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Name Change
if I legally changed my name, how do I force the college I attended to change it as well?

if I legally changed my name, how do I force the college I attended to change it as well?

Full question:

I legally changed my name, but Hometown Community College is refusing to change my records (I have an Associates Degree). This is the answer from the College. Mr. Smith - Your e-mail below has been forwarded to me for reply. I believe I understand why you are requesting to have your records changed at Hometown Community College to reflect your legal name change. However, there is no legal right for a former student to have their records changed at a College he/she formerly attended to reflect a change in name that occurred after leaving the College. Rather, to grant such a request would be contrary to the standards of the professional registrars association. In addition, the College's registrar has a legal duty to maintain accurate student records. At the time you were a student at HCC, your former name was accurate and the records of the College pertaining to you remain accurate without the change in name. While I expect you are likely to be disappointed in this response, it is my hope that you understand the basis for the decision.

Category: Name Change
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Florida

Answer:

We are not aware of any legal right to have an educational institution change its records when you change your name after you no longer attend the institution. Typically, when a person changes their name, they change current documents or records that are actively being used, such as a social security card; drivers license; passport; post office records; IRS records; voter registration records; bank records; credit card documents; doctor's records; insurance company documents; state tax authority documents; club or membership documents; and employer and retirement plan documents. A person who has changed their name also needs to change his her will, health care proxy, living will, trust, power of attorney and contracts.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

How do I change my name legally CUNY?

To legally change your name at CUNY (City University of New York), you must follow the legal name change process in your state. This typically involves filing a petition with the court, obtaining a court order, and then updating your name on official documents like your social security card and driver's license. Once you have the court order, submit it to the CUNY registrar's office along with any required forms to update your records. Make sure to check CUNY's specific policies for any additional steps.

How to tell your college you changed your name?

To inform your college about your name change, contact the registrar's office directly. You may need to provide legal documentation, such as a court order or marriage certificate, to support your request. It's best to submit this information in writing, along with any forms the college requires. Be sure to check your college's specific procedures for updating your records, as they may vary.

What happens to a college degree after a name change?

After a name change, your college degree typically remains in your former name unless you request an official name change from the institution. Many colleges allow graduates to update their diplomas to reflect their new legal name, but this may require documentation of the name change. Contact your college's registrar for their specific policies and procedures regarding diploma name changes.

What do you put on your resume if your college changes names?

If your college changes names, list the new name on your resume. You can include the former name in parentheses if you believe it is important for clarity. Ensure that your degree information remains accurate and reflects the institution where you earned your degree. Employers typically verify degrees based on the institution's current name.

Does your legal name have to be on your degree?

Typically, your degree will display the name you used while enrolled at the college. If you have changed your name legally and wish to have it on your degree, you may need to request an official name change with the institution. Colleges usually require legal documentation to process such requests, so check with your registrar's office for their specific requirements.

What happens if I change my name while in college?

If you change your name while in college, you should notify the registrar's office as soon as possible. You will likely need to provide legal documentation of your name change. The college can then update your records, including your student ID and any official documents. However, your academic records from the time of attendance will still reflect your former name.