Policy Statement
The College of Social Work, University of South Carolina recognizes that some students
prefer to identify themselves by a First Name and/or Middle Name other than their
Legal Name. Except when the use of an individual’s legal name is required by law or
policy, the College will make every effort possible to identify students by their
preferred name. This policy does not pertain to official university systems and will
not affect how a student’s name appears in Banner or Blackboard. This policy shall
not supersede any university policy regulating the use of names legal or otherwise.
Reason for Policy
Students of the COSW community use a name that differs from their legal name to identify
themselves. These may include individuals who prefer to use:
- A middle name instead of a first name
- An anglicized name
- A name to which the individual is in the process of legally changing
- A name that better represents the individual’s gender identity; or
- A stage or performance name.