Preferred Name & Personal Pronouns

Students may designate a preferred first name (PFN) in university systems and applications. For example, if a student's name is "James" but prefers to be known as "Jim", the student can update their preferred name, which systems will then use or display. Some university systems also support defining personal pronouns.

University Systems

For students, updating the preferred name listed in these steps will update in certain University systems including class rosters, the display name in Banner Self-Service, and the display name in Blackboard, most online phone directories, and on the University i-card.

To set or change your preferred first name* in University Systems:

1. Log in to the MyUIS Portal using your NetID and password.
2. Go to the Student tab.
3. Select Student Self-Service under the Important Apps section.
4. Log in to the Student Self-Service system using your NetID and password.
5. Select Student Profile in the Student Self-Service card.
6. Select Personal Information tab and select Preferred First Name.
7. Click on Update Personal Information in the list under your profile picture.
8. In the Personal Details box click the Edit icon on the right of the box and enter your preferred first name in the Preferred First Name field.
   • If you choose you can update your Personal Pronouns in by adding them in to the Personal Pronoun field in this window.

For more information, visit What is my preferred first name, and how can I set or change it?

• *The University will also retain your full legal name, which is used when required by the University, such as in tax documents, contracts, academic transcripts, diplomas, and certain health records. 

Updating Display Name & Pronouns in Zoom

Zoom Display Name
You can change your Zoom Display Name at uis.zoom.us. This will set the default name that appears when you join Zoom meetings while logged into your UIC Zoom account.

Visit How Do I Change my Default Display Name in Zoom for step-by-step instructions.