In support of Santa Ana College's commitment to providing an equitable and safe environment for students whose legal name does not reflect their gender identity and/or gender expression, SAC now accepts requests from students to use a preferred first name on class rosters whenever possible. Students who wish to designate a preferred name should fill out the Preferred Name Change Form available in the Admissions and Records Office or online. It is important to understand that designating a preferred name for use at SAC does NOT constitute a legal name change. A students' legal name will continue to be used on certain college documents, such as Transcripts. Initially, preferred names will only be used on class rosters and waiting lists for use by instructors and departments.
Students may designate a first preferred name. Their legal last name will remain unchanged and will be included with their preferred name. Preferred names are limited to alphabetical characters, a hyphen (-) and a space. Generally, students can set a preferred name to any name, but the college reserves the right to delete a preferred name if it is used inappropriately, such as misrepresentation or fraud; such usage will also subject the student to disciplinary action in accordance with college policy.
Example of preferred names that will not be approved:
- Names containing foul or inappropriate language as deemed by Admissions and Records
- Names used for the purpose of misrepresentation
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a preferred name?
A preferred name is a name that you can designate to be used on class rosters in addition to your legal name. It is a name that you wish to be known or identified by, and is different from your legal name. Santa Ana College students will be able to designate a preferred name beginning in spring 2016.
- How do I set my preferred name?
You set your preferred name by submitting the "Preferred Name" form to Admissions and Records. Upon submission, your choice of preferred name will be reviewed by the Admissions and Records office. Once your preferred name is approved, it will appear in the Preferred Name section of the class roster. If your preferred name is not approved, your legal name will remain the only name on the class roster.
Complete the form and return to:
SAC Admissions (S-101)
1530 W. 17th Street
Santa Ana, CA 92706
Fax: 714-564-6455
We will also accept completed forms scanned and sent to: adm_records@sac.edu
- What are the guidelines for setting preferred names? Can it be whatever I want?
You may designate a first preferred name. Your legal last name (surname) will remain unchanged and will be included in your preferred name. Preferred names are limited to alphabetical characters, a hyphen (-) and a space. Generally, you can set a preferred name to any name, but the college reserves the right to delete a preferred name if it is used inappropriately, such as misrepresentation or fraud; such usage will also subject the student to disciplinary action in accordance with college policy.
Examples of preferred names that will not be approved:
- Names containing foul or inappropriate language as deemed by Admissions and Records
- Names used for the purpose of misrepresentation
- Where will the preferred name be used?
Initially, preferred names will only be used on class rosters and waiting lists for use by instructors and departments.
- Are there instances where the preferred name will not be used?
Preferred names will not be used in cases where the legal name is required, including, but not limited to, financial aid documents, official transcripts, diplomas, payroll records, and federal immigration documents. In some cases, if you use a preferred name, it might be necessary to clarify that your preferred name is different from your legal name. Also, as the campus is engaged in several projects involving student information systems, some systems may not be able to accommodate the preferred name until a later period.
- Can I change my preferred name?
No. You are allowed only one preferred name selection during your entire time at Santa Ana College. If you are unhappy with your selection you are welcome to change it back to your official name of record, but you may not select a different preferred name.
- Can I delete my preferred name?
Yes. If you have designated a preferred name and later decide that you would prefer to use your legal name on the class roster, contact Admissions and Records.
- How do I correct or change my legal name at Santa Ana College?
You can change your legal name by completing and submitting the Request for Name Change form (available in Admissions and Records). You will need to present official documentation that your name was legally changed.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Your diploma will be printed with your full legal name only. To request your name to be changed on your diploma, you must submit a Request for Name Change.
