Administrative Policies

Social Security Number Correction:

Former students and alumni may request corrections to their Social Security Number [if used as the student ID] by mailing a signed letter to the Office of the University Registrar. When mailing your request, you must provide a notarized copy of your Social Security Card which reflects the correct number.

Signed requests for a Social Security Number correction may be mail to:

Office of the University Registrar
206 Student Services Center
Box 870134
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0134

Note: While the Office of the University Registrar will amend a record upon presentation of appropriate documentation, a cross-reference of the change will be created to preserve the historical record and for verification and credential fraud purposes.

Student Name Change:

The University of Alabama policy is to maintain educational records under the student's full, legal name. This is normally first name, middle initial and last name. For international students, the name maintained on the educational records will be the same as the one that appears on their passport and U.S. immigration documentation, including the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant. Official documents such as diplomas and transcripts will not be issued bearing any other name.

A currently enrolled student may change the name on his or her permanent academic record by presenting the following appropriate documentation to the Office of the University Registrar.

  • To correct the spelling or the proper sequence of the name requires the original or a notarized copy of the student's birth certificate or passport and/or visa.
  • To change the name, the student must present a signed request and the original or a notarized copy of the signed court order showing the new legal name, or the original social security card.
  • To assume the spouse's name following marriage, a student must present a signed request and the original or a notarized copy of the marriage certificate or a state issued driver's license or the original social security card.
  • To discontinue use of the married name and resume use of the original family name, or another name, a student must present the original or a notarized copy of the divorce decree or the original or a notarized copy of the signed court order showing restoration of the original or other name.

NOTE: If you are mailing the information, a notarized copy is required of the relevant document pertaining to your request to process the change.

The University maintains student records under the name the student had when last enrolled. A former student/ alumni may not change the name on his or her permanent academic record except by presenting a signed request and a certified copy of the signed court order showing the authorized name change.

Signed requests for a name change or correction may be mail to:

Office of the University Registrar
206 Student Services Center
Box 870134
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0134

Note 1: The requestor will be asked to provide/show the Office of the University Registrar two photo identifications.

Note 2: While the Office of the University Registrar will amend a record upon presentation of appropriate documentation, a cross-reference of the change will be created to preserve the historical record and for verification and credential fraud purposes.

Other Official Record Changes

Students (including former students and alumni) may request a change to their student gender by mailing a signed letter to the Office of the University Registrar. Legal and medical proof [a letter from the requestor's doctor certifying he/she has performed Sexual Reassignment Surgery on the requestor] will be required.

Note: While the Office of the University Registrar will amend a record upon presentation of appropriate documentation, a cross-reference of the change will be created to preserve the historical record, but due to the sensitive nature of the requests, it will be partition within the student record and access to this partition will be restricted.

Commencement Ceremony Decorum & Courtesy

The faculty and staff at The University of Alabama congratulate you on your academic achievement and wish to ensure the commencement ceremony will be a fitting conclusion to this phase of your education!

The University of Alabama Commencement ceremony is, by its very nature, a festive occasion. The festivity manifests itself in many ways including the dress of the students; the faculty adorned in academic regalia; and the warmth, joy and satisfaction of accomplishment.

The ceremony is also marked by dignity and seriousness where the actual conferring of degrees signifies long, hard work on the part of everyone involved: students, faculty, administrators, parents and spouses. As a consequence of the serious nature of the ceremony, students and guests are expected to maintain a measure of decorum consonant with the occasion.

DOs

  • Strollers and large bags, purses should be left in your automobile.
  • Pagers and cellular telephones should be placed in the "vibrate" mode or turned off during the entire ceremony.

DON'Ts

  • Food and beverages are strictly prohibited.
  • Signs, fireworks, bottles, beach balls, cans, drugs, alcohol are strictly prohibited.
  • Noisemakers, e.g., marine air horns, trumpet, etc., are strictly prohibited.
  • Disability seating areas are for those people with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. These areas are not appropriate for strollers and/or large bags. One person may be seated in this area with the person in need of disability seating.

EXPECTED

  • STUDENTS
    • Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing beneath their regalia.
    • Students and guests are expected to refrain from disruptive behavior.
    • Students are expected to return to their seats after the on stage presentation, and remain seated for the duration of the ceremony.
    • Students will not be allowed to carry small children or pets to the stage with them for the candidate presentation.
  • GUESTS
    • Family members and/or guests are not permitted on the arena floor.
    • The University of Alabama maintains the proud and historic tradition of permitting each degree candidate to shake hands with the President as his/her name is spoken. The last degree candidate is as important as the first. As a result, applause and other recognition of the conferring of degrees are expected to be limited to a joint effort at the conclusion of each graduation group.
    • Family and guests are expected to remain seated for the entire ceremony, refraining from leaving their seats in order to take pictures or to talk to graduates.