George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
General Information
George Brown Polytechnic recognizes that our students may use a first name other than their legal name and that a student’s preferred first name should be used whenever possible. As a result, we have created the option for students to change their preferred name through a self-service process on STU-VIEW.
Starting March 1, 2021 students can elect to change their preferred name using this process, it will be reflected in STU-VIEW, Brightspace, Email, and Microsoft Office applications. However, this process will not alter a student's name where a legal name is required for business practices and legal requirements, including official records issued by the polytechnic, such as transcripts, confirmation of enrolment, financial records, and credentials.
As there are many interconnected systems throughout the polytechnic, they may handle the preferred name information differently. As a result, as we continue to implement changes to these areas, students and departments must know that every system may not reflect a student's preferred name. We appreciate your patience as we work to continuously improve this process in order to create a positive student experience.
Please note that name change submissions may be modified or cancelled at the discretion of George Brown Polytechnic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I change my preferred name?
Students will need to log into their STU-VIEW account, select the 'My Account' tab, and select the 'Personal Information' link on the "Personal Details" card. They'll be redirected to an online form, where they can enter a name of their choosing for the 'Preferred First Name' field. Once this information is entered, it will be directed to the Office of the Registrar and, within 2-3 business days, will be updated on the student record. Once a request has been processed, an email will be sent to your George Brown Polytechnic email confirming the change.
Please note that name change submissions may be modified or cancelled at the discretion of George Brown Polytechnic.
Where will the preferred name appear on my student records?
The preferred name will appear in the following systems on the student record:
- STU-VIEW
- Brightspace
- Email (both the display name and the email address)
- Microsoft Office Application (Microsoft 365, Teams, etc.)
- Student ID Cards
Where will my preferred name not appear on student records?
The preferred name will not alter the name displayed where a legal name is required for business practices and legal requirements. Some departments are required to send information to the federal or provincial government where a legal name may be necessary. Additionally, some systems are not yet integrated with the preferred first name information and will use a legal name. The following documents issued by the polytechnic will not reflect a student's preferred first name:
- Transcripts
- Confirmation of enrolment
- Financial records (for instance, financial aid, receipts, and tax forms)
- Credentials (certificates, diplomas, and degrees)
When and why will college departments use my preferred first name?
As there are many interconnected systems throughout George Brown, some systems may handle the preferred name information differently. As a result, as we continue to implement changes to these various areas, students and departments must know that some systems may not reflect a student's preferred name. This may include official communications (for instance, emails and other communications) where your legal name may still appear.
Can I select my preferred first name?
Students can decide their preferred first name. However, George Brown Polytechnic reserves the right to remove a name if it contains inappropriate or offensive language, or is used for misrepresentation.
What's the difference between a legal name change and a preferred name change?
A legal name change requires proof of documentation (like a marriage license or other legal name change documents) and will be reflected on all student records, including transcripts, credentials, confirmation of enrolments, and financial records.
A preferred name change does not require supporting documentation and can be completed through STU-VIEW.
How do I change my legal name with the polytechnic?
Students must provide legal name change documents to change their legal name with the polytechnic. These include a Marriage Certificate (for proof of surname changes), a Legal Name Change document, a Birth Certificate, or a Driver's License. For official name changes, students must provide supporting documentation either in person at the Student Service Centre or via email to registration@georgebrown.ca. Staff and Faculty wishing to change their names must contact Human Resources (hr@georgebrown.ca).
How do I change my preferred first name on official records issued by the polytechnic?
Students who would like to change their first name on all student records and on documents issued with the polytechnic (including transcript, financial records, and credentials) can use our Official Document Preferred Name Change Request Form. Additional information on the process is indicated on the form.
I have already selected a preferred name when I applied through Ontario Colleges. Will that name be automatically updated on my George Brown accounts?
Yes, this name will automatically appear on your student record if you applied on or after March 1, 2021.
I have already selected a preferred name change with Student Services or the Office of the Registrar. Can I now change my records back and use the new process through STU-VIEW instead?
Yes, students must contact Registration with a request to revert your first name to your legal name. Once that is completed, you may use the STU-VIEW option described above.
Can I update/change my gender on record with George Brown?
Yes, you can request to have your gender updated. However, gender is not currently displayed on any front-facing system (including Brightspace and STU-VIEW).
Can I update my pronouns?
Yes, you can update your pronouns in STU-VIEW, Brightspace, and Microsoft apps. All users are required to follow the policies that govern system usage, including George Brown’s Human Rights, Discrimination & Harassment Policy and Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy, as well as the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Instructions for changing your pronouns
Microsoft Teams:
- Select your profile picture to pull up your profile card.
- Under your name, select the +Pronouns option.
- Enter your pronouns, or select one of the examples, then Save.
Brightspace:
The following instructions need to be done in the web browser version of Brightspace.
- Select your name at the top right of the page.
- Select Account Settings.
- Under Pronouns, check the box for “Allow others to see my pronouns.”
- Select “Use different pronouns,” then enter yours in the field below.
- Note: Do not select “Use what my organization has on record” as, at this time, Brightspace is not linked to STU-VIEW.
- Select Save and Close.
STU-VIEW:
- Select your name’s initial in the circle in the top right corner.
- Select My Account.
- Under “Personal Details,” select Personal Information. This will open a new tab.
- Under “Personal Details,” select Edit.
- Select the drop-down menu under Personal Pronoun.
- Choose your pronouns from the given options.
- Select Update.
For students seeking additional resources or who have concerns related to human rights, discrimination and harassment, please contact the Office of Anti-Racism, Equity & Human Rights Services at diversity@georgebrown.ca.
For students seeking additional information on the preferred name change process, please contact registration at registration@georgebrown.ca.