Chosen Name at JHU

At Johns Hopkins University, students, faculty, and staff are provided with the option to identify themselves using a chosen first name within select university systems. Chosen name can be elected at my.jhu.edu.

A chosen or preferred name is the use of a first, middle and/or last name that is different from a person’s legal name. There are many reasons why someone would use a chosen name, such as a reflection of gender identity, as a nickname, or as a westernized or Americanized name. 

Once specified, a chosen name will replace legal name in select university system user interfaces unless the system requires the use of legal name. System modifications to support chosen first name were initiated in Spring 2019 semester and support for chosen middle and last name started in Spring 2022 semester. This page reflects the current state of system support.

JHU reserves the right to remove a chosen name for any reason, including misrepresentation or the use of inappropriate, offensive or derogatory language.

This information applies to all schools and campuses at JHU, and for students, faculty and staff, except where indicated. 

For more information, read the university policy on chosen names.

Back to Gender Identity Resources main page.

Specifying Your Chosen Name in JHU Systems

Some systems are automatically updated by the Chosen Name values (first, middle and last names) specified in myJH while other systems require a manual update. The myJH portal also supports a Chosen Full Name, which is more limited in use. 

Learn more about specifying your chosen name.

Systems Supporting Chosen Name

Your chosen name, as specified in myJH, will automatically update some systems while other supported systems will require you to manually specify your chosen name. The systems listed below support chosen name.

SystemSchoolsPopulationUsage
myJH portal/JHEDAll schoolsStudents, postdocs, faculty, and staffSpecified via Chosen Name fields. Searchable via portal. Learn about the fields in myJH.

Systems Automatically Updated

System/AreaSchoolsPopulationUsage
Outlook All schoolsStudents, postdocs, faculty and staffName set from Chosen Name fields or Chosen Full Name in myJH. Learn about the fields in myJH.
J-Card Mobile CredentialAll schools except School of Education and Peabody InstituteStudents, postdocs, faculty and staffChosen first name used as specified in myJH
SISAll schools Students, Public Health postdocs, and facultyChosen first, middle and last names set from myJH. Student names: Used in class schedules, class rosters, grade reports, and for advising. Authorized Users will see student chosen names. Faculty names: Used in class searches, class rosters, class schedules, class information and syllabi (varies by school). Advisor names: Displayed for students and faculty.
Degree AuditAll schools except School of Nursing and School of MedicineStudents and advisorsDuring the transition to a new system: For schools using the new system, chosen first and last name used as specified in myJH, and for schools using the old system, preferred name set from chosen first name in myJH.
CanvasAll schools except Bloomberg School of Public HealthStudents and facultyChosen first and last name used as specified in myJH
CoursePlusBloomberg School of Public HealthStudents and facultyChosen Name from myJH used for students and faculty
Microsoft Office 365All schoolsStudents, postdocs, faculty, and staffChosen Full Name as specified in myJH. Also used as Author Name for documents.
Microsoft Office (Desktop)All schoolsStudents, postdocs, faculty, and staffChosen Full Name specified in myJH will flow into desktop version of Microsoft Office and display in the upper right of an application window. If you do not see your new name after 24 hours, sign out via: File > Account > Sign Out. Remember to sign in with the format: jhedid@jh.edu
Microsoft TeamsAll schoolsStudents, postdocs, faculty, and staffChosen Full Name specified in myJH will flow into Teams. If you do not see your new name after 24 hours, sign out by clicking your profile photo and Sign Out. Remember to sign in with the format: jhedid@jh.edu
LibrarySheridan, Welch Medical, SAIS, Arthur Friedheim and APL librariesStudents, postdocs, faculty, and staffChosen first and last name used as specified in myJH
Library eReservesKrieger School of Arts & Sciences, Whiting School of Engineering, School of Education, and Carey Business SchoolFacultyFor new instructors, chosen first and last name used as specified in myJH. Existing instructors in the system should contact reserves@jhu.edu to have their name updated.
Library EventsAll schoolsStudents, postdocs, faculty and staffChosen first and last name used as specified in myJH
Interlibrary LoanAll schools using the Sheridan LibraryStudents, postdocs, faculty, and staffChosen first and last name used as specified in myJH
Housing Portal (StarRez)Krieger School of Arts & Sciences and Whiting School of Engineering UndergraduateStudentsChosen first, middle and last name available to staff although chosen first name is the name predominantly used
Homewood Student Health and Wellness Center Krieger School of Arts & Sciences and Whiting School of Engineering Undergraduate and Graduate, Peabody InstituteStudents and postdocsChosen First Name from myJH sent to system used by health center in addition to legal name, which is required for health records
University Health ServicesBloomberg School of Public Health, School of Medicine, and School of NursingStudents and postdocsChosen First Name from myJH sent to system used by health center in addition to legal name, which is required for health records.
Student Disability ServicesAll schoolsStudentsChosen first, middle, and last names as specified in myJH.
Ralph S. O’Connor Center for Recreation and Well-BeingAll schoolsStudents, postdocs, faculty, staff, alumni, and spouses/partnersGoes By name set from Chosen First Name in myJH
Hopkins GroupsAll schoolsStudentsChose first name as specified in myJH
OneHop Mentoring (powered by PeopleGrove)All schoolsDegree-seeking studentsChosen first name as set in myJH. Note that postdocs, faculty, alumni or anyone engaging as a mentor must manually update their name within OneHop (see the section ‘Systems Requiring Direct Update’ below).
Homewood Service Request for Facilities and Real EstateSchools at the Homewood CampusStudents, postdocs, faculty, and staffChosen first and last name used as specified in myJH
Hopkins EngageAll schoolsStudentsChosen first name as specified in myJH. While faculty and staff can use the site, chosen first name is supported only for students.
eIRB2Research AreasStudents, faculty, and staffChosen First Name used in place of First Name for user account. Legal last name is required in the system.
VoiceThread All schoolsStudents, postdocs, faculty, and staffChosen first and last name used as specified in myJH.
myLearningAll of JHUStudents, postdocs, faculty and staffChosen First Name will display on learning plans, history and certificates

