Using a Chosen Name

Creating and sustaining an inclusive environment is central to the mission of Palo Alto University. Names are one of the ways we portray our identities. We recognize that members of our campus community may use names other than their legal names to identify themselves. Please be aware that a person may have a chosen name that is different from their legal name. 

Updating Your Chosen Name

The PAU Community (students, faculty, staff and alumni) can now update their chosen name (see directions below). Once received, an Information Technology (IT) representative will contact you to confirm your request. Once confirmed, IT will submit a notification to the necessary departments to make each name change in the relevant University systems. Please allow 5-7 business days for your chosen name to be updated.

To update your Chosen Name, please follow the directions below:

• Students - Login to the MyPAU Student portal, go to Quick Navigation, click on the Update Your Personal Info button.
• Faculty and Staff - Login to the MyPAU portal, use the top navigation, click on the Update Chosen Name tab.
• Alumni - Please click here to update alumni information including your chosen name.

If you have any questions, please contact PAU's Information Technology (IT) support team at support@paloaltou.edu.

Instances When a Legal Name May Still Appear

There are some documents and systems that require the use of a legal name by law. These include transcripts, bills, tax forms, diplomas, financial aid documents, immigration documents, and medical records. To update your legal name, please follow the directions below:

• Students - Please contact the Registrar Office at registrar@paloaltou.edu.
• Faculty and Staff – Please contact People Operations (HR) at peopleoperations@paloaltou.edu.
• Alumni - Please contact the Registrar Office at registrar@paloaltou.edu.