Name Change Procedures

Pronouns at WPUNJ

Using an individual’s pronouns correctly is a way to continue to practice inclusion and foster belonging at William Paterson University. By respecting others’ pronouns, you recognize their sense of self and affirm the humanity of all members of our community, specifically transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, gender questioning, and other gender diverse members of our community.

Pronouns are how a person wants to be referred to in the third person. Examples of pronouns include, but are not limited to:

  • he/him/his,
  • she/her/hers,
  • they/them/their,
  • they/them/their and she/her/hers (used interchangeably)
  • they/them/their and he/him/his (used interchangeably)
  • ze/hir/hirs, and other gender neutral pronouns.

Misgendering is incorrectly referring to a person’s gender by assuming their gender identity; often this is done by using the wrong pronouns for a person. Misgendering someone can be done intentionally or unintentionally, and it can have long-lasting harmful impact.

Changing First Name On Rosters & ID CARD

Students and Employees who wish to use an affirmed/preferred first name may now do so by updating their information in the “My Profile” page in WPconnect. After updating in WPconnect it may take a full business day to propagate to the systems that support the affirmed/preferred first name.

Students must first login to WP Connect.

  1. After logging in, please click on the triangle icon to the right of your current name and select “My Profile”.
  2. On the left side of the page, there will be an option called “Affirmed (Preferred) First Name Update”. Here you may enter the name of your preference and submit it.
  3. You can also update your gender marker and pronouns

Prospective students may provide an affirmed/preferred first name on the admissions application.

 Places Where Affirmed/Preferred First Name is Displayed

  • WPconnect
  • Email Display Name
  • Blackboard
  • WPconnect Faculty and Advisor Dashboard including the advisee listing
  • Banner Query Pad
  • Housing Management System
  • Banner 9 Self-Service
  • Student ID Cards upon request
  • Degreeworks
  • Starfish
  • CBoard ID Card System
  • Campus Labs Engage (student clubs and activities)
  • Digital Measures
  • Hiretouch
  • Parlance Phone System
  • Qualtrics Course Evaluations
  • Maxient Student Conduct System

To learn more about where legal First Name is used and displayed check out our ITWiki page. 

Use of Affirmed (Preferred) Names on ID Cards

William Paterson University recognizes that some of its students use a name other than their legal name to identify themselves. To encourage a more open and inclusive campus environment, the University now provides the option for students to be recognized by their Affirmed/Preferred names on their student ID cards.

Once the Affirmed/Preferred name has been updated on WP Connect (24-48 hours following submission), students may visit the Hospitality Services ID Center to have the new card generated.

Please Note:

  • ID Card with a Affirmed/Preferred name will only be recognized on the University campus.
  • Once this change is reflected on the card, you may no longer be able to use it as a secondary form of ID with state and/or federal documents.
  • As a courtesy to accommodate your Affirmed/Preferred name on your ID card, the fee to replace the ID card will be waived provided the old ID card is surrendered at the time of issuance.
  • The University retains the right to decline requests in cases where inappropriate or offensive language is being provided. In certain cases, a referral to Student Conduct may be necessary.

Changing first name and display pronouns in Zoom

You can change your first/last name and display your pronouns to your Zoom profile so that, when logged in, this will be your displayed name in a Zoom meeting.

Login to your WPUNJ Zoom account: zoom.us

  1. Under "Profile", select Edit in the first section with your photo and name.
  2. Enter your First Name and Last Name as you would like it to be featured and add your pronouns in parentheses after your last name. Example: PIO Paterson (they/them)
  3. Save Changes

After you save changes, your name and pronouns will be updated in the Display Name field and show up as your display name for future Zoom Meetings, as long as you are logged into your WPUNJ Zoom account.  Alternatively, you can update your name and pronouns during each Zoom Meeting by renaming yourself in the participant list.