Student Records FAQs

A Preferred Name is the name that a student wishes to be known by in the university community that is different than the student’s Legal Name.

A Legal Name is the name that appears on a student’s passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, or US Social Security card.

No. WCU’s Preferred Name policy only allows a student to designate a preferred first name. Operationally, a student’s preferred first name and legal last name become their Preferred Name.

No, the use of a Preferred Name, pursuant to policy 125, is at the complete discretion of individual employees and students. If a preferred first name is not provided, it is assumed that the legal first name is preferred.

To update your preferred first name, go to mywcu.edu and type ‘name’ in the search menu.

The preferred first name, singularly or in combination with the last name may appear, as possible, in the following locations:

• Cat Card
• Class rosters generated by the WCU’s student information system
• The official WCU learning management system, Canvas
• Official WCU directories, unless the information is withheld pursuant to law or policy
• Information used by the Advising Center that is generated by WCU's student information system
• Graduation ceremonies
• Printed diploma

A student’s Legal Name will be used in business and legal processes that require the use of a Legal Name. A student’s Preferred Name may not appear in the following locations:

• WCUID account created in WCU’s Active Directory as a student’s identity for most WCU  licensed systems. For students, these accounts end in @catamount.wcu.edu.
• Financial Aid
• Transcripts
• Certifications
• Athletics Rosters
• Campus Police
• Emergency Services
• National Student Clearinghouse
• Any behavior or discipline record
• Any medical or medical history database system (Health Services and Counseling & Psychological Services systems do collect and use Preferred Names)

University administrators, University Police Department, and offices providing medical and mental health services.

Students can request two Preferred Name changes in an academic year. Additional changes are at the discretion of the Registrar or their designee.

Students should be mindful about timing issues when changing their Preferred Name. Western does not restrict when students can submit new preferred first names.  Because Preferred Names appear on class rosters, students are advised to alert their instructors if they change their Preferred Name while courses are in-progress.

Yes, once you change your preferred name you can go to the Cat Card office and have a new, complimentary Cat Card printed.

No, updating your Cat Card to your Preferred Name is at your discretion.

No, the Cat Card is not accepted as a government issued form of identification.

Please know that while WCU values and supports the use of Preferred Names, Preferred Names are not necessarily supported in off campus situations and services.

For more information:

NC General Statute, Chapter 101: Names of Persons