Students may request a chosen first name through GUExperience to be used where possible in university systems, including on diplomas. Only chosen first names will be considered. Last names must match the student’s legal last name. Requests are expected to reflect names the student actively uses in good faith. Although students are generally free to determine the chosen names they wish to be known by, inappropriate use of the chosen name policy (including but not limited to avoiding a legal obligation or misrepresentation) may be cause for denying the request. Georgetown reserves the right to remove a chosen name if it is used inappropriately. Chosen names are limited to alphabetical characters, a hyphen, and a space.
The legal name will still be used for official transcripts, financial aid documents, payroll, and other instances where a legal name is required by law or University policy. It is expected that students will request no more than one chosen name while enrolled at Georgetown. Students may always revert back to using their legal first name instead of use of a chosen first name.
The chosen name will be displayed in:
- GU Experience
- Class rosters
- University directories
- University email systems
- Learning management systems (CANVAS)
- Diplomas (upon request)
The legal name will still appear in the student information system where appropriate and where required by law or university policy, including transcripts and financial aid records.
Considerations and Potential Implications of Using a Chosen Name on Your Diploma
Students should be aware that having a diploma with a chosen name that differs from their official transcript, student record, passport, or other legal documentation may create challenges in certain situations, including:
- Immigration processes
- Apostille process
- Employment verification
- Licensing or credentialing
- Legal proceedings
Third parties using the preferred/chosen name appearing on your diploma will not be able to verify your degree through the National Student Clearinghouse because of name mismatch. Enrollment/degree verification is provided using your full legal name. The university strongly encourages students to consider these potential implications before requesting to have their chosen name printed on their diploma. Students seeking guidance on this matter are encouraged to contact the Registrar’s Office or the Office of Global Services for advice tailored to their circumstances.
Process for Requesting a Chosen Name
- Submitting a Request
- Students submit chosen first name requests through GU Experience.
- The chosen name will be displayed where possible in appropriate university systems.
- When applying for graduation, students may specify their chosen first name, as officially recorded in GUExperience, to be printed on their Georgetown Diploma. If a chosen name is not provided on the graduation application, or if the requested diploma name differs from both the legal and chosen names in the student information system, the diploma will default to the legal name.
- Appeals Process
- If a chosen name request is denied or administratively removed, the student may appeal to the Vice Provost for Education, for reconsideration.
FAQ:
Can I change the name on my diploma after the conferral date?
If a student wants to change their name on their diploma to their chosen name after their degree has been conferred and their initial diploma has been ordered, they will be required to request and pay for a replacement diploma from the University Registrar through Parchment. We only accept requests for replacement diplomas from the degree holder. Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
Can I Get Two Diplomas: One with Chosen Name, One with Legal Name?
If a student would like to have a diploma with their legal name and a diploma with their chosen name, they may request to purchase an additional “duplicate” diploma after their degree has been conferred and their initial diploma has been ordered. The word “Exemplum” will be printed on duplicate diplomas. Duplicate diploma requests are made through Parchment. We only accept requests for duplicate diplomas from the degree holder. Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
