Profile - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my name in Blackboard? New

Your name in Blackboard is automatically updated based on your name in MyNIU. By default, this is your legal name. If you go by a name that is different from your legal name, you can designate this within MyNIU in the Employee Human Resource System. Once you have specified a preferred name in MyNIU, Blackboard will update by the next business day to display your preferred name throughout Blackboard. Note that your preferred name will also appear in the online directory and O365. 

This process is different from changing your legal name, which can be done through Human Resource Services.

To add a preferred name in MyNIU:

  1. Go to myniu.niu.edu and click the MyNIU Employee Human Resource System button
  2. Log into MyNIU
  3. Click the Personal Details module
  4. Click the Names tab in the left navigation
  5. Click the Add Preferred Name button
  6. Complete the details in the pop-up window and click the Save button
Why do I sometimes see name pronunciation for my students? New

Blackboard profiles include an option for you to provide a phonetic spelling or short audio recording of how to pronounce your name. If your students have added information on how to pronounce their names, you will see that in Blackboard when you hover over or click on their profile photos. If you do not see name pronunciation in someone's profile card, they have not added that information.

You may want to recommend that students set up their Blackboard profile, including adding a profile photo of themselves or something that represents them and adding their name pronunciation. 

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