Student Name Change Process

Student Name Change Process

Franklin University strives to create a welcoming and respectful learning environment by encouraging and honoring diverse experiences and perspectives of all of its members. Referring to students by their preferred name and pronoun is vital for creating a respectful and inclusive learning environment. Preferred names and pronouns may not be used for purposes of fraud or misrepresentation. The University reserves the right to remove a preferred name if it contains inappropriate or offensive language.

There are two procedures by which students can update their name at the University. First is the legal name change procedure that allows students to update their legal name and will affect legal documents at the University including but not limited to financial aid, transcripts, and payroll documents. Second is the preferred name change process that allows students to update their preferred name and pronouns across the University. 

Legal Name

Students must file the Student Data Change Request form to change their legal name. This form can be found on the Documents and Forms tab at franklin.edu or click here. Students are required to complete and sign the form before submitting to the Department of Student Affairs. In addition, students should include verifying documents such as an updated driver’s license, updated social security card, birth certificate, or marriage license when submitting the form. Once the documents have been verified, the Department of Student Affairs will change the student’s legal name in University systems. Verification of documents and system updates will take approximately 48 hours to complete. Students requiring an updated email address will be required to wait until all current term courses are completed prior to the updated within the system. 

Preferred Name

Students may change their preferred name using self-service, as well update their preferred pronouns in Canvas. After the information has been uploaded into the self-service portal, it will automatically update various University systems with the new information. The completion time will vary depending on the system, and not all University systems will be affected. This webpage will be continuously updated with new and changed information on the affected systems. If there are any questions, please click here or contact the helpdesk at helpdesk@franklin.edu.