Even after Gov. John Hickenlooper signs the bill on Wednesday that authorizes Metro State to change its name, the institution will remain a “college” until July 1.

“The language of the bill stipulates that the law takes effect on July 1, 2012,” explains Cathy Lucas, associate to the president for marketing and communications. “Until that date, we’re officially still Metropolitan State College of Denver.”

Metro State’s new name will be phased in over the course of FY 2012-13. An institution-wide committee is being formed to assist in the development of wordmarks, logos and other identity elements that incorporate the new name. These new materials will be available for use beginning in fall 2012.

“We are looking at this as a transition year,” Lucas says. “If you still have business cards and letterhead and brochures that use the ‘college’ name, please use them up. We are trying to be as fiscally and environmentally responsible as possible in moving toward our new identity.”

In the meantime, Lucas says, “we’re all using the word ‘university’ informally. But according to the law, we can’t have any printed materials yet.”

To volunteer to serve on the name-change transition team, contact Kim Boubon, executive assistant, 303-556-5122 or kboubon1@mscd.edu. The first meeting will be held in early May.