EJ JACOBS
Special to The Leader
Do you ever get nervous on the first day of class during roll call?
Do you get embarrassed to pull out your FREDCard, by the off chance people will be able to read it?
If you can relate to any of these questions, we have something in common.
This time last year, I was really nervous about going to classes and having my whole class not know me as the name I identify with.
After feeling the pressure this put on me, I looked for a solution to my problem. This is where I eventually discovered Fredonia’s Chosen Name Initiative.
SUNY Fredonia’s website states that, “The State University of New York at Fredonia recognizes that many persons identify themselves using a name that is different from their legal first name. Fredonia will refer to this name as the ‘Chosen Name’ and will use it when possible in the course of university activities.”
The program is available to students, staff and faculty.
Once this program came to my attention, the steps to get EJ, my chosen name, on everything were quite simple. All I really needed to do was contact the Chosen Name Member, Dr. Jennifer Hildebrand at jennifer.hildebrand@fredonia.edu.
Once I sent them an email, I got documents to fill out. The documents listed some simple information you have to fill out. The information is not invasive, rather it just asks basic questions. They ask for your legal name, chosen name and your F-number.
The document has to be sent in through your Fredonia email to be considered “signed” and verified by you. Once the document is submitted you don’t have to wait very long to change your name.
The name on your FREDCard can be changed as soon as you get the go head that all your information is in.
The first card you get after your original is free, after that you will be charged for any additional replacement cards. It will take about a week for your Fredonia email accounts to switch over to your chosen name. However, the switch is seamless.
The program really lifted a weight off my shoulders. I feel more comfortable than I ever have before. It really gave me a sense of confidence because I can now say my name is EJ, without anyone questioning or trying to prove me wrong.
Overall, this program is very beneficial to the Fredonia population.