By Caitlin Gibbons

The bill authorizing the renaming of the College to Metropolitan State University of Denver -- SB 12-148 -- has started its legislative journey and faces a hearing in the state Senate education committee on Feb. 23.

The bill was introduced in the Senate Feb. 8 by primary sponsor Sen. Lucia Guzman, D-Denver. If the education committee approves the bill, it will go back to the full Senate for consideration before being introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Crisanta Duran, D-Denver, for the same process.

If the bill is approved by both the House and Senate and is signed by Gov. John Hickenlooper, the new name will be implemented in the 2012-2013 academic year.

Full text of the bill is available here. The legislative history of the bill and votes are also available through the Colorado General Assembly website.

The 16-page bill says no state funds will be used for the rebranding and renaming of the College.

In a related matter, a legislative advocacy day offering Metro State supporters insight into how to shape the legislative process is planned for Feb. 21. Please RSVP for the training by Feb. 17 as space is limited.

A town hall meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 22, to provide additional information on the legislative process, as well as frequently asked questions, such as, "When do I order new business cards and letterheads?" and "How can graduates order a new diploma?"