Preferred Name
How to set up your "preferred name" to be used around campus.
Sometimes, the name you go by every day might be different from your legal name
We want to make sure you feel comfortable being called the name that suits you best. That’s why employees can set a "Preferred Name" to be used across campus.
What's a Preferred Name?
A Preferred Name is simply the name you’d rather be known by.
For example, if your legal name is William John Doe but you prefer to be called Bill Doe, you can set Bill as your Preferred Name. Or, if your legal name is Mary Katherine Jackson and your preferred name is Kat Jackson.
Where Your Preferred Name Shows Up
Once you choose a Preferred Name, it’ll be used in places like:
- The university’s online directory
- Your email display name
- Your myOleMiss portal
- Your campus ID card
- Training registration forms
Where Your Legal Name Stays
Your legal name still has to be used in certain official situations, like:
- Insurance documents
- Payroll and tax forms
- Retirement documents
- Official HR paperwork
How to Set Your Preferred Name
Employees may include a preferred name* in Workday by:
- Selecting View Profile
- Selecting Personal on the menu on the left of the screen of the desktop.
- On the Names tab, select Edit in the Preferred Name section and enter desired updates.
*Note: Preferred names may be used as long as they do not constitute misrepresentation or fraud. The University also reserves the right to remove any preferred name that contains inappropriate or offensive language. If a preferred name is removed, the employee’s legal name will be used by default.
Need to Change Your Legal Name?
Employees may request a change to a legal name in Workday by:
- Selecting View Profile
- Selecting Personal on the menu on the left of the screen of the desktop.
- On the Names tab, select Edit in the Legal Name section and enter desired updates.
- You must submit legal proof of your name change (like a Social Security card or court order) via Workday.
- HR will also update your Form I-9 with your new name.
Contact Human Resources
Whether you have a question or need assistance, the Department of Human Resources is here to help. Explore resources available in Workday, including Help Articles & Workday Assistant.
Need Further Support?
Submit a case directly in Workday. Select Menu in the top-left corner of Workday > Choose Help from the Personal section > Select Create Case.
You can also reach out to your Human Resources Business Partner (HRBP), who is here to support you across key areas, including Workday, Recruiting, and People Relations.