Skip to main content
Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Legal vs. chosen name change

Legal name change

A legal name change is first completed through the government. To apply for a legal name change, you will need to follow the steps outlined in your home province or country. If you are from Ontario, you can visit the Service Ontario website for details on how to apply for a legal name change.

Your legal name is the one used on official university documents and records, such as:

  • Confirmation of enrolment
  • Degree parchments and certificates
  • Graduation letters
  • Reports to government
  • Transcript 

Other areas within the university that can be updated with your legal name change include:

  • alumni card
  • Canvas
  • class list
  • email display name
  • MyOntarioTech
  • student email
  • student ID card

Chosen name change

A chosen name is the name you choose to use but is not your legal name. Updating your chosen name will not alter the legal name used on official university documents and records. We understand that this can create barriers for trans students. If you would like support navigating things like applying to graduate school or to jobs when your chosen name is different from your legal name, please reach out to the Student Development Specialist - Equity Programs for support. 

Areas within the university that can be updated with your chosen name include:

  • alumni card
  • Canvas
  • class list
  • email display name
  • student email
  • student ID card