Metro State’s Board of Trustees will  discuss results of research on proposed new names for the College and vote on next steps in the name-change process as part of their regularly scheduled December meeting this Thursday.

The public portion of the trustees’ meeting starts at approximately 8:30 a.m. in TIV 320 following an executive session.

A representative from Corona Insights will present results of the research, which included a survey of three names sent to students, faculty, staff and alumni as well as one-on-one interviews with community leaders. A second survey that was sent to a small sample of students and alumni also tested Metropolitan State University of Denver.

After the presentation, the Board will discuss the issue and vote on how to proceed with the name change initiative.

The researchers tested reaction to three proposed names: Denver Metropolitan State University, Denver State Metropolitan University and Metropolitan Denver State University.

The Board of Trustees had proposed the name Denver State University, which resonated with students but did not receive the full support of alumni or the community. Subsequently, the Strategic Name Initiative Committee was formed in June to do more outreach with community leaders and the leadership of the other higher education institutions in Colorado as well as members of the Metro State community—particularly alumni.

Also on the Board of Trustees’ agenda is an update by Cathy Lucas, associate vice president of communications and advancement, and Kamran Sahami, faculty senate president, on the Strategic Planning Process. The planning process, which started a year ago, is taking a critical look at the strengths and weaknesses of the College to formulate a five-year plan for Metro State.

Check the Board of Trustees website for the full agenda, which will be posted no later than 24 hours before the meeting,

And, watch for a Special Edition of @Metro on Dec. 1 to announce the board’s decision on the name change initiative.