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:
- State: Florida
Answer:
Colleges typically do not have a legal obligation to change their records to reflect a former student's name change after they have left the institution. When a person changes their name, they usually update current documents, such as their social security card, driver’s license, passport, and other records that are actively in use. However, educational records from the time of attendance remain accurate as they reflect the name used while enrolled. The college registrar is required to maintain these accurate records, and changing them would contradict professional standards for record-keeping. Therefore, your former name remains valid in the college's records.
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