UB Card Preferred/Chosen Names

How will my preferred/chosen name appear on the UB Card?

Your preferred/chosen name will appear on the front of the card below your picture. Your legal name will appear on the back of the card.

Why will the legal name appear on the back of the UB Card?

While the campus will use your preferred/chosen name in places including class rosters, UBLearns and HUB, there are instances where your legal name must still appear. Having the legal name on the back of the card allows you to present your preferred/chosen name while still being able to use the UB Card for identification in campus matters that require your legal name.

What do I need to do to have a preferred/chosen name on the UB Card?

You must first enter a preferred/chosen name into the HUB system. If you entered a preferred/chosen name on your admissions application, your preferred/chosen name will be loaded into HUB automatically. More information about how to enter a preferred/chosen name into HUB is available on the Office of the Registrar Preferred/Chosen Name webpage. To ensure that there is enough time to process your preferred/chosen name change, please allow 24 hours after entering or editing your preferred/chosen name in HUB before obtaining a new or replacement UB Card. For students attending a UB new student orientation, please enter or edit your preferred/chosen name in HUB at least five days prior to the scheduled orientation, as UB Cards are prepared for the orientation in advance.

Is there a deadline for entering or editing a preferred/chosen name in HUB to make sure I have the name on my UB Card when I receive it at orientation?

Yes. Please enter or edit your preferred/chosen name in HUB at least five days in advance of the orientation, as UB Cards are prepared for students in advance.

I received my UB Card before there was an option to use a preferred/chosen name on the card. Can I get a new one? Who pays for the new card?

Students who currently have a UB Card may purchase a replacement card with their preferred/chosen name. UB's Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) will cover the replacement cost for students who require a new UB Card in order to accurately reflect their gender identity. Please contact EDI at (716) 645-2266 or diversity@buffalo.edu for approval of this payment.

Why is there a fee for a replacement card that will show the preferred/chosen name?

The fee reflects the cost to produce each UB Card. Selecting a preferred/chosen name Is optional and your existing card remains valid. UB’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) will cover the cost of the new card for students who require the use of a chosen name to appropriately reflect their gender identity. Please contact EDI at (716) 645-2266 or diversity@buffalo.edu for approval of this payment.

My UB Card doesn’t have my preferred/chosen name. Am I required to get a new card?

You do not have to obtain a new UB Card. For identification purposes, your photo, last name, and UB person number that appear on the card can still be used for verification.

Can faculty and staff obtain a UB Card with a preferred/chosen name?

Not currently. The SUNY HR system does not yet allow for the use of a preferred/chosen name, and employee names are derived from this system. UB has been in contact with SUNY about the need for employees to be able to use their preferred/chosen names, and SUNY HR has been actively working on modifying their systems to allow this. Once this has been achieved, employees will be notified about the change and the process for submitting their preferred/chosen names.

Who should I contact with questions about using a preferred/chosen name on the UB Card?

Questions related to the UB Card should be directed to the UB Card Office at ubcard-info@buffalo.edu. Questions about entering or editing a preferred/chosen name in HUB should be directed to HUBmail@buffalo.edu.