Johns Hopkins University values the diversity of its community and strives to create an environment where all students, staff and faculty can fully and genuinely participate in the academic and work experience. In that spirit, the University supports all of the members of its community to use their chosen or preferred name where possible. A chosen or preferred name is the use of a name, usually a first name, that is different from a person’s legal name. There are many reasons that a member of our University community might use a name that is not their legal name. For example, a person may wish to use a chosen or preferred name:

  • As a reflection of gender identity;
  • As a nickname or to go by their middle name; or
  • As a westernized or Americanized name that is either in place of or a version of their native language name.

By empowering the community to use their chosen or preferred name we endeavor to continue to foster a safe academic and work environment.

For more information on chosen or preferred name options at JHU, see: Chosen Name at JHU