Chosen Names at SFU
Chosen names, also known as preferred names, are names that individuals choose to use instead of their legal names. Respecting people鈥檚 chosen names is a basic matter of dignity, equity, and belonging. While trans and gender-diverse communities are the most directly harmed by deadnaming, creating respectful, streamlined name change processes has broad equity, safety, and cultural inclusion benefits for the entire institution.
SFU acknowledges the importance of chosen names, especially for transgender, non-binary and/or genderqueer faculty, staff, students and alumni. Chosen names can be more inclusive than legal names; where a legal name change may not always be accessible, chosen names allow individuals to use a name that reflects their gender identity, cultural background, personal beliefs, or other aspects of their identity that may not be reflected in their legal name.
Aligned with SFU鈥檚 Equity Compass and commitment to inclusive digital environments, SFU is updating how chosen names are displayed across university systems. We want to ensure we use everyone鈥檚 correct names and pronouns, in respect of individual identity.
Our work in this area includes:
- The Community of Practice鈥檚 Trans Equity Pod is focused on advancing initiatives to address 2SLGBTQIA+ equity and inclusion structural gaps.
- IT has integrated name changes across our centrally-managed systems: goSFU, Canvas, MyInfo and Microsoft Apps. See the step-by-step guide on how to change your chosen name .
- Students, faculty and staff can request an updated SFU ID card. Visit the SFU ID Card name change page for more information.
- For information on names for graduation documents and convocation, see the Convocation checklist.