Metropolitan State College Strategic Name Change Initiative

Attention: Metropolitan State College is going to change its name.

The four new names are:

Denver State University (DSU)

University of Central Colorado (UCC)

Metroplitan State University of Denver (MSUD)

Metro State College of Denver (MSCD)

How To Vote
An electronic survey has been distributed via email to staff, faculty, alumni, current students, community members and business leaders. Available at www.mscd.edu/namechange, voting begins February 10, 2011 and last until 2/28/2011.




More Information After the Jump

Reasons For Name Change
There are many reasons including giving the school more recognition nationally (as there are 11 Metro States in the U.S), eliminating confusion as to whether the school is a community college or two year school, and giving alumni more credibility on employment opportunities by adding the word “University.”

“Denver State is the name that seems to resonate most,” said Assistant Professor of Philosophy Adam Graves at the town hall meeting question and answer session. Other names have their drawbacks: MSUD and MSCD both continue to use the word Metropolitan and UCC sounds quite similar to UCD, which is already located at the Auraria Campus. The name change would have to be approved by the state legislator and would not take effect until fall 2012, though an official announcement could be made as early as May 1, 2011.

Meeting on 2/9/2011

Around 100 people showed up to the Metropolitan State Strategic Name Change Initative Town Hall style meeting held on 2/9/2011 at the Tivoli Turnhall. Metro State President Stephan Jordan and Sector Brands Marketing Research presented the results of a name assessment to the general public. Dr. Jordan stated, “We are moving on with the initiative the Board of Trustees has been reviewing since the BOT assessment in February 2010… The college is seeking to change its name to something that would increase its stature within the community”.

According to Student Government Association President Samantha O’Brien, most students are in favor of a name change. I urge you all to vote because this decision will have far reaching implications. It may surprise you to know that Metro State currently has an enrollment 24,000 students, and the Auraria college campus is the largest in the State of Colorado. The word Metropolitan implies an urban environment; the campus has the largest number of minority students in the state. The university is also constructing two new buildings: the Student Success Building, a Metro State Freshmen only learning center located in the Tivoli Parking Lot, and the Hotel and Hospitality Learning Center (HLC) for hospitality, tourism and events management majors, which will feature fully functioning, privately operated Springhill Suites by Marriott and be located in the field adjacent to Parking Lot R.

Emphasis on Improving Student Outlook

Possibly due to its reputation as a commuter school, there is a low level of school pride among Metro students (i.e. rarely do you see students wearing metro state apparel). Metro has few school traditions and research shows that students feel less supported and have lowered expectations for themselves. A name such as Denver State University seeks to reverse this trend and there are many examples of institutions that have changed their names in the last 20 years. The school colors will remain blue and red and the Roadrunner will still be the school mascot, though there might be a new logo. This is speculation, but a successful rebranding of the school could possibly lead to the addition of a football program or the NCAA characterizing our athletic programs as Division 1, or at least broadcasting our sports teams matches live on television.

Overall, Sector Brands Marketing research shows that the current name does not reflect Metro States quality, size and complex offerings. The process is completely inclusive, everyone from current students, perspective students, and alumni are encouraged to participate in this process. President Stephan Jordan unequivocally proclaimed that, “The college will remain committed to its mission of affordability, accessibility, high quality education. Admission standards, class sizes and tuition cost will not change as a result of a new name.” Research methods including focus groups, surveys, and one on one interviews will test the four name candidates and a leading candidate will be chosen to be presented to the state legislature, who will vote to approve the name change around the May 1, 2011 time period.

Alumni Information

New diplomas will be made available to alumni upon request. The information will be made available on Metro State Homepage, Alumni Association Homepage, Metro State Alumni Facebook page and LinkedIn accounts and the Alumni Email Newsletter.


Please comment on this article and feel free to post which name you like the most