In an effort to maximize our service capabilities, we are collecting service requests via the Registrar Support form instead of email. Once your request is submitted, our staff will work on your request and follow up with you. Thank you for your patience during our transition
A chosen name is the name someone goes by in day-to-day life. For example, some people named “James” go by “Jim.”
A chosen pronoun is a pronoun one uses to best represent one’s gender identity. The chosen name and chosen pronoun will appear on faculty class rosters, academic advising lists and Campus Health providers to support students during their time at Tulane. The entry of a chosen pronoun is entirely optional. Students who would like to indicate their chosen pronoun can enter this information via in Gibson Online. chosen names and chosen pronouns will be included on faculty class rosters, grade rosters and academic advising lists beginning in the Spring 2016 semester.
Log in to Gibson Online. Click on the student tab and select the link, Update Chosen Name and/or chosen Pronoun, on the left side of the page under Records:
Your chosen name should be the name that you use in social interactions. It should be a name that you want your professors and fellow students to call you. You cannot list a chosen name for the purpose of evading legal obligation. The University reserves the right to remove a chosen name if it contains inappropriate or offensive language, or is being used for misrepresentation.
No. Using a chosen name or pronoun is entirely optional.
chosen name pertains to your chosen first name, only.
Your chosen name will appear on Splash Cards created after October 19, 2015, on online faculty class rosters and grade rosters, academic advising lists, advisee lists, unofficial transcripts and on other internal Tulane University documents. Your chosen name may also appear in Tulane’s public online directory (unless you withhold your directory information via Gibson Online).
Your legal name will appear on all external documents including official transcripts, student employment/payroll records, financial aid and Accounts Receivable documents, enrollment certification/verifications, international student status, student employment records and any document requiring a legal name. It will also be reported to external entities such as the National Student Clearinghouse and all other external third parties.
Some campus departments must send student data to government agencies that verify the identity of students using the legal name, in some cases Social Security Number, and other personal identifiable information that prohibits the use of chosen name.
The chosen name/pronoun option will appear via Gibson Online) once entered by a student, and will replace the legal first name in most university systems. Legal name will always be stored and used in business processes that require use of the legal name, such as official transcripts, financial aid and accounts receivable documents, enrollment certification/verifications, international student status, student employment records and any document requiring a legal name.
Yes! You can update your chosen name or pronoun at any time during the semester via Gibson Online).
Students who would like to have a chosen name on their Splash Card should first log in to Gibson Online), click on the student tab and under Records select, Update Chosen Name and/or Chosen Pronoun. After entering your chosen name, you can visit the Splash Card Office in the LBC to receive a new card.
Students who have a chosen name other than their legal first name may use this name on their diploma. This chosen name must be recorded on file with the University Registrar.
Students who wish to change their legal name must supply supporting legal documentation and complete the request for name change form with the Office of the Registrar.
At this time changes to email addresses are not available. Please contact the Registrar’s Office for further information.
These improvements originated from recommendations by the Tulane Undergraduate Student Government, and represent best practices of university Registrars. President Fitts and the President’s Cabinet have supported the changes.
This initiative began with the Undergraduate Student Government on behalf of students. As a result, all improvements were made in the student database. The employee database, which is distinct from the student database, does not currently have an option to enter chosen names and/or pronouns. If you are a staff or faculty member who would like to see similar options for employees, please contact Katie Canella of the Professional Gender & Sexuality Coalition, which seeks to create an inclusive environment for all faculty and staff at Tulane University. She can be reached at kcannell@tulane.edu or 504-865-5836
You will receive one free splash card with an updated chosen first name if you turn in your old splash card during the same transaction.
