Procedure 1B.1.12: Preferred Name
Background: Anoka Technical College recognizes and supports the members of its community who wish to use preferred names where legally permissible. A preferred name is a name that the person has chosen to identify by within Minnesota State that is different, in whole or in part, from their legal name. This procedure outlines the process by which individuals may designate a preferred name to be used during system business and education.
Designating a Preferred Name: An individual shall generally be permitted to designate any preferred name, including first, middle and/or last name within their eServices account. Anoka Technical College reserved the right to deny an inappropriate preferred name including, but not limited to, those that: avoid legal obligations, misrepresent, or violate other system policies, etc. Preferred names may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes and thus may not be a company name, group name, or message.
Implementation: Anoka Technical College shall use preferred names for e-mail address, online directory, class rosters, and other functions where technically and legally possible.
Legal names will always appear in the following:
Official and unofficial transcript
Federal immigration documents
Paychecks and pay stubs
SEVIS records
Financial Aid records
I-9s
Official correspondence from the college
Tax Forms
Appeal process: If a preferred name request is denied, students shall appeal in writing to the Dean of Student Affairs with an explanation as to why they believe they should be granted the preferred name. Employees should appeal in writing to the Senior Human Resources Officer.
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History:
02.2016 Adopted
08.2017 Technical change: MnSCU to Minnesota State
04.2025 Revised procedure for students to designate preferred name within eServices