Graduation Name Concerns
If you are concerned about your legal name (rather than your chosen name) being displayed and announced during your graduation ceremony, please read the following information from University Ceremonies and Events (UCE):
When you check-in for commencement, you are given a Name Card that has a QR code on it that is pre-loaded with your information. If the name card displays a name you do not want read at the event, you should ask for a Blank Card from the check-in table (or from the info table if any problems).
Once you get the Blank Card, you can write your chosen name on this card, and the announcer will read/use that name. However, the presentation slide (that the audience sees) that typically displays the student’s name, degree & college as they walk, will display as a blank screen (only the KSU logo will be displayed).
The reason for the blank screen is the original commencement cards with the QR code are all coded with all of the student’s commencement info, including the student's name being read by a professional announcer that pre-records the student’s name. So when a card is given without the QR code, it goes to a blank screen with the KSU logo.
All printed materials (commencement guide, diploma, etc.) will still display your legal name.
In addition, you can put a directory restriction on you information, which means that the Office of University Events & Protocol would be prohibited from putting your legal name in the commencement program/brochure handed out at the graduation ceremony. If you decide to restrict your name, please contact Lisa O'Connell, the University Events & Protocol Director, via email (lgalanis@kent.edu) so she can verify the restriction.
Please reach out to the LGBTQ+ Center (lgbtqsc@kent.edu) or Lisa O'Connell with questions.