West Chester University recognizes members of its community use and identify with first names that are different from their legal names. A chosen or preferred name is crucial in regard to trans and queer identity and will impact their ability to successfully navigate the campus environment. Therefore, the University has established a policy that allows preferred first names to appear in select University systems and records, even if individuals have not changed their legal names.
While anyone is welcome to use a preferred name, this policy was developed to respond to the needs of transgender and non-binary communities, international communities, and anyone who prefers the use of a name other than their legal name.