Legal Name
Legal Name is the name that appears on student's legal documents (e.g., passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, official court document, or U.S. Social Security Card).
Diploma Name
Students indicate their diploma name on the Michigan State University Application for Graduation. The student name listed on a diploma or certificate must match the legal name as it is recorded on the student’s official university record, with the following exceptions: option of first name or initial; option of middle name or initial; inclusion of former or maiden name(s); and inclusion of proper capitalization and accentuation of name.
Name
Name is the name that a student wishes to be known by that may be different from the student's legal name.
When designated by a student and entered into MSU systems, MSU will use their chosen Name and Pronoun in all MSU documents and systems where possible. Legal name will be used when it is required by MSU business, policy or there is a legal need. This would include billing, verification of enrollment, hiring, payroll (W-2s), benefits, official transcripts, communication with external authorities, or as otherwise required by MSU or by law.
Students may add, edit, or remove their Name and Pronoun at any time in the MySpartanIdentity system. Name and Pronoun may be periodically reviewed by MSU officials for alignment with institutional policies.
Students may update or remove their chosen name via student.msu.edu or in person at the Spartan One Stop (onestop.msu.edu).