Student Handbook 2024-25

documents. Documentation (marriage license, court order, divorce decree, etc.) is required to change a legal name. A legal name change will result in a comprehensive change in the individual’s records.

Preferred Name

A first name that one may prefer to be called. It is different from one’s legal first name and no legal documentation is required. A preferred name is generally used by individuals who choose to use:  A middle or nickname (as an alternative for the first name)  An English language nickname adopted by international or other students  A name that better represents the individual’s gender identity  A name that the individual is in the process of changing to legally Beacon College must always maintain a record of students’ legal name, which are used where required within Beacon records and systems (i.e. Human Resource records, Financial Aid documents, student conduct records, medical/insurance records, academic transcripts, etc.). A legal name will continue to appear within institution records for reasons related to conducting institutional business, technology limitations, or if required by law. Legal name change requests will be approved based on submission of legal evidence indicating the name change. All requests must be verified with Registrar as the approving office, and then Information Technology (IT) will update their systems. Legal Name Policy

For the purpose of F-1 student visa status, the legal name must be used on I-20s. An individual’s legal name is what appears on the passport.

Student Handbook AY 2024-2025 | Version 082024

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