The College fosters an environment that is inclusive and that encourages self-expression. BHCC recognizes that some students may prefer to use a first name other than their legal name to identify themselves. As long as the use of a preferred first name is not for an improper purpose, the College acknowledges that a preferred first name can and should be used where possible in the course of College business and education. Students may use a preferred first name wherever a legal name is not required on internal documents, communications, systems, and web portals. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Advising lists
• Class rosters;
• Diplomas, awards, and recognitions (optional, by request)
• Email-BHCC
• ID Cards-BHCC
• Moodle

Legal names will only be changed when students pursue a legal name change with their home state and/or federal authorities and then submit that documentation to the Academic Records Office. A student’s legal name shall be used on all College documents, systems and communications external to the College and/or where a legal name is required. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Financial aid records;
• Student accounts records;
• Student personally identifiable information;
• Student directory information;
• Payroll records;
• Health records;
• Official transcript;
• Federal immigration documents; and
• Interactions with government agencies.

Disclaimer: BHCC will endeavor to display preferred names to the College community where feasible and will make a good faith effort to update the reports, documents, and systems that are designated to use a preferred name. In the event that your preferred name is not displaying correctly, please email preferredfirstname@bhcc.edu or contact the Dean of Students Office at 617-228-2408