Name Change (Chosen or Legal)

Chosen Name

What is a chosen name?

Your chosen name is the first name you commonly go by, and differs from your legal first name.

Carleton University requires that individuals use their legal name on all legal records and official documents (e.g. transcripts and Certificates of Enrolment).

The Chosen Name is fully supported in the following systems:

• Campus Card / U-Pass
• CU email address
• MyCarletonOne (MC1) account
• Class lists and grading
• Brightspace
• myAudit results

How do I update my chosen name?

• Requests to add, update, or remove a Chosen Name can be made through Carleton Central.
• Navigate to the ‘Personal Information’ section and select the ‘Chosen Name (Set or Update your chosen name)’ item.
• On the submission page of the Chosen Name:
  • Enter the chosen name you wish to be identified by.
• Enter a personal email address where the Service Desk can contact you.
  • Click the Submit button.
• On the confirmation page:
  • Review the chosen name you submitted as well as the full name, MC1 username, and email address(es) displayed.
  • If they are correct and acceptable, click the Confirm Chosen Name button.
  • If you do not wish to confirm the chosen name, click the Cancel Request button to return to the submission page.
• Please allow 2 working days for your new email address to be created. Your chosen name will be updated immediately in the University’s database.
• No supporting documentation is required, but it is assumed that the request will be made in good faith.
• You are entitled to a free replacement of your Campus Card and U-Pass after changing your chosen name. You will need to return your old U-Pass in order to receive the replacement.

Helpful Tools

Legal Name

What is my legal name?

Your legal name is the name you were given at birth. Non-Canadian students can find their legal names on their immigration documents or passport. This name is used on all official documentation and records (diploma, transcripts, etc.) at Carleton University.

Your legal name forms the basis for all of your academic accomplishments. As such, it is expected that students will provide a complete and accurate legal name upon application for admission and maintain and update this name if circumstances change.

How do I update my legal name?

• You must complete the University’s official “Legal Name Change Request form” (see the “Downloads” section at the bottom of this page). Appropriate documentation is required.
• Current and past students must submit their requests to the Registrar’s Office.
• Employees are required to submit their request to Human Resources.
• You are entitled to a free replacement of your Campus Card and U-Pass after changing your legal name. You will need to return your old U-Pass in order to receive the replacement.

Downloads