Name Change Policy

Introduction

In an effort to expand Antioch policies against sex discrimination and gender-based misconduct, this document recommends procedures for student name changes on campus. The purpose of this policy is to ensure the privacy, safety, and dignity of all students at Antioch, regardless of gender or transition status. Antioch College recognizes that many of its members use names other than their legal names to identify themselves. As long as the use of this different name is not for the purposes of misrepresentation, the college acknowledges that a chosen name can be used wherever possible in the course of college business and education. Antioch students have the right to change their names and pronouns at any point during their time at the college. If they are no longer students, they may request a change to narrative evaluations and/ or remaining communications.

Policy Statement

1. It is the policy of Antioch College that any student may choose to be identified within the college's information systems (i.e. Learning Management System, Student Information System, Google Suite, etc.) by their chosen name. It is further understood that the person's chosen name shall be used in all college communications and reporting except where the use of the legal name is necessary.  Examples of where your legal name is necessary include, but are not limited to:
   1. Financial aid documents
   2. Billing statements
   3. Payroll
   4. Official transcripts
   5. Enrollment certifications (ex: college enrollment, scholarships)
   6. Federal immigration documents.
   7. Engagement with outside vendors and other third parties, such as OPI testing.
2. In some cases if you indicate a chosen name, it may be necessary to clarify that your chosen name is different from your legal name. Examples of this include, but  are not limited to: official interactions with police, security, and/or law enforcement, and verification of medical records.
3. Consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Antioch College  allows for the release of directory information, which includes a student’s chosen name when one is designated. If a student does not want disclosure of the chosen name to external organizations or persons, the student can set a FERPA restriction on the student record by completing a FERPA Information Release Declaration form which is available in the Registrar’s Office. Choosing a FERPA restriction means the College cannot confirm student status to  anyone inquiring about the student record. For more information about FERPA and setting FERPA restrictions, contact the Registrar’s Office.
4. Using a chosen name is not the same as a legal name change through the courts system. A student may be challenged if relying on documents with a chosen name when asked to provide proof of legal name and/or identity for employment or government purposes, such as obtaining a passport.
5. Other considerations include the use of both the legal name and a chosen name on various documents used for external purposes. For example, a transcript and verification from the College with the official university name and a letter of reference from a faculty member who knows the student primarily by the student’s chosen name may require some clarification when applying for internships, jobs, and/or graduate school.

Name Change Procedure

A completed Request for Name Update form must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office. The individual  is free to determine the chosen name the student wants to be known by in the college’s information systems. However, misuse of the Name Change policy, such as a request for an egregiously offensive name, may be cause for denying the request. A Request for Name Update form is available from the Registrar’s Office.