Student Records & Registration

Our Office

Student Records & Registration
Student Services Center, 110
530-898-5142
registrar@csuchico.edu

Lobby Hours
Mon to Fri
8am - 5pm

Phone Hours
Mon, Tue & Fri
8am - 5pm
Wed & Thur
9am - 3pm

How to Update Your Name at Chico State

Your name is part of your identity—and you deserve to be called by the one that fits you best. At Chico State, students can update their name in several places, depending on their needs. Each system uses your name a little differently, so you may need to update more than one type.

Here’s how to understand and update the three types of names used at the University (click to jump to section):

Legal Name

What Is a Legal Name:

Your official name of record used by Chico State for your academic record and for state and federal reporting requirements. This is your default name at Chico State and will be used in all systems if you do not have an affirmed name on file or change your display name. Legal names (first, middle, last) can only be changed with proper documentation such as a state-issued identification card or driver’s license; a passport; or a Social Security card.

Where Your Legal Name Shows Up:

  • Transcripts
  • Financial aid and tax documents
  • Student account and enrollment records
  • Degree verification and official reports
  • Payroll (if you're a student employee)
  • All campus systems by default

How to Update Your Legal Name:

If your legal name has changed (for example, due to marriage, divorce, or court order), submit the Student Name Change Request Form (PDF) to the Office of the Registrar in Student Services Center, Room 110, or via email at registrar@csuchico.edu. The form must be signed by hand (no electronic signature accepted), so emailed forms must be scanned or photographed (taking a photo with your phone is OK) along with copies of the appropriate documentation.

You’ll need to include a copy of legal documentation such as:

  • Driver’s License
  • State Identification Card
  • Passport
  • Social Security Card
  • Court Documentation 

What Happens Next:

  • Your change will be processed in 5–7 business days.
  • You’ll receive a confirmation email to your @csuchico.edu email address when it’s complete.
  • Since your legal name is the default in all systems at Chico State, your name should be updated across campus but may take a few days for the change to get pushed to some systems.
  • Your Chico State username ([username]@csuchico.edu) will NOT be updated with this change. If you want to update your username, put in a Username Change Request. 
  • Student employees will need to separately update their legal name with Human Resources. Contact Human Resources at humanresources@csuchico.edu or 530-898-6771 for additional support.

Affirmed Name

What Is an Affirmed Name:

Your lived or preferred first name, especially if it reflects your gender identity, cultural identity, or personal preference. You can also update your middle name. (If you'd like to change your last name, you must update your legal name.)

As long as the use of your affirmed name is not intended to mislead others and does not include inappropriate or offensive language, the University will use it wherever possible on internal systems and documents.

Where Your Affirmed Name Shows Up:

  • Grade/Class Rosters (PeopleSoft)
  • Faculty views in Canvas
  • Wildcat ID Card
  • WellCat Health Center

Note: If you choose to change your affirmed name it might be necessary for you to show proof of your legal name to receive services on campus. Your legal name will still appear on official documents where required such as transcripts, financial aid records, health records, and tax forms.

How to Update Your Affirmed Name:

Submit the Student Name Change Request Form (PDF) to the Office of the Registrar in Student Services Center, Room 110, or via email at registrar@csuchico.edu. The form must be signed by hand (no electronic signature accepted), so emailed forms must be scanned or photographed (taking a photo with your phone is OK). No legal documentation is required.

What Happens Next:

  • Your change will be processed in 5–7 business days.
  • You’ll receive a confirmation email to your @csuchico.edu email address when it’s complete and updates have been pushed to faculty/staff systems like Canvas.
  • Additional steps:
    • Wildcat ID Card – Once your Student Name Change Request Form has been processed and you’ve received your confirmation email, visit the ID Card office in Meriam Library 142 to request a new card. The replacement card is free.
    • University Housing – Include your affirmed name in the application when you sign up for on-campus housing. If you are already a resident, you can make an update in the Housing Portal: login, go to “My Details,” then “My Personal Information” to update your name. Contact housing@csuchico.edu for additional support.
    • WellCat Health Center – You can change your affirmed name over the phone or in person with a WellCat Health Center receptionist. No documentation is required.
    • Wildcat Recreation Center - You can update your affirmed name with the WREC by logging into wreconline.csuchico.edu using your Chico State login, then clicking “Profile” in the top right corner. Select the edit pencil icon to add your affirmed name.

Display Name

What Is a Display Name:

The name that appears in your digital identity—such as your Canvas profile, email display name, and Google apps. You can adjust this from your Legal Name (default) to your Affirmed Name or an informal version of your name (like “Jon” instead of “Jonathan”).

Where Your Display Name Shows Up:

  • Canvas Profile
  • Wildcat Mail (Outlook)
  • Google Apps
  • Duo
  • Other IT systems that pull your display name

How to Update Your Display Name:

You can change your Display Name yourself in the Portal by following these steps:
How to Change Your Display Name

What Happens Next:

  • It may take up to 48 hours to update your name across IT systems.
  • Updating your display name will NOT change your Chico State username ([username]@csuchico.edu). If you want to update your username, put in a Username Change Request. 

Quick Checklist for Changing Your Name at Chico State

  1. Change Display Name in the Portal (How to Change Your Display Name)
  2. Fill out the Student Name Change Request Form (PDF) and submit to the Office of the Registrar (SSC 110 or via email)
  3. Wait 5–7 days for processing confirmation to your @csuchico.edu address.
  4. Request a new Wildcat ID at ITSS (Meriam Library 142)
  5. Update Housing Portal, WellCat Health Center, or student employee information if needed.

Reminders

  • You may need to update your name in more than one place.
  • Legal name is required for official records—some systems can’t be changed without documentation.
  • Display Name and Affirmed Name are not the same. Display Name is used in tech systems; Affirmed Name is used in academic and campus-facing systems. You can adjust them to use the same name, but it must be done in both places.
  • Need to update your name as a student employee? Learn how to update your name with Human Resources. Contact Human Resources at humanresources@csuchico.edu or 530-898-6771 for support.
  • Students can also update their pronouns by visiting the Profile section in the Student Center (Student Center > Profile > Pronouns). These will be used in class rosters and other campus systems.

Questions?

We’re here to support you:

Office of the Registrar
registrar@csuchico.edu
www.csuchico.edu/sro