Updating Your Preferred First Name/Gmail Display Name
By default Bard Gmail accounts use an individuals legal first name as the display name on their Google account. Anyone who wishes to change their displayed first name can do so by updating the "preferred name" field in the Bard Self Service (SSB) portal. This will only change the displayed first name, it will not alter the last name, email address, or the legal name tied to your Bard ID. Students who wish to update their legal name with the college should reach out to the Dean of Students office. The Deans office will contact all of the departments necessary to make sure your information is properly updated.
Some important things to be aware of:
- Your displayed name will be publicly available and attached to any emails that you send out. It should be the name that you use in everyday life and are comfortable having used in a professional setting.
- It can take up to 24 hours for the change to take effect.
- Updating your displayed first name will not change the way your name is displayed in previous or ongoing email threads.
- Individuals which you have previously corresponded with might have your old display name saved in their personal contact list. This happens automatically whether or not the person is aware. If someone sends you an email and their mail client auto fills the address with this old contact information your previously used display name might show up in the email header. If the possibility of this happening is an issue, please reach out to the helpdesk to discuss other options.
To update your preferred display name
- Navigate to the self service portal at bardssb.bard.edu and login using your Bard account credentials
- After logging in, choose the tab marked "Personal Information"
- Under the Personal information tab select, "Update Personal Information" > "Personal Information". From here you should see a profile page with all of your information.
- Choose the edit option found in the top right hand corner of the box labeled "Personal Details". Enter your preferred first name in the corresponding field and click save.
- Wait 24-hours for the change to synch with the email account. If the display name hasn't updated after 24 hours, contact the helpdesk for assistance.
