Changing Preferred Name/Gender Identity - Student

Changing Your Preferred Name/Gender Identity

Students can update their BMCC personal information to reflect their preferred name (first and/or middle name only) for internal BMCC and CUNY purposes. This will only change on CUNYfirst; it is not a legal name change. After making this update, the student’s preferred name will also appear on class rosters and Blackboard.

There are two ways for a student to change to their preferred name:

Option 1: Via CUNYFirst

1. Register as a student at BMCC under your legal name to gain access to CUNYfirst (the student platform that holds student information and connects you to BMCC)
2. Log into your CUNYfirst account
3. Go to Student Center

For Preferred Name Change

4. Click on Profile
5. Click Personal Details on the left
6. Under “Personal” tab click on “+” to add a new name
7. Enter your preferred name accordingly in the appropriate fields.
8. Save the changes. This will automatically change the information.

For Gender Change

4. Click on Profile
5. Click Personal Details on the left
6. Under “Biographic” tab click on Gender
7. Select the appropriate gender from the drop-down
8. Save the changes. This will automatically change the information.

Option 2: Via the Registrar’s Office

1. Register as a student at BMCC under your legal name to gain access to CUNYfirst (the student platform that holds student information and connects you to BMCC)
2. Once registered, visit the Registrar’s Website
3. Under “OTHER FORMS” click the links titled “Preferred Name Request Form” or “Gender Change Request Form”
4. Follow the link and directions to complete and submit. No documents or proof are required.
5. The request will be sent to the Registrar’s Office. Once reviewed and approved, the Registrar’s Office will update your preferred name/Gender and will send you a confirmation email. This process can take 1-3 business days.

Updating Preferred Name/Gender Identity on Your Student ID Card

1. First, follow one of the two options in the Changing to your Preferred Name/Gender Identity section above to change your name to your preferred name.
2. After completing step 1 above, visit Public Safety located on the 2nd floor of the Main Building (199 chambers) in room S-211. The office is on the left after entering the building (before going through the turn-styles).
3. Request to meet with Leonardo Zavala-Salas to update your BMCC ID to reflect your preferred name. If Mr. Zavala-Salas is not available at that time, you may request to make an appointment.
4. Public Safety will verify that you are registered and your preferred name change information has been submitted.
5. Once the necessary information is submitted, a new BMCC Student ID will be issued.

*If you already have a BMCC ID, you will need to return it to get your updated one.

Changing Your Email to Reflect Your Preferred Name/Gender Identity

Preferred name refers to your first and middle name. It does not include your last name. You can change the first name and/or the initials of the original BMCC email address assigned to you. The name that appears when you send an email would also be changed.

1. Complete all steps under the Changing to your Preferred Name/Gender Identity section above.
2. Submit a ticket request here to change to your preferred name for your BMCC email. Please enter your legal name and preferred name as the following example: Legal Name: Joe Doe, Preferred Name: Andrew Doe.
3. When the ticket is resolved, your email and associated name will update to reflect your preferred name.
4. Please contact userservices@bmcc.cuny.edu for technical assistance or questions.