Why a Preferred Name?
Everyone deserves to be addressed in a way that feels right to them. For many people, their chosen or preferred name is an important part of their identity. This is especially true for trans and non-binary students, for whom using the correct name contributes to their safety, well-being, and recognition. But preferred names can also be valuable for anyone who uses a nickname, middle name, familiar name, or international name in administrative or social settings.
Respect Starts with the Right Name
Your name is often the first thing others learn about you. When a name does not match how someone identifies, it can feel alienating or even hurtful. By allowing space for the use of a preferred name, the university aims to contribute to an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.
Who Can Use a Preferred Name?
Everyone. Preferred names are available to all students and staff who would like to be addressed by a name other than their official name as registered in the national registry. This includes:
- students who go by a different name than their official name
- international students who use a different name in everyday communication
trans students who go by a different name than their official name or before the name changed officially
How to Set Your Preferred Name?
Starting from the 2025–2026 academic year, it will be possible to change your preferred name once, with a brief explanation, via SisA (Student Information System Antwerp) through the Education Administration. Your preferred name will then be visible on various platforms, such as SisA, the student portal, the Blackboard learning environment, as well as on your student card and in your student email address.
Please note: On all official documents generated from Sis, such as proof of enrollment, certificates, and diplomas, your official name will still appear.
The responsible student administration office of your faculty will also be informed to avoid any confusion.
Detailed instructions will be provided at the start of the registration period.
Are you a staff member who would like to use your preferred name?
You can opt to use a chosen first name and initials in all unofficial documents and communications, even if this is not (yet) your legal first name. It will then be registered as your first name and used in all correspondence: email address, website, informal correspondence, etc. There is always the possibility to choose the pronoun you want to use. For official correspondence (e.g. a contract), the legal name is used. You can get in touch with your file manager at HR about this. See Pintra for contact details.