Name and Gender Change

Students are able to use CUNYfirst self-service to select a preferred first and middle name. Alternatively, students may submit a Preferred Name Request Form to the Registrar’s office. Employees who wish to select a preferred name should contact Human Resources.

Students can change their gender on all prior, present, and future college records at their discretion. Students can change their gender using the CUNYFirst self-select option or complete a Gender Change Request Form and submit to Registrar. Employees should contact Human Resources for gender changes.

Please be aware, however, that changing your gender in CUNYfirst may cause a mismatch if you are a recipient of federal financial aid. You are advised to contact the financial aid office and the Social Security Administration, to prevent any problems with data mismatches on file with the federal Department of Education, which administers federal student aid programs.  

1. Visit the CUNYFirst Webpage.
2. Log into your account.
3. Go to the Student Center.
4. Scroll down to "Personal Information" and click "Names" on the left-hand side.
5. On that page, you can add a name and indicate that it is your preferred name.

Please note that this will only change your name on CUNYFirst; it is not a legal name change. After making this update, your preferred name will also be shown on class rosters and Blackboard. This process is only available to students. Employees should contact Human Resources at 212-650-7226 for assistance.

Students and employees can request updates to their email display name, username, computer login, Zoom display name, and Teams/Office 365 display name.

To request updates, complete the following form: CCNY Email and Name Change Form.

Before making this request, please ensure that your preferred name is updated in CUNYFirst. Students can self-select a preferred name on CUNYFirst, while employees should contact Human Resources.

Submit the completed form via email to the CCNY IT Service Desk at servicedesk@ccny.cuny.edu or in person at NAC 1/301.

Please note that the process can take up to two weeks. If any student requires assistance, please contact genderresources@ccny.cuny.edu .

Employees can contact Human Resources at 212-650-7226 for additional support.

The class roster that faculty download will reflect your preferred name the following semester after you update it in CUNYfirst or by submitting the form to Registrar. Gender Resources recommends making these changes during the Summer or Winter sessions so your name is updated for the following semester.

Students and employees can request a new ID card free of charge with their preferred name. Visit the ID Office webpage for information on how to obtain a new ID card.  

CUNY policy allows students and employees to use a preferred first and middle name on non-official records—such as student IDs, email addresses, class rosters, and the graduation program—without providing documentation.

Want your preferred name printed in the graduation program?

Please complete the Commencement Book Name Adjustment Request Form by April 21, 2025.

Once completed, email the form to:

• Joann Huang – jhuang3@ccny.cuny.edu
• Hermington Gomez – hgomez@ccny.cuny.edu
• Dion Dennis – ddennis1@ccny.cuny.edu

Be sure to cc the following individuals and offices:

• Ana King-Garcia – akinggarcia@ccny.cuny.edu
• Jasmin Salcedo – jsalcedo@ccny.cuny.edu
• Simone Tarver – smcmillion@ccny.cuny.edu
• CCNY Office of the Registrar – registrar@ccny.cuny.edu

Prefer your legal name? No action is needed.

Note: All graduates will also be able to submit the name they want to be called during the name reading at commencement.

Questions? Email genderresources@ccny.cuny.edu .

Legal Name Changes

Students are entitled to update their records to reflect a new or resumed legal name in accordance with a court-ordered name change.

How to Obtain a Legal Name Change

To legally change your name, you must file a Name Change Petition in either the County Court or Supreme Court in the county where you live.

• If you live in New York City, you can file your petition in any NYC Civil Court or Supreme Court within your borough.
• Note: Civil Court typically has lower filing fees than Supreme Court.

For step-by-step instructions and information on fee waivers, please visit the NY Courts Name Change Basics website.

Updating Your Records at CCNY

Once you have obtained a court-ordered legal name change, you must complete the Request to Change Name/ID Number form and bring the following original documents to the Registrar’s Office:

1. Original or certified copy of the court order
2. Social Security card showing your updated name
3. State-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license)

Registrar staff will review the original documents, make copies, and verify that they saw the originals.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us at genderresources@ccny.cuny.edu .

Correcting Typographical Errors

If your legal name is misspelled in college records (e.g., due to a typographical error), you do not need a court order. Instead, contact the Registrar’s Office to complete a Name or ID Correction Request form.

To verify the correct spelling, you will need to provide one or more of the following documents:

• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Social Security card
• Driver’s license
• Or any government-issued document (federal, state, or local)

Forms for Student Record Updates

Below are forms available to help you update your personal information for commencement and college records. Please read each description carefully to determine which form you may need.

Email and Name Change Form

Use this form to request updates to your email display name, username, computer login, Zoom display name, and Teams/Office 365 display name after your preferred name has been updated in CUNYFirst.

To submit:

• Email the completed form to servicedesk@ccny.cuny.edu or drop it off in person at the Service Desk (NAC 1/301).
• A Service Desk ticket will be created and reviewed upon submission.
• Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing. Processing times may be longer during periods of high volume.

For assistance, contact the Service Desk at 212-650-7878.

Commencement Book Name Adjustment Request

Use this form if you would like to update or correct how your name appears in the Commencement Program.

Commencement Book Name Opt-Out Form

Submit this form if you do not wish to have your name included in the Commencement Program.

Request to Change Name/ID Number Form

Use this form to request a change to your legal name or CUNY ID number. Requires supporting documentation.

Gender Change Request Form

CUNY allows students to update their gender identity. This form is available through self-selection in CUNYFirst. No documentation is needed.

Preferred Name Request Form

Students may designate a preferred first and/or middle name for use on class rosters, email, and the graduation program. This option is also available through self-selection in CUNYFirst. No documentation is needed.

Change of Address and Personal Data Form

Use this form to update your mailing address or other personal contact information in college records.

Need Assistance?

• Students seeking support with name or gender updates should contact Gender Resources at 212-650-8222.

• Employees should reach out to Human Resources at 212-650-7226 for assistance with updating their records.