Impact of the Name Change
How will a name change affect me?
First, this process is not as complicated or difficult as it may sound. We’re pursuing a name change to boost the value of Metro State’s bachelor’s and master’s degrees. This will give students and alumni an advantage in the job market, and employers’ confidence that their Metro State applicants received a top-notch, four-year or advanced degree.
Our mission of providing affordable, accessible, high-quality academics to a diverse population of Colorado’s students will not change because of a new name nor will our admission standards, athletics programs, school colors or roadrunner mascot—these are part of who we are. We are seeking to align our name with the current reality of who are.
Will the composition of the College’s student population change, particularly students of color?
Metro State enrolls the largest number of students of color of all four-year colleges in the state—32 percent of our nearly 24,000 students this fall 2011 semester. One in three African Americans and one in four Latinos who are seeking their bachelor’s degrees in Colorado are doing so at Metro State. It is our belief that a new name will not only enhance educational opportunities for our students of color, but it will support our goal of becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI).
How will alumni be impacted?
Existing Metro State degree holders will gain the increased prestige associated with a new name. We believe that alumni will feel great pride in seeing their alma mater continue to evolve in both name and stature while maintaining its unique heritage.
The institution will make new diplomas available upon request.
Will class size change?
A change in name and status will not impact our commitment to keeping class sizes small in order to provide the individualized attention that differentiates our educational model and enhances the learning experience.
Will new programs be added?
The current process of evaluating how program additions fit into our mission, vision and strategic plan has no relation to our name, but rather to how programs can address the workforce needs of our students, community and state.
