Moodle: User Preferences: Setting a Preferred First Name

There are many reasons why someone may use a preferred name. While the most visible may be to reflect gender identity, other reasons why someone might use a preferred name include using a nickname, going by an Americanized name, or distinguishing oneself from someone with a similar name. The User Preferences area in Moodle allows a user to change their first name to a preferred name only once. After a preferred name has been applied it can only be reset by a Moodle administrator.

To update a last name or name on record you will need to first request a name change with the Registrar's office, see the Registrar's Name & SSN Changes webpage. The next time you are enrolled in a course from mainframe your last name will be updated to match. To update how your name is displayed in your email see LSUMail: Update Display Name.

Setting a Preferred First Name

1. Log in to Moodle and scroll down to the Course Preferences Block and select User preferences.
   
   Click Image To Enlarge
   

   Full Instructor's Block	Student's Block

    
    
2. Review the instructions and enter your preferred first name.
   Note: do not include your last name as Moodle has it saved separately as your last name. Adding it here will make your last name appear twice in Moodle.
   
   
    
3. Click Save changes. There is no confirmation page, so double check that you have entered your name as you wish for it to appear in Moodle.
    
4. Log out and back into Moodle to see the change.

Important Notes:

• Once your preferred first name is set you will only see it displayed in the User preferences area. You will no longer have the option to change it and you will need to contact the help desk for assistance in resetting it.
  
  
   
• If you click the Preferences link, located at the top of the My Courses page under your name, then click Edit profile under User account.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  you will now see your preferred name listed as your First name.
  
  
  
  Further down under Additional names in the Alternate name field you will see your previous name retained.