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.
    Full Instructor's Block Student's Block
    Instructor's Course Preference block Student's view of course preferences 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.
    The user preferences screen to set a preferred first name

     
  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.
    Saved preferred first name in user preferences

     
  • 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.
    Preferences button under Profile name


    Edit profile button under User account section


    you will now see your preferred name listed as your First name.
    First name in Moodle profile displaying preferred name


    Further down under Additional names in the Alternate name field you will see your previous name retained.

 

Support & Training

The Faculty Technology Center (FTC) provides Moodle support by email, by phone, or live through Zoom. For contact information, please see the article Faculty Technology Center: LSU Overview. To connect through Zoom and for further information on support services and training, see the LSU Online & Continuing Education Faculty Resources & Support page.

The FTC also provides just-in-time faculty training opportunities and recorded training sessions. Attending at least one training session for Moodle upgrades is highly recommended. For a comprehensive list of available workshops and recordings, please see the LSU Online & Continuing Education Technology Training page.

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