Lamar University recognizes that some members of the campus community choose or prefer to use names other than their Legal Name (A person’s official name of record, as it appears on government-issued identification such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, Social Security card, etc). To support a welcoming environment, the University has established this policy to allow members of the campus community to indicate their Preferred Name (The first name a person chooses or prefers to use to identify themselves) even if they have not changed their Legal Name. The University will strive to use the Preferred Name where feasible and will make good faith efforts to use the Preferred Name consistent with its capabilities. However, in certain instances, the University must use an individual’s Legal Name, such as on transcripts, financial aid documents, payroll, or when a Legal Name is otherwise required by law, regulation, policy, or procedure.
Preferred Names shall not be employed for the purpose of misrepresentation, confusion, disruption (including use of obscene, lewd, profane, or derogatory names, or names that reference illegal acts), avoidance of legal obligations, or in any manner that violates the University's policies or federal, state, or local laws. Preferred Names that are not administratively possible to implement, including, without limitation, symbols or images, are prohibited. The University reserves the right to remove any Preferred Name that violates any of the prohibitions without prior notice. If that happens, the individual may be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct or employee professional guidelines
Current students, faculty, and staff may submit their Preferred Name through Self-Service Banner.
Students entering Lamar University’s system for the first time through the ApplyTexas application will be able to submit a Preferred Name upon application.
Where possible, associated applications (e.g., Blackboard Ultra) will automatically update with a person’s Preferred Name once a Preferred Name has been designated.
A person’s Preferred Name may display on the following applications, among others:
A person’s Legal Name will display on the following:
Note: For any system possible, Lamar University will default to use of Preferred Name.