Have your preferred name read out at graduation
Trans and gender-diverse students’ experiences, alongside research from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, have identified that using preferred rather than legal names is key to providing a safe and inclusive environment for trans and gender-diverse students.
The Rainbow Support Adviser can support you to change what first name gets read out for you at your graduation ceremony, even if your preferred first name is not changed legally.
You can only change your first name; your legal surname will be read aloud to meet the legal requirements of graduation. The name on your certificate will still have to be your legal name.
The University can provide pastoral and financial support for legal name change, if you do wish to have your name legally changed.
How to request a change to your name read out at graduation
The Rainbow Support Adviser will provide confidential support through the process. Please email them a request to change your name at your ceremony through studentrainbownetwork@auckland.ac.nz.
In your request, please provide the following:
- Your preferred name
- Your student ID number
- Graduation date and time
The information you supply is protected by the Privacy Act, which places strict requirements on the use and disclosure of personal information.
You can expect to receive a response within a few days to set up a meeting with the Rainbow Support Adviser to discuss changing your name for your graduation ceremony. You are welcome to bring a support person to the hui if you wish to do so.
What happens next?
The information you supply will only be shared with the Rainbow Support Adviser, the Graduation Manager and the speaker at the graduation ceremony in accordance with the Privacy Act.
Since graduation is a legal process, during the ceremony your preferred first name will be read out first, then the initial of your legal name, then your legal surname.
After your meeting with the Rainbow Support Adviser, if you meet criteria, your request will be sent to the graduation office and your name will be amended on the scripts for the day.