Your name, your way: Update your chosen/preferred first name in Mosaic 

Starting Nov. 3, your chosen/preferred first name in Mosaic will automatically sync to Outlook, Microsoft Teams and other 365 platforms.

October 2, 2025

A corner of Hamilton Hall against the sky, framed by a tree with red leaves in the foreground.

Your name is part of who you are. McMaster is making it easier for you to choose how your first name appears across the university’s digital systems.  

Starting Nov. 3, your chosen/preferred first name in Mosaic will automatically sync to Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, etc.). This change supports inclusion and reduces the need for manual updates. 

What’s Changing: 

  • Oct. 6, 2025: Faculty and staff can update their chosen/preferred first name in Mosaic using Employee Self Service (ESS). Students already have this ability. 
  • Nov. 3, 2025: Your chosen/preferred first name in Mosaic will automatically become your display name in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, etc.). It may take a few days for this sync to occur. 
  • After Nov. 3, you can change your chosen/preferred first name in Mosaic at any time. Updates will begin syncing to Microsoft 365 within about 24 hours, but it may take longer for the change to appear across all applications. 

What You Need to Do: 

Students

  • Check your chosen/preferred first name in Mosaic before Nov. 3.

Faculty and Staff

  • Starting Oct. 6, review your chosen/preferred first name in Mosaic via Employee Self Service (ESS).
  • Need to update it? Follow the instructions on the HR Website.

 

Need to change your first name in Microsoft 365 before November 3? Contact the UTS Service Desk. For all other name change requests (such as legal name changes), students should visit the Registrar’s Office and employees should submit a Life Change Package.

Why This Matters: 

Names are an important part of our identity. This change helps ensure your name appears the way you want across McMaster systems. 

Questions? 

Note  

“Preferred name” and “chosen name” are being used interchangeably in this circumstance to ensure consistency across platforms.  

As part of our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, we are continuing to work closely with our community partners and impacted groups to ensure our language reflects an inclusive environment.   

 

 

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