Systems Requiring Direct Update

System/AreaSchoolsPopulationUsage
J-CardAll schoolsStudents, postdocs, faculty and staffCard can be changed on request to display chosen first and last names specified in myJH at least one day prior. Click here for information on obtaining a new J-Card.
JHED ID changeAll schoolsStudents, postdocs, faculty, staff, and alumniContact the Help Desk at 410-516-4357
AdmissionsAll schoolsApplicantsChosen first name (which may be labeled as a Preferred Name or Preferred First Name) entered during application process is used by admissions department
Email aliasAll schoolsFaculty and staffYou can elect to use a different email address to reflect your chosen name. Manage via my.jhu.edu in the Messaging section.
ID Badges for East BaltimoreBloomberg School of Public Health, School of Medicine, and School of NursingStudents, faculty and staffNew ID badge cards will be printed to display chosen first and last name if those names have been provided in myJH at the time the card is pre-printed/printed. Existing cards can be changed on request to display chosen first and/or last name. Click here for information on obtaining a new ID badge or check with your department for the process to follow.
Diploma and Commencement ProgramAll schoolStudentsUse SIS Self-Service to select the name to include on your diploma.  Students have the option of including their chosen name on their official University diploma, certificate, or other document of recognition.  Visit the University Registrar’s website on Diplomas for more information. If for any reason a student later needs a new diploma with their legal name, they will need to order a replacement diploma.  Standard fees will apply.
 
Students who plan to live, study or work outside the United States might consider using their legal name on their diploma as reflected in their passport to avoid issues with verification of their educational record by governments and employers abroad.  In addition, individuals in the U.S. who are not U.S. Citizens may encounter difficulties, including denials of benefits, if their names do not match passports or other documents that by law or regulation must match the passport.  These documents include immigration sponsorship forms, work permits, U.S. Permanent Residence cards, and other government records.
NameCoachAll schoolsStudentsRecord your name and update name information to match your chose name in myJH. To update name information, click the ‘Edit your info’ button for Preferred Name to specify a first, middle, and last name, full name for announcements, and phonetic spelling. You also have the option of updating your NameBadge if you use it in social media and email.
GradescopeKrieger School of Arts & Sciences and Whiting School of EngineeringStudents and facultyYour chosen name should be set at account creation and when courses are added for a semester. At the account level, you can also edit your Full Name for any changes. As a student, contact your instructor to update your name within courses if you change it mid-semester.
Zoom for StudentsAll schoolsStudents and postdocs with student affiliationUpdate Display Name in your profile
Zoom for Faculty and StaffAll schoolsPostdocss without student affiliation, faculty and staffUpdate Display Name in your profile
Author names stored in documents via Microsoft Office DesktopAll schoolsStudents, postdocs, faculty, and staffWindows: File > Options > General > User Name and Initial. Mac: Application’s Mac menu > Preferences > User Information icon > Name and Initials. Also check the box to always use these values regardless of sign in to Office.

