Assumption College’s request to change its name to a university will go before the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education July 25.
The board’s sign-off, which will take place at a hearing in Boston, is a necessary step before the Worcester school can officially become Assumption University.
Assumption President Francesco Cesareo said early this year the school was exploring the new name to help with recruitment overseas, where college more often refers to high school, and to better reflect the college’s broadening academic focus.
The new name could go into effect in time for the fall semester.
Assumption has added new majors including cybersecurity and nursing to better address workplace demand for its graduates, making for a changing profile for the historically liberal arts-focused Catholic school.
An academic reorganization is grouping Assumption’s majors into five separate schools: the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Nursing, the School of Health Professions and the School of Graduate & Professional Studies.
Assumption broke ground in May on a 41,000-square-foot health sciences building for its new nursing program and other health studies. It is slated to open in the fall of 2020.
