Legal Name

Your official first and last name must match your government issued ID. This name is used for financial aid, enrollment records, transcripts, and degree verification. Changes to this name can only be made through the Registrar office and require appropriate documentation.

If you do not select a different option, this name will also become your default diploma name.

Preferred Name

First/middle name by which a student may request to be known. Students select a Preferred Name in CUNYfirst (no documentation is required). The Preferred Name will populate all CUNY-wide electronic systems. Selection of a Preferred Name does not modify the name on the diploma or the legal name on the record.

Diploma Name

A Diploma name is a the name a student wants to appear on their diploma that can be different from their legal name, Only changes the first/middle name you want printed on your diploma.Student can entered their diploma name themselves in in CUNYfirst. Only affects the diploma (not transcripts or financial aid). No documentation required.

Degree Name

A first, middle, and last name entered by Registrar staff when a student is unable to enter a Diploma Name themselves. Students may request a different last name for the diploma with valid documentation, without changing your Legal Name.

Additional Notes

• Diploma Name is separate from both Legal and Preferred Names.
• Choosing a Preferred Name does not update the Diploma Name.
• Legal Name stays on transcripts and for all official reporting.
• Offensive or inappropriate Diploma Names will not be accepted.

Legal Name Change

Students must complete and upload a Personal Data Change Request Form to the Registrar portal and must provide two (2) types of appropriate legal documentation. The below outlines the types of documents that can be submitted as valid documents. All documents and identification presented must have the current legal name.

• Marriage- Marriage License and government issued ID
• Divorce- Divorce Decree/ Annulment and government issued ID
• Naturalization- Certificate of Naturalization and government issued ID
• Court ordered- Final Court order and government issued ID
• Adoption- Adoption order and government issued ID

Any updates to a student's name will be reflected on their official academic records, transcript, and diploma.

Social Security Number (National ID)

Changes or correction of National ID must be accompanied by a completed Personal Data Change Request Form, along with an original, signed Social Security Card or Taxpayer Identification Number Photo ID. The completed form must be uploaded to the Registrar portal.

Address and Phone Number changes

Currently enrolled students can view or update their addresses (Home, Mailing and Billing) and phone numbers in CUNYfirst Student Center. For instructions on how to update your address or phone number in CUNYfirst,

To update the Permanent address, student must complete a Personal Data Change Request Form to the Registrar portal.

First semester students should contact the Admissions Office via email at Admissions@citytech.cuny.edu to change their address.

Email Address

For assistance with email access or updating your student email address, please reach out to the Student Helpdesk