How to change your name through Admission & Records
Glendale College is committed to fostering an inclusive campus that values self-expression
and respect for the variety of communities it serves.
A preferred name is a first name (i.e., given name) that may be chosen to be used
instead of legal first name. Students may opt to go by a preferred name that is different
from their legal first name.
GCC allows students to use a first name different than the legal name on certain College
records such as Class Rosters, Student Self-Service MyGCC, Canvas, Student Identification Card.
Required Use of Legal First Name:
In some instances, students’ legal names must always be used regardless of whether
preferred names have been added to the system. Legal names will always appear on all
external use reports and documents including, but not limited to, hiring paperwork,
paychecks, accounts payable checks, student billing, financial aid forms, tax forms,
official College transcripts, and any other documents required by law. Legal first
names can only be changed on these records when students pursue a legal name change
with state and/or federal authorities and then submit that documentation to the Office
of Admissions and Records.
Note: Glendale College reserves the right to remove the preferred name if it contains
inappropriate or offensive language. Any removal of inappropriate preferred names
will default to the student’s legal name.
A Legal Name is the name that appears on your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate,
or U.S. Social Security Card.
No. The choice to use a Preferred Name is entirely up to you. Your legal name as reflected
in GCC systems will be used unless you select a Preferred Name.
Once submitted to Admissions & Records office. This update will be reflected throughout
PeopleSoft immediately, while Canvas will reflect the change within the day.
Students updating their ID cards to reflect their preferred name may have a free one-time
update of their ID card to reflect their preferred name.
No. This service only applies to first names.
Choice of a preferred first name must be appropriate and cannot be an attempt at misrepresentation
or fraud.
Yes, the same way you added your preferred name with Admission & Records Office, you
can edit or delete it if you decide that you prefer to use your legal name at GCC.
You will need to do that via the Court system in the State of California. Please visit
the California Courts website on Changing an Adult’s Name for more information.