To modify your name for documents already created, go to File > Info > right click name for Author and update.
Slack VariesVariesEdit your profile to set of modify your Display Name
Interlibrary LoanAll schools using the Sheridan LibraryStudents, postdocs, faculty and staffContact Library Support staff to change First Name
Enterprise Mailing List ServerAll schoolsStudents, postdocs, faculty and staffSet your full chosen name via: Login, sign in with your JHED, click Your Preferences, update your name and click Submit.
MyChartKreiger School of Arts & Sciences and Whiting School of Engineering UndergradauteStudentsStudents with JH-affiliated MyChart accounts can update the Preferred First Name field in the Personal Information section.
Homewood Counseling CenterKrieger School of Arts & Sciences and Whiting School of Engineering Undergraduate, Peabody InstituteStudentsChosen Name supplied during first visit
Johns Hopkins Student Assistance Program (JHSAP)All schoolsGraduate students and their spousesChosen Name specified during first visit
Johns Hopkins Employee Assistance Program (JHEAP)All schoolsPostdocs, faculty, staff, and household familyChosen Name specified during first visit
Athletic Team RostersAll schoolsStudent AthletesStaff can update chosen name/nickname
BSPH Course SystemBloomberg School of Public HealthFaculty and staffEmail mhorn1@jhu.edu to update your chosen name
BSPH Faculty Information SystemBloomberg School of Public HealthFaculty and staffEmail itabriz1@jhu.edu to update your chosen name
Cooley Center (East Baltimore)All schoolsStudents, postdocs, faculty, and staffName entered at sign up and can be changed later via the portal
HandshakeAll schoolsStudents and alumniChosen/Preferred Name set initially from SIS. Student/alumni enter subsequent changes.
OneHopAll schoolsPostdocs, faculty, and alumniUpdate name via My Profile within OneHop Mentoring. Note that student names are automatically updated.
Alumni RelationsAll schoolsAlumniEmail alumni@jhu.edu to update your chosen name

Documents & Systems Requiring Legal Name

These documents and systems are among those that require your legal name.

  • Official Transcripts
  • Enrollment and Degree Verification
  • Teacher Certification (School of Education)
  • Student Accounts and Student Billing
  • Immigration Documents, SEVIS and iHopkins
  • Financial Aid
  • National Student Clearinghouse
  • Electronic Health Records
  • Insurance and Benefits
  • Payroll
  • SAIS Nanjing ID card and facility access

Suffix

Johns Hopkins University considers suffix part of your legal name. If a system uses suffix, it will be in the context of a legal name. In this context, suffix refers to generational designations such as “Sr.,” “Jr,” or “III.” The suffix field should not be used for educational titles, degrees, or accreditations.

Chosen Name Guidelines for Faculty & Staff

For faculty and staff, using appropriate names is an important way of establishing norms of respect with the students you work with. For everyone, using appropriate names signals your willingness to be inclusive to everyone.

  • Wherever possible, use someone’s chosen name. This includes casual conversation, email communication, and formal settings.
  • A student can change their chosen name at any time. As faculty, periodically check your class roster for current chosen names.
  • If you are creating a registration/signup form, allow the use of chosen name only, unless there is some specific reason you need access to someone’s legal name.
  • Depending on which platforms you use, you may have access to a student or colleague’s legal name. Treat this as confidential data and do not employ it unless there is a specific need for it to be used.
  • There may be circumstances (e.g. when conducting a background check, dealing with financial records, or sending postal mail) when a legal name is required. Limit the use of that name to those circumstances.
  • There may be times (e.g. when contacting family members or writing letters of recommendation) when someone may not want the chosen name used. If you are hesitant about a particular context, you can ask privately if there is an exception to using the chosen name.
  • In most circumstances, someone’s JHED (e.g. jhopkin1) will stay static, so you can reliably use that to identify a record in SIS or other platforms even if the chosen name is not visible/searchable.

Questions?

If you have questions about chosen name practices or technical support needs, email chosen-name@jh.edu.