Fenton Hall

Chosen Name Initiative

Who to contact

Dr. Vicki T. Sapp, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator/ADA Compliance Officer

Chosen Name Information

The State University of New York at Fredonia (Fredonia) recognizes that many persons identify themselves using a name that is different from their legal first name.  Fredonia will refer to this name as the “Chosen Name” and will use it when possible in the course of university activities. A change to a last name must be made legally.

Your legal first name will still be accessible to university personnel when it is necessary to carry out the duties of the institution.

Whenever possible, an F# should be collected.  If names conflict, check the F# to confirm an individual’s identity.

Any participant in the chosen name program who directs an outside agency to correspond with the State University of New York at Fredonia bears the responsibility for clarifying their name with all agencies.

For participants in the program, your chosen name will appear in the following areas: 

  • Class rosters in "Your Connection"
  • ID Card (FREDCard)
  • Learning management system (FREDLearn)
  • Email address
  • Student Directory 

The following areas/services also accommodate chosen name: 

  • Student Health Center
  • Counseling Services
  • Diploma
  • Commencement programs
  • Business Cards
  • Office Signage

The following areas/services will be added as they become available: 

  • Student Information System
  • Advising folders
  • Campus Directory
  • Residence Life Directory
  • Library
  • Athletics

Your legal first name will continue to appear in the following areas:

  • Transcripts (unofficial & official)
  • Paychecks and pay stubs
  • Financial Aid records
  • Tax Documents
  • Human Resources records
  • Any off-campus communications (such as any letters sent to a permanent address, communication with emergency personnel, licensing boards)

Adopting a Chosen Name

Any person with an F# can request to use a chosen name. Please contact Chosen Name Committee Member, Dr. Jennifer Hildebrand at jennifer.hildebrand@fredonia.edu for more information. 

Students, faculty, and staff may make no more than two requests to change their Chosen Name within a 365-day period.

Although an individual may select any Chosen Name, the university reserves the right to deny or remove a Chosen Name if it is inappropriate or used for an improper purpose.  Inappropriate Chosen Names include but are not limited to those that avoid legal obligation, misrepresent, harass, threaten, or are otherwise objectionable.  In most cases, a Chosen Name should not be a message, company, or group name, especially if it is for promotional purposes.  Individuals with a Chosen Name deemed inappropriate can either select a different Chosen Name or continue to use the legal name.

Obtaining a New Fredonia ID Card

Students, faculty, and staff who adopt a Chosen Name must obtain a replacement ID card within two weeks of the change.

While students, faculty, and staff may change their Chosen Name more than once, they are entitled to only one free replacement card.  The individual is responsible for any replacement card charges associated with subsequent changes. Replacement cards can be obtained through the Faculty Student Association (FSA) in Gregory Hall.