The University of Montana Western recognizes that some students, faculty, and staff identify themselves by a first name and/or middle name other than their legal name. For this reason, students, faculty, and staff can opt to use their chosen name where possible in the course of University business and education.
Any student, faculty, or staff member may opt to use a chosen first and/or middle name in addition to their legal name and may request to add or edit a chosen name by sending an email to [email protected]. Please allow up to four business days to process your request.
The chosen name may be used in many University contexts as described below.
For some records, also described below, the University is legally required to use a legal name. However, whenever reasonably possible, a chosen name will be used.
Please know that University personnel may be able to view both your legal and chosen name.
Areas where your chosen name or legal name may appear:
Students can email [email protected] from their umwestern student email. They should include their student ID number (this typically begins with 8000 and is 9 digits long) and the name they would like to add to their student record.
Submit your chosen name request via email to the Registrar’s Office first. Once processed, you will receive a confirmation email. It can take approximately five business days to process your request.
Then, go to the Bulldog Card office in the basement of the SUB to request your new card. Inform the staff that you have a chosen name on your student record so they can verify your chosen name is in the ID system. Let the staff know if you would like a new photograph taken before your new card is issued.
To save time, before you pick up your new Bulldog Card call the Bulldog Card Office on campus at 406-683-7663 to confirm that your chosen name appears in the ID system. You can also apply for a Bulldog Card online.
Chosen names may not be used for purposes of fraud or misrepresentation. The University reserves the right to remove a chosen name if it contains inappropriate or offensive language.
A legal name is the name that appears on your passport, driver’s license, state ID, birth certificate, U.S. Social Security Card, etc. Students who legally change their name should present a government issued photo ID to the Registrar’s Office.
If your new legal name is the same as your chosen name, you don’t need to do anything apart from the regular legal name change process.
If your chosen name is different than your new legal name, you may request your chosen name be removed while completing your legal name change form with the Registrar’s Office. You can also email the Registrar’s Office from your student email to request the chosen name be removed
Once processed, the first name in your @umwestern.edu addresses will update to reflect your chosen first name. Your new UMW email addresses will appear in the Personal Information tab in your DAWGS account. You will also see that change in your student email account. Your previous correspondence will not disappear.
Emails sent to your former @umwestern.edu address will receive a bounce-back message and their email will not get to you. If someone replies back to an email you sent before your address was changed, you will receive it. However, it is best practice to encourage everyone to use your new address.
