The University of Miami 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 neither offensive to others, nor for the purpose of misrepresentation, the university acknowledges that a "preferred name" can and should be used wherever possible in the course of university business and education, except where the use of the legal name is required by university business or legal need.
The University of Miami has a Preferred Name policy that allows students to input a preferred first name, instead of their legal first name, for certain uses at UM.
Inappropriate use of a preferred name (including, but not limited to, avoiding a legal obligation or misrepresentation) may be cause for disciplinary action, and the administrative removal of the preferred name. Revocation of a preferred name shall be at the discretion of the University Registrar. Any additional disciplinary actions will be determined through the normal disciplinary procedures of the university.
Preferred Name will be used in the following locations:
- Advisee lists
- Blackboard
- Cane Card
- Class and grade rosters
- Degree audit screens
- Housing Rosters
- Medicat (Student Health Services)
- Online directory (May take up to 48 hours for change to be visible)
- Student activities software
- Dashboard in Canelink
Primary/Legal Name will be used for the following (no exceptions):
- Transcripts & Diplomas
- Degree Audit Report (PDF)
- Enrollment and degree verifications
- Health Insurance and Legal Medical Documents
- Financial Aid documents
- Student Accounts
- International student reporting
- Study Abroad
- Student employment
- Payroll
