Student Legal and Preferred Name Changes
Tulsa Community College believes in fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion that welcomes and respects everyone for who they are and who they will become. We have established processes that allow students to update their legal names or select a preferred name.
Request Legal Name Change
We understand that you may choose to legally change your name for various reasons including marriage, divorce, court order, or adoption. Please collect the required documentation and complete the request form.
Collect Your Required Documentation
For legal name changes, TCC requires different documentation depending on the situation. Please contact the Student Records Office at records@tulsacc.edu if you have questions.
- TCC Student ID or Government Issued Photo ID (passport, driver's license, military ID)
- Social Security Card
- Driver’s license reflecting new name, divorce decree, or marriage certificate
- Supporting court documents
Complete the Request Form
Complete the Legal Information Change Form, available on MyTCC, found on the My Account page. You will be able to upload all documents through this request form.
Request Preferred Name Change
We acknowledge that not everyone is in the position to legally change their name, but would still like to use a chosen, or preferred name. This option has been developed to respond to the needs of those who prefer to use their middle name instead of their first name, people who use nicknames of a legal name, international students that might use an anglicized name, or students who use a name that affirms their gender identity.
Preferred name requests can be made by students privately and securely through the Self-Service Account Manager. TCC employees should contact humanresources@tulsacc.edu.
Preferred Name FAQs
What is a preferred name?
A first name, other than the legal first name, by which the student or employee prefers to be identified, which has been designated by the student or employee.
Why are preferred names important?
Calling an individual by their preferred name shows respect. Use of preferred names contribute to providing an empowering, safe, and inclusive environment. Names are an important part of an individual’s identity. Therefore, using the wrong name can cause a person to recall a time or experience when they couldn’t openly express who they are. Additionally, many names are gendered. Use of a preferred name often better aligns with individual gender expression and prevents that person from being subjected to misgendering.
Is a preferred name required?
No. If an individual regularly uses their legal name, there is no reason to request a preferred name.
Can any name be requested as a preferred name?
Yes. You may choose the name of your personal preference. However, TCC retains the authority to deny inappropriate preferred names including, but not limited to, those that contain offensive or derogatory language, inappropriate use of special characters, or is being used for misrepresentation, etc. Preferred names may also not be used for commercial purposes and therefore may not include a company name, group name, catchphrase, or message.
Will the preferred name be used everywhere at TCC?
No. Students’ preferred name will be used whenever possible in communications and reporting, except where the use of the legal name is necessitated by College business.
For legal reasons, there are three categories in which preferred names cannot be used:
- Official transcripts
- Documents related to Financial Aid
- Documents related to International Student Services
In what systems will my preferred name appear once it is updated?
Your preferred name will appear in these systems once updated:
- Starfish
- MyTCC (coming soon)
- Blackboard
- TCC email
- Class Rosters
- DegreeWorks
- Diplomas
Can I update my Student ID card to include my preferred name?
Yes. If you have completed the Preferred Name Change process to designate your preferred name, please visit the Student Life office on any campus and request to use your preferred name on your TCC ID.
Individuals who are issued ID cards with a preferred name that is different from their legal name should be cautioned that such cards are issued for the purpose of College business only, and that identification cards issued by Tulsa Community College are not considered government-issued identification.