Diplomas are printed using the legal name we have on file for each student. However, a student can request that their preferred/chosen first and middle name appears on their diploma.
A student may update their legal name by completing the Name Change Form and attaching copies of approved documentation.
To request accent marks and/or proper capitalization of a student’s name, contact the Office of the Registrar before the conferral date.
1Capen (North Campus), Buffalo, NY 14260-1631; 1Diefendorf (South Campus)
Phone: 716-645-5698; Fax: 716-645-7762
Email: ubregistrar@buffalo.edu
It is recommended that the name on the student’s diploma matches their official, legal name. However, a student may request a preferred/chosen first and/or middle name to be printed instead of their legal first and/or middle name.
In order for the paper and electronic diploma to be printed with a preferred or chosen name, a "preferred /Chosen Diploma Name" type must be added to the student's HUB Student Center record. This is necessary for future non-third-party verification to take place.
Contact the Office of the Registrar in writing and include the student’s UB person number. All requests must be received prior to the conferral date.
1Capen (North Campus), Buffalo, NY 14260-1631; 1Diefendorf (South Campus)
Phone: 716-645-5698; Fax: 716-645-7762
Email: ubregistrar@buffalo.edu
If a student no longer wants a preferred diploma name printed, they must request to remove their preferred/chosen diploma name before the conferral date by contacting the Office of the Registrar.
1Capen (North Campus), Buffalo, NY 14260-1631; 1Diefendorf (South Campus)
Phone: 716-645-5698; Fax: 716-645-7762
Email: ubregistrar@buffalo.edu
If a student wants to change their name on their diploma after their conferral date, they will be required to request and pay for a replacement diploma using the Additional Diploma Order Form.
If a student would like to have a diploma with their legal name and a diploma with their preferred/chosen name, they may request to purchase an additional diploma after their degree has been conferred and their initial diploma has been ordered.
If a student only wants an additional certified electronic diploma with a different name, they may contact the Office of the Registrar and include the name they would like printed and their UB person number.
1Capen (North Campus), Buffalo, NY 14260-1631; 1Diefendorf (South Campus)
Phone: 716-645-5698; Fax: 716-645-7762
Email: ubregistrar@buffalo.edu
Third parties using the preferred/chosen name appearing on your diploma will not be able to verify your degree through the National Student Clearinghouse because of name mismatch. Enrollment/degree verification is provided using your full legal name.
The University at Buffalo considers the diploma to be a ceremonial document. However, some countries may require a diploma (in conjunction with an official transcript) for various legal, immigration and employment purposes.
Choosing to print a preferred/chosen name on a diploma may result in unforeseen complications due to discrepancies between the diploma and other documents (e.g., transcripts, passport, birth certificates, etc.) that contain a primary (i.e., legal) name.
To avoid such complications, we recommend printing the graduate’s primary name on the diploma if the student plans to live, study or work outside the United States.
Professional licensing requirements require graduates to use their legal name. For example, State Bar application and licensure and federal employment/guidelines require the use of the legal name.
Using a preferred name on a diploma may result in rejection, delay, scrutiny, and/or requirements for additional proof of identification associated with any application for employment, licensure, credentialing, visa application and/or other processes that require verification of education records.
Diploma apostille can only be provided when using a graduate’s legal full name.