Preferred Name FAQ
Loyola University Chicago is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all. We recognize that faculty, staff, and students may use names other than their legal/primary names to identify themselves. Except when an individual’s legal name is required by law, policy, or business needs, current employees and current students may choose to be identified in some university systems by a preferred name that they have designated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a preferred name?
A preferred name is an alternative to an individual’s legal/primary first, middle, and/or last name that students, faculty, or staff wish to be known by in the University community. Read Loyola’s Preferred Name Policy.
Who is eligible to enter a preferred name?
Current students and employees with access to LOCUS are eligible to designate a preferred name. Former students and employees are not able to add/update a preferred name.
Where will my preferred name appear? Can I have my preferred name appear in only some places but not others?
Your preferred name will appear in several places including the Class Roster, Grade Roster, Faculty and Staff Directory, and Rambler ID Card. For a complete list of places where the preferred name will appear, see the table below.
Once you enter a preferred name, it will appear in all the places listed. There is no way to have it appear in some but not others. We encourage you to review the full list of places where preferred will be used BEFORE you enter a preferred name in the system so that you make the decision that is right for you.
Dates subject to change
| Application | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LOCUS Self-Service Pages | Immediately after a Preferred Name is entered. | Most self-service pages in LOCUS will display Preferred Name instead of Primary Name. See the complete list here. Please note that if Parent/Guest access is given to pages that display Preferred Name, then the Preferred Name is visible to all. |
| LOCUS Class Rosters and Grade Rosters | As of August 11, 2019. | Students' preferred names will appear on class and grade rosters. However, the instructor's name is still the Primary name type. |
| Outlook - Display name in all mailboxes | As of August 14, 2019. After preferred name is entered in LOCUS, allow a few hours for this change to flow to Outlook. |
This is a "going forward" change. Prior email messages will still display the former name. Example
|
| Sakai | As of August 14, 2019. After name is entered in LOCUS, allow 24 hours for this change to flow to Sakai and display instead of Primary Name. | |
| RMS | Start of Spring 2020 term. Preferred Name will flow to the Residence Life system, along with Primary Name. | |
| Point & Click | Start of Spring 2020 term. Preferred Name will flow to the Wellness Center system, along with Primary Name. | |
| Campus Card | As of 1/16/2020, a new Campus Card layout will display the Preferred Name on the front of the card. The Primary/Legal name will be printed on the back of the card. | Procuring a new Campus Card is the student’s choice. Campus Cards with the prior layout will continue to function properly. The cost for a replacement card is $25. |
| Loyola Web Directory | As of August 23, 2019. Preferred Name will flow from LOCUS to the web directory. Allow one full day for directory to reflect changes. |
Why is preferred name used in some places but not others?
Legal/primary name is required for many government and university business processes including, but not limited to, financial aid documents, payroll documents, tax forms, transcripts, and immigration documents. For more information, review Loyola’s Preferred Name Policy.
How do I add my preferred name?
Adding a preferred name is very simple! You can do it yourself within LOCUS. Here are the steps:
- Click Log in to LOCUS. You may be asked to enter your LUC Email and password.
- Click on “Profile” from the Student Homepage
- In Personal Details, select the “Add Name” (+) icon located above the “Full Name” field.
- Enter your preferred first and last name, then select “Save.” Your Preferred Name will now appear in the “Full Name” field.
How do I edit or delete my preferred name?
Editing or Deleting your preferred name can be done in LOCUS following the steps below:
- Click Log in to LOCUS. You may be asked to enter your LUC Email and password.
- Click on “Profile” from the Student Homepage.
- In Personal Details, select your Preferred name under the “Full Name” field.
- From here, you can either:
- Edit your Preferred Name: Update your preferred first and last name, then select “Save.” Your new Preferred Name will now appear in the “Full Name” field.
- Delete your Preferred Name: Select “Delete.” Your Preferred Name will now be removed from the “Full Name” field.
- Edit your Preferred Name: Update your preferred first and last name, then select “Save.” Your new Preferred Name will now appear in the “Full Name” field.
Can I use any name I want as my preferred name?
You may designate any preferred name that you want to be known by in the university community. However, Loyola University Chicago will not accept a preferred name that is vulgar, offensive, or obscene, creates confusion of the individual with another individual, is an attempt to avoid a legal obligation, or otherwise constitutes misuse or abuse of the preferred name. For more information, review Loyola's Preferred Name Policy.
Will my preferred name appear on my Rambler ID Card?
As of 1/16/2020, a new Campus Card layout will display the Preferred Name on the front of the card. The Primary/Legal name will be printed on the back of the card. Campus Cards obtained before 1/16/2020 will continue to function properly. Procuring a Campus Card with the new layout is the student's choice. The cost of a replacement card is $25.
Who can I contact if I have more questions about the preferred name policy?
Students: Contact the Office of the Dean of Students, deanofstudents@luc.edu or 773-508-8840.
Staff: Contact Executive Director for Diversity and Inclusion, institutionaldiversity@luc.edu.
Faculty: Contact Assistant Provost for Academic Diveristy, rmallett@luc.edu or 773.508-3028.
Does the university offer any services or assistance if I am ready to legally change my name?
Students: Yes, the HUB! They also offer notary services for legal documents. If your legal name has changed and you would like to update your primary name in LOCUS, visit the Registration and Records website to learn about the process.
Is there a place I can enter my preferred pronoun?
At this time, the University does not capture and display preferred pronouns.