1) Why has the University implemented a new application for updating display names?
Information Technology Services, under the leadership of Information Security, is implementing a new application to simplify the process for maintaining a “display” first name for eventual synchronization across the centralized enterprise systems at the University of Toronto.
In Phase 1, the application will allow students, faculty and staff to set a display first name using a common application available on the https://my.auth.utoronto.ca/ site.
Once set, the display first name will be automatically populated across the major enterprise systems (over a number of project phases) and made available for use where formal legal name is not a requirement.
2) What is a chosen first name?
A chosen first name is one picked by an individual because it represents who they are and how they wish to be known while at the University of Toronto. It may be a formal or informal name. A chosen first name can be selected by an individual as their “display first name” within several University applications when a formal legal name is not required.
3) Can anyone select a display first name?
Yes, all student, faculty, staff, and librarians can opt to set their display first name.
4) Do I have to specify a display first name?
No, you do not have to select a display first name. Your first name as it appears on your official legal documentation will be used as the default name, the chosen display first name is selected by you using https://my.auth.utoronto.ca/. Changing your official legal name is a separate process for information on this, students should contact their registrar’s office and employees should contact their divisional human resources office.
5) How do I change my display first name?
Setting a display first name is different than officially changing your name in University information systems. To change your display first name, simply login to https://my.auth.utoronto.ca/ and follow the prompts.
6) Can I use my display first name for all systems at the University of Toronto?
No, the display first name currently has limited application. In Phase 1 (Winter 2020), it is used in UTmail+/Office 365 and associated services, Quercus, Success Factors and HRIS. Phases 2 and 3 will include additional systems and reports.
7) Where will my chosen first name appear?
If you choose to set a display first name, it will appear in UTmail+/Office 365 and associated services, Quercus, Success Factors and HRIS. Other applications will be added to this list over time. Check for updates online at https://isea.utoronto.ca/services/displayname/list-of-applications/
8) Where will my official legal name be used?
Official legal names will be used in all instances when it is required by policy or law, such as on T4 slips for income tax purposes and student academic records.
9) When will my display first name show up in the campus directory or my class rosters?
Changes take approximately 24 hours to populate. For those resources that do not use HRIS, or UTORauth as their data source (i.e. departmental website directories).
10) Can I change my display first name to whatever I want?
There is currently no set limit to the number of times your display first name is changed; however, please be aware that this name is used to identify you to your instructors, peers and the administration and frequent changes may cause confusion for these individuals.
If an individual chooses to set a display first name, they are reminded that this name will be widely displayed to members of the University community and that names that are intentionally offensive or promote hatred or illegal behaviour (or the like) are discouraged.
11) How do I delete my display first name?
You change or delete your display first name using https://my.auth.utoronto.ca/ .If you no longer wish to be known by your chosen display first name, you must save a ‘blank’ entry over your display first name. To do this, simply backspace over the display name and then save an empty field. Your legal first name will then be used.
12) How do I change or correct my formal legal name?
A separate process exists for changing or correcting an formal legal name. For students, please visit your registrar’s office to complete a change of name form; for staff, please complete the Change of Name or Gender form.
13) Does changing my display first name automatically update my University username and email address?
Yes and no. It will automatically update your email display name but not your username or email address. For example if your official legal name is Desma Upton and your email address is desma.upton@utoronto.ca, and you want to changing your display first name to “Dee”, your updated will result in Dee Upton becoming the display name people see with your email address remaining desma.upton@utoronto.ca
Display name changes take 24 hours to appear.
14) My name includes an international character or accent, why doesn’t is appear in my display first name?
At present the my.auth.utoronto.ca system does not permit the use of international characters in names. As development continues, this issue will be reviewed and a solution sought.
15) Will my display first name appear on my TCard?
No, only your formal legal name appears on the TCard.
16) How does the chosen display first name guideline affect international students?
The guideline is applied equally to all students – international and domestic.
17) I have more questions about selecting a chosen first name. Who do I contact?
Students should contact their registrar’s office and employees should contact their divisional human resources office.
NB: These FAQs are subject to change. This document was last reviewed and updated on February 20, 2020.