Following the Board of Trustees’ March 9 vote to pursue legislative approval to change Metro State’s name to Denver State University, the College is now waiting for action in the state legislature.

Denver Democrats Sen. Michael Johnston and Rep. Crisanta Duran are sponsoring a bill on the name change, expected to be introduced in the legislature later this month. A vote on the bill is not likely to be taken until near the session’s end on May 11.

In an April 7 letter to the Metro State community, President Stephen M. Jordan wrote, “If the bill passes, we will immediately begin preparations for implementing the new name for the 2012 fall semester, with the Office of College Communications taking the lead on the planning and implementation.”

In an effort to make the transition to a new name as cost-effective as possible, Jordan asked that departments continue using their current printed materials until the official implementation.

The transition will require a new identity system, including a logo, which College Communications will begin work on as soon as the College receives approval to become Denver State University. Once the identity system is finalized, departments that run out of materials before fall 2012 will be able to order new materials. A new College website, email addresses and domain name will also be required.

The process and cost for other issues, such as new diplomas for alumni, have yet to be determined.

@Metro will provide the Metro State community with regular updates on the progress of the strategic name initiative. For the most up-to-date information, please go to the name change website, where you can also post questions or comments.