Gender Affirmation at North

Terms to Know in ctcLink

Primary name is the name that you used to apply to the college. It should be the name that is on your legal/identification documents so that you don’t encounter any trouble with your financial aid or transcripts.  This is sometimes referred to as your student record name.

Preferred name is your chosen name. It is the name that you would like to be called that is different from your primary, or legal, name. In ctcLink it is referred to as “preferred” name, however, “chosen” name will be the language used throughout this page.

Updating student record name

How to indicate a change in your legal (primary) name

In order to change your primary name in ctcLink, you will need to fill out the Student Identity Update form or visit a staff member in Enrollment Services at window #3 at North’s One-Stop Launch Pad on the second floor of the College Center Building.

You will need to provide the following documentation:

• A copy of either:
  • Your unexpired passport
    OR
  • Two (2) of the following with your current legal name
    • Social Security Card
    • Government Issued ID
    • Court Documentation of the name change

Where student record (primary) name is used:

• Primary name in ctcLink*
• Need primary name to legal name for financial aid purposes
• Official and unofficial transcripts
• Diplomas
• Enrollment verifications
• ID cards
• Financial statements
• Tax documents for financial aid

NOTE: your primary name in ctcLink defaults to the name you entered on your college application. Unless you have already updated it to your legal name, make sure that your name in ctcLink matches your legal name for financial aid and transcript purposes.

Updating Chosen Name

To change your chosen name in ctcLink, follow the instructions listed here. This should automatically update your name on Canvas and Starfish as well, though it may take up to 24 hours to process the change. If it hasn’t been updated after 24 hours, submit an IT ticket through the IT Help Desk. 

NOTE: updating the chosen name will only affect how it is displayed in Canvas and Starfish. To update your MySeattleColleges account (the account you use for your college email address) after changing your chosen name in ctcLink, submit an IT ticket through the IT Help Desk.

Where your chosen name is used:

• Starfish
• Canvas
• ctcLink portal
• Class lists
• Diploma

Updating Gender Identity

ctcLink & Starfish

You can update your pronouns and gender identity in ctcLink through the Gender Identity tile within Personal Details. The change in ctcLink will initiate the change in Starfish, though it may take up to 24 hours to process the change. If it hasn’t been updated after 24 hours, submit an IT ticket through the IT Help Desk. Your gender identity is visible to some North employees within both ctcLink and Starfish.

Canvas

Follow the guide to add your pronouns to Canvas. Your pronouns will be visible after your name in the following areas of Canvas: Discussions, People Pages, User Navigation Menu, User Profile Page, and User Settings Page. 

Updating your email address

Your school email address may not automatically update with your chosen name. A chosen name change will require a SolarWinds ticket. Submit an IT Ticket through the IT Help Desk to update your school email address.

Need Additional Support?

Submit an IT Ticket through the IT Help Desk if you need additional support.

If you are a student employee, you can notify HR of any updates to your name through the HR ticketing system. Once you are logged in, scroll to the "human resources" tile to submit your ticket.