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Change Personal Information

Last updated February 24, 2025.

You can access your personal information and academic records through My Merced. You should review your personal information at least twice a year and update it as necessary. Don't miss out on important information from the University. 

Legal Name

A legal name is a name appearing on official government-issued documents. A students legal name will be kept confidential and will not be used on documents, communications or displayed in IT systems that do not require legal name. Legal name is only used for matching purposes, for medical identification and records, immigration documents, for reporting to the Federal Government (National Student Clearinghouse [NSC] and Financial Aid documents), and tax forms. 

Students may request to change their legal name on official University records. Legally recognized proof of the change of name will be required before the form is accepted and processed. The form is available at the Students First Center or by downloading here.

Lived Name

A lived name is a self-chosen or personal and/or preferred professional name used instead of legal name. This includes first, middle, and last names. A student's lived name will be used in/on all systems, communications, and documents where a student's legal name is not required. For example, a lived name (when provided) appears on CatCourses class rosters that faculty use in conducting class activities and communication.  Any student at UC Merced may provide a lived name to the Office of the Registrar regardless of whether or not they have legally changed their name.

A student's lived name will be used in the following systems and offices (this list is not comprehensive, but are examples of systems):

  • CatCourses
  • Office 365
  • Directory
  • Athletics
  • Commencement
  • Housing

In addition, a student's lived name will be used on the following documents (this list is not comprehensive, but are examples of documents):

  • Transcript
  • Diploma
  • Verifications (other than those obtained from the NSC)

Students can request an update to their UCM NetID to reflect their lived name by following these steps. Students may also request a replacement CatCard and have their lived name appear on their campus ID card. 

Current Students: To indicate a lived name, or make a change to what is currently listed, students should log into connect.ucmerced.edu and click on My Personal Info icon. 
 
Former Students: To indicate a lived name, or make a change to what is currently listed, email registrar@ucmerced.edu.

Pronouns

Students may provide and update their pronouns. Students should log into connect.ucmerced.edu and click on click on My Personal Info link under the Student Services portlet. Pronouns currently display within the campus directory and Catcourses. 

Emergency Contact Information

Students may provide and update their emergency contact information. This is the information the university would use in case of an emergency that happens to you. 

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Providing gender identity and sexual orientation information is voluntary and completely optional. For students who choose to share their information, here is how it may—and may not—be used. Data collected on gender identity and sexual orientation provide UC Merced with meaningful population data necessary for prioritizing resources and other student support services. These data also enable UC Merced to develop curricular and co-curricular offerings that reflect students’ diverse perspectives and that promote a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students. UC Merced only collects these data in the aggregate, meaning a student's name and bio-demographic information will not be linked. For more information about resources available to the LGBTQ+ community at UC Merced, visit LGBTQ Resources.
 
To indicate Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity information, or simply make an update to the data already provided, students should log into connect.ucmerced.edu and click on click on My Personal Info link under the Student Services portlet. 

Change of Address or Telephone Number

Students may update their address(es) using the portal through My Personal Info or submitting a Change of Address form to the Students First Center.

International students should first contact the Office of International Affairs at international@ucmerced.edu.

Change of Social Security Number

A request to change your social security number with the Office of the Registrar must be made in person at the Students First Center. You must have proof of your present social security number and picture ID.

If you are an employee (faculty, staff, or student), federal regulations require employers to validate that each employee's social security number and name on record exactly matches the social security number and name which appear on the individual's social security card to ensure proper tax reporting. Thus, in order to change either your social security number or your name in your personnel or payroll records, you must present your social security card which reflects your correct social security number to the Payroll Office in addition to the Office of the Registrar. If you are a student, and are not employed with the university, please bring your social security card to the Office of the Registrar. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Office of the Registrar at 209-228-7178.

View additional information about how to apply for, replace, correct, or change your name on the social security card.

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