Preferred Name & Pronoun Changes

To uphold students’ rights to be recognized in accordance with their identity, Napa Valley College provides a preferred first name and pronoun option on campus electronic platforms including Self-Service and Canvas. This is especially critical for transgender students and staff, who have the right to be identified in a way that affirms their gender without needing a legal name change. This practice also affirms the identities of students and staff who go by a middle name, nickname, or an alternate name.  

Ensuring accurate name and pronoun use reflects Napa Valley College’s commitment to inclusion, equity, and respect for all members of the campus community. 

Legal Name Changes in College Records 

If you are a student who has had your name legally changed but college records do not reflect this change, you may complete the  Change of Information Form to have your legal name updated. If you have questions about completing this form, please contact the Admissions and Records Office at ANRMail@napavalley.edu or call 707-256-7201.  

You will be required to provide supporting documentation of the name change (e.g., court document, marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc.) in support of a legal name change request. 

A student’s primary, or legal name will appear on diplomas, official and unofficial transcripts, and any documentation involving financial aid and student accounts.  

Requests for student documents (such as diplomas or transcripts) with preferred name can be requested by contacting the office of Admissions and Records. Note that a student's legal name will likely be required by the institution/person receiving the document.  

Conditions Associated with Name Changes  

Enrolled students are free to determine the preferred name they want to be known by. This can be done by accessing the Self-Service portal, and on the Canvas Learning Management system. However, the following conditions apply:  

  • A preferred name should be the name an individual uses in social interactions and the name you want others to use when referring to you.  An individual may not use a preferred name for the purpose of fraud, misrepresentation, perpetration of another’s identity or to evade legal obligations.  Preferred names may not include profanity, vulgarity, discriminatory language, or sexually suggestive words.  NVC reserves the right to decline a request for a preferred name, including printing such on the official NVC ID Card if the name is deemed inappropriate.  
  • Your chosen/ preferred name can be changed only once per semester.  However, it is recommended that changes to your chosen/ preferred name remain minimal to avoid confusion with your instructors and fellow students.  
  • Establishing a preferred name does not automatically grant the right to put the name on the NVC ID card. Indicating a preferred name in Self Service will not automatically change the student's NVC email address.  

Changing your Preferred Name, Pronouns and Gender Identity through the Self-Service Portal 

For currently enrolled students, selecting your preferred name and preferred pronouns can be completed through your Self-Service portal by clicking on “User Profile.”  

Selecting a Preferred Name in Canvas  

Student can select personal pronouns to add to their user accounts in Canvas. Personal pronouns display after your name in various areas in Canvas, including: 

  • Assignment Creation Menu 
  • Assignment Peer Review Page 
  • Course Sections List 
  • Discussions 
  • Inbox 
  • People Page (Course and Groups) 
  • Student Context Card 
  • User Profile Page 
  • User Settings Page 

Notes:   

  • LTI tools, such as New Quizzes and Analytics, do not currently support displaying pronouns. 

Making Preferred Name and Pronoun Changes in Canvas 

  • In Global Navigation, click the Account link, then click the Settings link. 
  • Click the Edit Settings button. 
  • In the Pronouns drop-down menu, select your personal pronouns.
  • When finished click the Update Settings button.

Changing Name & Adding Pronouns in Zoom 

If you need to log into a Zoom meeting and need to change you name: 

  1.  Click “Participants.”  A list of the people in the meeting will pop up.
  2. Click on your name and select “More” and then “Rename.”  You can also include pronouns in the name when you rename yourself. 

Name Change for Future Zoom Meetings 

On a Computer 

  1.  Select “Profile” and then “Edit my Profile.”
  2. Click “Edit.”
  3. Change your “Display Name.”  You may also include pronouns in your display name.
  4. Click “Save.” 

On a Mobile Device 

  1. Tap your name.
  2. Tap on the “Display Name.”  You may also include pronouns in your display name.
  3. Tap “Save.” 

The college continues to review its relevant technology platforms to further a student's ability to make chosen name/ pronoun changes.  Please contact the office of Admissions and Records for additional information regarding the name change process. 

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