CUNY School of Professional Studies is committed to using a student’s preferred name during their time as a student. A preferred name is generally used to change how others refer to you. It is not a legal name. For this purpose, students may identify a preferred name to be recorded in CUNYfirst without providing documentation. Documents and records that may display a preferred name include course rosters, student identification cards, and student email addresses.
To request an official name change, follow the instructions on the Personal Data Change Request Form.
How to Add a Preferred Name in CUNYFirst
- Log into your CUNYFirst account
- Go to Student Center
- Scroll to Personal Information and select “Names” on the left-hand side
- Select “Add a New Name”
- For the Name Type, select Preferred. Enter your preferred name accordingly in the appropriate fields below.
- Select “Save”
Important Things to Know After Updating Your Preferred Name
- Adding or changing a preferred name in CUNYfirst is not a legal name change.
- Your preferred name will be reflected in:
- CUNYfirst
- Class rosters
- Brightspace
- CUNY Login and Email Impact
- When a preferred name is added or changed, the CUNY Login and any related branded email addresses will be updated.
- Timing of Updates
- Changes typically take ½ day to one full day to sync and appear in CUNYfirst.
- Once the update is available in CUNYfirst, users can select a preferred email address that reflects their preferred name.
How to Request a New Student Email and Display Name in Microsoft Teams
After you record your preferred name in CUNYfirst, you can request to update your Teams “display name” and student email address by contacting the CUNY SPS Help Desk. Please include your current name, preferred name, EMPLID, and current contact information.
How to Request a New Student ID Card
After you record your preferred name in CUNYfirst, you can request an update to your student identification card by contacting the CUNY SPS Office of Public Safety. Please include your current name, preferred name, EMPLID, and current contact information.
The replacement identification card will be free. You will have the option of providing an updated photo.