Statement on Supporting Preferred/Chosen Names
AIMS Education values the diversity of its community and is committed to providing an equitable and safe experience for students whose birth name and/or legal name does not reflect their gender identity and/or gender expression. An AIMS student wishing to select a preferred/chosen name may request to do so, provided the name change is not being used for the purpose of misrepresentation.
AIMS students who register a preferred/chosen name may request to receive two copies of their AIMS certificate: one printed with their legal name as it appears in the student records system, and one printed with their preferred name as it is registered with Academic & Student Affairs.
In an effort to increase awareness and sensitivity, AIMS administration, faculty, and staff participate in relevant in-service training sessions.
Limitations
Designating a preferred/chosen name for use at AIMS does not constitute an institutional or legal name change. A student’s birth name and/or legal name will continue to be used on AIMS documents. AIMS is unable to designate a preferred surname (last name) without documents showing that the surname has been changed legally by a court or government entity.
AIMS also reserves the right to remove preferred names that are deemed harmful to the reputation or interests of the institution, derogatory or obscene in nature, convey an offensive message, or otherwise inappropriate.
For additional information regarding Preferred/Chosen Names, please contact Academic & Student Affairs at studentaffairs@aimseducation.edu or 908.222.0002 ext. 352.
How to Request a Preferred/Chosen Name
To request a preferred/chosen name, please complete the form below and submit it to Academic & Student Affairs. Forms may be submitted in person or via email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a Preferred/Chosen name?
A: A “preferred or chosen name” is a name by which a student wishes to be known (in the AIMS community). This name differs from a student’s legal name. Please Note: In most situations, it is not meant to be used to record a nickname (e.g., Tom for Thomas).
Q: What is a Legal Name?
A: A “legal name” is the name that appears on your passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, or U.S. Social Security Card.
Q: Can all AIMS students request a preferred or chosen name?
A: Preferred/Chosen Name Request Forms may be submitted by transgender, gender non-conforming, gender variant, and non-binary students, international students, and students with religious and cultural preferences/practices. Note: There may be other situations where a preferred name is acceptable.
Q: How do I select a chosen/preferred name?
A: Complete the AIMS Preferred/Chosen Names Request Form. Completed forms should be submitted to Academic & Student Affairs (Piscataway Campus). Forms are available in the Academic & Student Affairs office, or it can be downloaded here.
Q: May I select any preferred/chosen name I wish?
A: No. AIMS reserves the right to deny preferred names that are deemed harmful to the reputation or interests of the institution, derogatory or obscene in nature, convey an offensive message, or otherwise inappropriate.
Q: How long will it take for my preferred/chosen name to be approved?
A: Within 10-14 business days, you will receive an email from Academic & Student Affairs updating you on the status of your request.
Q: Where will my preferred/chosen name be displayed?
A: Preferred/Chosen Names will appear in the Brightspace Student Portal. In addition, AIMS students who register a preferred/chosen name may request to receive two copies of their AIMS certificate: one printed with their legal name as it appears in the student records system, and one printed with their preferred name as it is registered with Academic & Student Affairs.
Q: Where will my legal name be displayed?
A: Designating a preferred/chosen name for use at AIMS does not constitute an institutional or legal name change. A student’s birth name and/or legal name will continue to be used on all AIMS documents.
Q: How many times a year may I change my Preferred/Chosen Name?
A: Preferred/Chosen Name requests may be submitted once per academic year.
Q: May I select a preferred/chosen last name as well?
A: No. AIMS is unable to designate a preferred surname (last name) without documents showing that the surname has been changed legally by a court or government entity.
Q: How do I change my legal name in New Jersey?
A: The process to change legal names varies by state and by country.
- For New Jersey residents, please reference the NJ Courts Name Change Guide to change your legal name.
- For non-New Jersey residents, please refer to your home state or home country’s laws.
Q: What is the process for deleting a preferred/chosen name?
A: Students wishing to have their preferred/chosen name deleted from their file, should send an email request to studentaffairs@aimseducation.edu. Subject: Delete Preferred/Chosen Name
Q: Who do I contact for additional questions regarding the Preferred/Chosen Name Policy and Request Form?
A: For additional information regarding Preferred/Chosen Names, please contact Academic & Student Affairs at studentaffairs@aimseducation.edu or 908.222.0002 ext. 352.
