Diploma Name FAQs

Unless otherwise directed, the students name listed on a diploma or certificate will match the legal name on the academic record. The following are exceptions:

• Option of first name or initial
• Options of diminutive or alternate form for the first name
• Option of a first name that conforms with the graduate's genuine expression of gender identity
• Omission of the first name when the middle name is used as a salutary name
• Option of middle name or initial
• Inclusion of proper capitalization, accentuation, or special characters of name
• Inclusion of name suffixes such as II, III, Jr, or Sr. (Note: No prefix or suffix relating to a title or credential, such as Dr., Rev., Mrs. etc. is allowed)

No. If you have selected a Preferred Name in CUNYfirst that is different from your legal name, it will not automatically appear on your Diploma. You can update your Diploma Name separately without selecting a Preferred Name.

No. If no Diploma Name is entered, the name on your Diploma will be your legal name from your CUNY records.

No, you may update your Diploma Name in CUNYfirst without providing documentation.

No, choosing a Diploma Name does not change your Legal Name. Legal Name changes are separate and require supporting documentation.

Your transcript is a legal document and will always display your Legal Name.

You can update your Diploma Name in two ways:

• Sign into Student View in CUNYfirst, select Profile, add a name, and use the drop-down menu to mark it as your Diploma Name.
• From your Graduation Application, select Diploma/Degree Name Option, then select or add a Name and use the drop-down menu to mark it as your Diploma Name.

Only first and middle names may be updated for a Diploma Name; last names may not be changed. Your Diploma Name will also be screened for inappropriate language.

No. Only you as the student with access to your CUNYfirst account can update your Diploma Name.

You may change your Diploma Name as often as you'd like until your graduation application has a status of ‘approved '.

Contact the Hunter Office of the Registrar to discuss changes to your Diploma Name after you have submitted your graduation application.

The Legal Name in use at the time of graduation, withdrawal, or separation from the college is the permanent name displayed on academic records.

A Diploma Name will only appear on your Diploma and will not appear anywhere else on your record.

The Commencement Program will include your "Preferred Name" as it appears on your CUNYfirst record by the above deadlines. If a Preferred Name has not been added to your record, your Primary Name will be used.

No. Students will not be allowed to request a Diploma Name if they graduated prior to Spring 2025. You may request an updated Diploma upon presentation of documentation to support a change in your Legal Name.

• Students who intend to live, work or study outside the United States may want to exercise caution in use of a Diploma Name, as the diploma is often used as the official document in other countries.
• Students in professional programs with licensure may wish to avoid use of a Diploma Name that differs from the Legal Name.

No. Diploma apostille can only be provided when using your Legal Name.

You may log into the Student Center in CUNYfirst to update or view your name selections. Additional questions may be directed to the Office of the Registrar.

Please see the University memo Student and Employee Requests for Name and/or Gender Change for procedures and documentation required for a legal name change.

Degree verification will always use your Legal Name, and will not be affected by use of a Diploma Name.