Name Change

Heartland recognizes many students use a preferred name rather than their legal name.  Therefore, students are encouraged to identify themselves within the College’s information system with a preferred first name in addition to their legal name. 

Your preferred first name must meet the following requirements:

• Name contains only alphabetic characters
• Name does not contain foul or inappropriate language as deemed by the College
• Name is not used for purposes of misrepresentation

Students may provide a preferred first name at the time of application or at any time during enrollment. The College acknowledges a preferred name will be used whenever possible in the course of College business.  Preferred names will be deleted if they do not meet the requirements identified above.

Below are the steps to add a preferred first name:

1. Go to myHeartland
2. Click the Student Center button
3. Enter your login name and password
4. Click the Profile tile
5. Click the Personal Details link
6. Click the + Sign and enter your preferred first name

The preferred student’s name will be used for the following college records:

• Heartland ID card
• Learning management system
• Class and grade rosters
• Student Self Service
• Library information system

The College stipulates the following exceptions to the use of preferred names.  A student’s legal name must be used for:

• Admission applications
• Reporting to state and federal agencies
• Official and unofficial transcripts
• Financial aid documents and processes
• Enrollment and degree verification processes
• Transfer and external credit processes
• Official lists of students made available to the public
• For communications with parents/legal guardians
• Records where the legal name is required by law or College policy
• Employment documents
• Tax records
• Student Billing

Changing a legal name

Any student who has changed their legal name needs to go through the Records Office (CCB 1600) to have their Heartland records updated.  Changes to a legal name may be made by submitting either a driver's license, state ID, or name-change court document.  Documents may be submitted electronically to records@heartland.edu.  Include in the email that the document is being sent to update a legal name.  Also include your former name as well as birthdate.   If you prefer to submit documents in person, the Records Office (CCB 1600) is open M-F 8-4:30. 

Heartland employees should contact Human Resources (HumanResources@heartland.edu) for the steps on how to update their legal name. 

Note:  Legal name changes at Heartland should only be made after updates have been made through the Social Security Administration.