Changing Your Name
In our continued on-campus effort toward gender equity for our trans and non-binary students, we have implemented an online system that can be used to update your legal name to your affirming chosen name. This system is available to all members of the Vassar Community.
You can find out more about the Chosen Name system by visiting Computing and Information Services.
The Chosen Name system is an affirming step, however, you cannot choose where your name is to be updated to a chosen name. There are a few areas of the college where the legal name is required or necessary, including but not limited to: contracts, financial aid documents, payroll and employment, student transcripts, licensures, and some external reports and document requests.
All other areas will have the chosen name updated including but not limited to: class rosters, team rosters, safety and security systems, housing and residential life systems, ID Cards, and diploma. This would include mailing address, including permanent address. Individuals should be aware that if they update their name using the Chosen Name system, they might be “outed” by mail sent to a permanent address.