Chosen Name Policy

Suffolk University recognizes students may prefer to use first names other than their legal first name to identify themselves. Requests for chosen name will be reviewed by the University Registrar to ensure conformity to University chosen name policy.

For student use only: College of Arts and Science, Sawyer Business School, and Suffolk University Law School

Places Where Chosen First Name is Used

Your chosen name will appear in the following University student systems:

  • Canvas
  • MySuffolk
  • Class Rosters
  • Student Advising and Tutoring Platform
  • Student Success Mobile Application
  • Front of the Student ID Card (provided you obtain a new one)
  • Suffolk Email Address

Places Where Legal Name Must Be Used

  • Enrollment Inquiries and Verifications
  • Financial Aid
  • Health, Insurance and Medical Documents and Records
  • International Student Visa Status
  • Official Transcripts
  • Payment/Billing
  • Back of the Student ID Card

Submitting Your Chosen First Name

To submit your Chosen Name, see the Update Personal Information quick guide. 

Getting a New Student ID/RAM Card

Students who want a new Suffolk University card with their chosen name, must bring the chosen name approval notification to one of the ID Card Replacement Locations. The first request for a new ID card with your chosen name will be free of charge. After that, the ID Card replacement fee will apply. For more information, details on Student ID Card and Locations are available online.