happens to include your name, we recommend that you change it.

The diploma is a ceremonial document, so the university can allow a name other than a legal one. The transcript is the official record of degree(s) earned and coursework completed, so it requires a legal name.

Reasons for name changes may include students with a chosen name different than their given (legal) name, students known by nicknames that are different from their names of record, and/or international campus community members who wish to adopt an English language name. 

No. Neither titles nor degrees previously earned will be included as part of a graduate’s name on a diploma.

You can contact the Office of the Registrar with general questions about:

• updating your personal information
• changing your legal name,
• diploma replacements, and more.

Send us an email: records@humboldt.edu or call (707) 826-4101

For questions about your university email or your Humboldt username, contact the Technology Help Desk at help@humboldt.edu