Note: The following processes are for undergraduate students. If you are a graduate student, please visit this website for more information.
Primary or Legal Name/Name on Degree:
An individual’s ‘full name’ is their whole, legal name. It includes their full first name (given name), middle name(s) or initial(s) if any, and their full last name (surname). This is the legal name given to you at birth. For non-Canadian McMaster students, the legal name is the name on your immigration documents or passport. Your legal name is the name that is used on all official university documentation and records (Diploma, transcripts, tax forms, etc.)
How to Request a Legal Name/Name on Degree Change:
- To request a legal name change, please download and complete the Name Change Form (PDF, 230 KB) and submit a Mosaic Service Request* with the form and required supporting documentation.
*Please note that email requests for legal name changes will not be processed.
Preferred Name:
If you wish to change your display name but not your ‘Primary’ or legal name, you can add a *‘Preferred’ name.
How to Edit/Add a Preferred Name:
Please log into the Mosaic Student Center Names section and edit there.
*Your ‘Preferred’ name will only be reflected on class lists for instructors, grading forms/lists and A2L. It will not change your primary/legal name or your name on official university documents.
Statement Regarding Name Changes:
It is important to note that ANY changes to your name will be reflected in your official academic record, transcripts, certificates, and degrees. Changing your name to something other than your formal legal name may result in issues with the authentication of your credentials and transcripts. This could impact job applications, student loans (OSAP/bank loans), taxes (T2202), professional licensing bodies (e.g., engineering, medicine, nursing etc.), as well as applications to other educational institutions (e.g., graduate school applications, universities transfers). The responsibility lies with the student or graduate to resolve any issues resulting from a name change.
Traditional Name Updates for Indigenous Students
In response to The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 17 (PDF, 299 KB) , which directs all levels of government to enable residential school survivors and their families to reclaim and use the name that is part of their heritage and culture on various identity documents. To reclaim your traditional family name on your McMaster University student record you can request an update.
Send an email to the Associate Registrar, Student Services at ruizl@mcmaster.ca with your request to update your student record to reflect your traditional name. Please attach a copy of your status card. You will receive a response outlining the next steps within 3-5 business days.
Student Name and/or Gender Marker Change
Gender diverse students and alumni can request an update to their student record by following the process listed below:
Send an email to the Associate Registrar, Student Services at ruizl@mcmaster.ca with your request to update your student record to reflect your traditional name. Please attach a copy of your current government issued photo ID. You will receive a response outlining the next steps within 3-5 business days.
Please note that your privacy is respected throughout this process. You will not be asked to disclose the reason for this type of name/gender marker change. The Associate Registrar authenticates identity for the completion of government forms including OSAP, as required.
The McMaster student record and Microsoft 365 applications can be edited separately. A change to the student record is required to change the display name in Avenue2Learn.
