Recognized Name, Gender, and Pronouns
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is committed to high-quality educational programs, creative and scholarly activities, and services responsive to its diverse student population, and its local, national and global communities. We recognize that some members of the University community may refer to themselves by a name other than that listed on their legal documents and have provided processes for our community members to share their recognized names and other personally identifying details in our systems, as governed by the Recognized Name Policy.
A recognized name, also sometimes referred to as a preferred or chosen name, is the name an individual uses within the university community that differs from their legal name. According to the university policy, recongnized names may include using a middle name as a first name, an anglicized name, a nickname, a name the individual is in the process of legally changing, a name that better represents an individual, a stage or performance name, or any other request deemed reasonable by the Dean of Students or Human Resources.
Students
Students can change their recognized name, gender, and pronoun information in Solar as they do for other personal and contact information. To make changes to your personal information please follow these instructions. You may submit changes at any time while enrolled as a student.
Caution: Name Use
Please note that a recognized name is considered “Directory Information” and may be released (when appropriate) without the expressed written permission of the student/employee. Pronouns and gender information are not considered directory information and will not be shared with any non-university employee without written permission from the student/employee. The university is not able to ensure that recognized name, gender, or pronoun will be used by all members of the UW-Parkside community. For more details about how this information may be shared, please review the Recognized Name Policy.
Student FAQs
Please follow these instructions to add or change your recognized name.
Your legal name, which is the name that appears on a valid birth certificate, social security card, tax forms, passport, and other legal documents, is used when required by law or for official university record keeping.
For example, your legal name will be used in the following university records:
- Legal documents prepared by the university
- Student Accounts and Cashier’s Office records
- Financial Aid and Scholarship documentation
- Enrollment inquiries, such as official academic transcripts or verification requests
- International student visas and residency documents
- Records required by licensure agencies
- Employment, payroll, and benefits documentation
- Student Health and Counseling operations
- Tax receipts and gift agreements
- State and federal reporting
Your recognized name will be used in places like:
- Front of your university ID
- University directory
- Official student email dislay name
- Rosters, including academic and Residence Life
- Dean’s List
- Some third-party software used by the university, such as Navigate, Canvas, Solar, etc.
Only university employees can see your pronouns and gender information unless you choose to authorize the university in writing to share it with a third party.
Because your recognized name is considered directory information it can be shared with non-university employees when applicable without your direct authorization.
Please follow these instructions to add or change your pronouns in Canvas.
No. Adding your pronouns in the student center is entirely optional.
An individual may enter and change their pronouns for University-related purposes at any time.
Faculty and Staff
Faculty and staff are also covered under Policy 99 and may change their recognized name, pronouns, and gender in the university’s systems except where legal information is required by law or university policy.
Timing of the Change
Employees will be able to change their recognized name, pronouns, and gender through self-service after the Workday implementation is complete, which is anticipated for July of 2025.
Caution: Name Usage
Please note that a recognized name is considered “Directory Information” and may be released (when appropriate) without the expressed written permission of the student/employee. Pronouns and gender information are not considered directory information and will not be shared with any non-university employee without written permission from the student/employee. The university is not able to ensure that recognized name, gender, or pronoun will be used by all members of the UW-Parkside community.