Chosen Names
The University of Montana recognizes that some students identify themselves by a first name and/or middle name other than their legal name. Any student may add a chosen name to their student record in addition to their legal name.
Chosen names may not be used for purposes of fraud or misrepresentation. The University reserves the right to remove a chosen name if it contains inappropriate or offensive language.
How To Add a Chosen Name
Students may request to add, change, or remove a chosen name by sending an email from their UMConnect student email to registration@umontana.edu.
ID Numbers
Adding a chosen name does not affect a student's NetID or UM ID number.
Email Address
After adding a chosen name to your record, your UMConnect student email address will update overnight to reflect your chosen name. Your new email address will appear in the Personal Information section of CyberBear.
While the email address changes, you will retain your email history within your inbox, and no records will be deleted.
Current students are recommended to let advisors and instructors know that their email address will be changing to prevent any interruptions in communication.
Where Chosen and Legal Names Appear
Chosen names are displayed in various places throughout University of Montana systems. The University consistently works to expand chosen name usage as technological capabilities advance.
For some records, the University is legally required to use a student’s legal name. However, whenever reasonably possible, a student’s chosen name will be used.
Please know that University personnel may be able to view both your legal and chosen name.
Chosen Name
Public directory
Class rosters
Student email
Moodle
Griz Card (Must purchase a new Griz Card)
Multiple places in CyberBear
Navigate advising tool
Degree Works (Coming Soon!)
Diplomas and other official credentials, like certificates (Opt-In)
Mansfield Library services
Legal Name
Transcripts
Athletics rosters
Billing, payment, and collections records
FAFSA and other financial aid documents
Loan deferment paperwork
National Student Clearinghouse
International student documentation
Federal requests for information
When requested by UMPD
When compelled by other legal means
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, your chosen name will appear in the University Directory unless you choose to restrict your directory information. In that case, no information will appear in the directory. For more information about restricting your directory information, please visit UM's FERPA website.
Submit your chosen name request via email to the Registrar’s Office first. Once processed, you will receive a confirmation email. It can take approximately five business days to process your request.
Then, go to the Griz Card Center in the UC to request your new card. Inform the staff that you have a chosen name on your student record so they can verify your chosen name is in the ID system. Let the staff know if would like a new photograph taken before your new card is issued.
To save time, before you pick up your new Griz Card call the Griz Card Center on campus at (406)243-6943 to confirm that your chosen name appears in the ID system. You can also submit a new photo online.
If your new legal name is the same as your chosen name, you don’t need to do anything apart from the regular legal name change process.
If your chosen name is different than your new legal name, you may request your chosen name be removed while completing your legal name change form with the Registrar’s Office. You can also email the Registrar's Office from your student email to request the chosen name be removed.
Emails sent to your former @umontana.edu or @umconnect.umt.edu address will receive a bounce-back message and their email will not get to you. If someone replies back to an email you sent before your address was changed, you will receive it. However. it is best practice to encourage everyone to use your new address.
Yes. Students may request this via an email to registration@umontana.edu. You should send this email from your UMontana student email account and include your student ID number.
Current choices are:
- they/them
- they/she
- they/he
- other/prefer to self-describe
- he/him
- she/her
You personal pronouns appears in the Personal Information section of CyberBear. This information may be visible to your instructors, advisors, and other UM personnel.
Yes. Students may request this via an email to registration@umontana.edu. You should send this email from your UMontana student email account and include your student ID number. Current choices are:
- woman
- man
- non-binary/third gender
- prefer to self-describe
- two-spirit
You gender designation appears in the Personal Information section of CyberBear. This information may be visible to your instructors, advisors, and other UM personnel.
We may be able to add more options over time, so please let us know if your pronouns or gender designation are not listed.
In the meantime, for gender designation, you may choose "prefer to self-describe." You may also choose not to add them to your record.