DU will maintain two types of Preferred Names:

A preferred first name; and

A chosen/professional name.

Preferred First Name: A first name by which an individual wishes to be identified that is other than the individual's legal name is a "preferred first name." Students and employees can submit a preferred first name online. DU will use preferred first name in most instances such as correspondence and online applications. In some instances, the preferred first name will be displayed in addition to legal name, for example: Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (Shaq).

Chosen/Professional Name: If an individual's preferred identity includes a different surname or wishes to limit the display of their legal name, they may specify a "chosen/professional" name. This "chosen/professional name" will replace the legal name in most cases as the University is able to implement them. For example, chosen/professional name of Cardi B would replace the legal name of Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar.

While DU will use of the preferred first name or chosen/professional name in most instances, students and employees should be aware that the use of the legal name will continue to be necessary in certain communications and processes due to DU business or legal requirements and/or system limitations.