Your name may appear in different ways across McMaster’s systems and documents. It’s important to understand the types of names used and how they affect your student record, credentials and communications.
Primary/legal name
This is your legal name—the name on your government-issued documents (e.g. passport, birth certificate). It appears on official documents such as transcripts, diplomas, certificates and tax forms. Any changes to this name require government documentation (e.g. name change certificate).
Where your primary/legal name will appear:
- Exam roster
- Grading list
- MacCard
- Official university documents (transcript, diploma, letters etc.)
- OSAP or other government aid portals
- Tax slips (T2202, T4, T4A etc.)
- Zoom
Chosen/preferred name
This is the name you go by in daily life—it may be a nickname, middle name, anglicized name, Indigenous traditional name or a name that affirms your gender identity. This name can be added to your student record and will appear in select university systems, but not on official documents.
Where your chosen/preferred name will appear:
- Avenue to Learn
- Employee Self Service (ESS) on Mosaic (if you are also a McMaster student-employee)
- Class lists
- Mosaic Student Centre
- The active directory for Microsoft 365 (Outlook email, Teams etc.) (starting November 3, 2025)
To edit, correct or change your primary/legal name in Mosaic, government documentation is required.
How to request a primary/legal name change
Current students:
- Log in to MacHub
- Select “Service Forms” from the left navigation bar
- Select “Create New Service Form”
- Select “Office of the Registrar”
- Select “Primary Name Change”
- Choose the type of name change and enter the name required on your record
- Indicate the type of document attached as proof of legal name
- Check the declaration box and select “Next”
- Select “Add Files” to upload documentation
Check the status of your service form by selecting “My Requests”.
Alumni:
- Download and complete the Name Change Form
- Complete a Mosaic Service Request and attach the form and the supporting documentation that is required
Check the status of your request by navigating to “My Service Requests” in Mosaic.
Current students and alumni:
- Log into the Mosaic Student Centre
- Add your chosen/preferred name in the “Names” section of “Personal Information”
You will see the changes reflected within 24 hours with the exception of Microsoft 365 applications where updates will take place after November 3, 2025.
If you are also a student-employee, the changes you submit through the Mosaic Student Centre will automatically reflect in Employee Self Service (ESS). Learn more about your name use as an employee.