Former Student and Alumni Name Changes
The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) student academic record is closed thirty (30) days after a student graduates. In addition, the student academic record becomes inactive when a student withdraws or is dismissed from the university. JHU will, however, consider requests for name changes from former students and alumni whose names have changed since their departure from the university.
Please note: In limited circumstances, the university cannot change the name that appears on student records or other documentation. These circumstances include (but are not limited to) the following:
- the name that appears on select legacy JHU student education record documents (including some documents, transcripts, and diplomas dated 1999 and prior; and all documents, transcripts, and diplomas dated 1984 and prior).
- the name that appears on static university, divisional, and/or departmental records and documents not connected to the university’s electronic student systems (including spreadsheets or other documents created manually).
- the name that appears on records published or produced by third-party entities (including standardized test scores and transcripts from other institutions). Former students and alumni seeking to update the name on such documents should contact any applicable third-party entities directly.
Students will be notified if JHU cannot update records as requested.
Legal Names
Former students and alumni who wish for a new legal name to appear on their JHU student education records and in select university student systems must request a legal name change by submitting a support case with the office of Student Enrollment and Account Management (SEAM). The request must specify that the student is requesting a legal name update and must include copies of the following documents:
- An official document indicating the change and the new legal name (e.g., court order, marriage certificate, or divorce degree that includes change of name approval); and
- A form of government-issued identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport, government ID card) clearly stating the new legal name.
Former students and alumni who wish to update their legal name as it appears on JHU student education records due to clerical errors, omissions, or related reasons (including adding current legal middle initials or current legal middle names that were not previously included on the record) are not required to submit documentation indicating a name change. In such cases, a form of government-issued identification clearly stating the full legal name is sufficient for the university to update the student’s record.
Former students and alumni who wish to order transcripts or replacement diplomas with their new legal name may do so using the forms provided on the Office of the University Registrar’s Diplomas and Transcripts webpages once their legal name change request has been processed by the university.
Chosen Names
At JHU, students are provided with the option to identify themselves using a chosen name within select university systems. Information pertaining to chosen names and their usage, including the university policy on chosen names, is available on the Diversity at JHU website.
Former students and alumni may specify a chosen name by submitting a support case with the Office of Student Enrollment and Account Management (SEAM). The request must specify that the student is requesting a chosen name update.
Former students and alumni who wish to order a replacement diploma with their chosen name may do so using the forms provided on the Office of the University Registrar’s Diplomas webpage once their chosen name request has been processed by the university.
Alumni Records
Legal name changes made to the student record after degree conferral will not affect the alumni record. JHU alumni may update personal information on file with the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association by visiting the Johns Hopkins Alumni Association website. Please note that other alumni-facing offices within JHU’s academic divisions may maintain additional, division-specific alumni records to contact former students for events and other engagement opportunities. Former students and alumni should consult with their academic division for more information.
Details
Date of Last Revision: N/A
Effective Date: May 1, 2025