Briefing: State Colleges
An effort is afoot on Beacon Hill to officially change the name of the six of the state’s nine public colleges to state universities. While discussions to change the state colleges to state universities have been going on for decades, the state House of Representatives recently passed the measure and the state Senate is expected to consider it.
What would actually change?
There would be no change in the operations of the schools. The legislation would only change the names of six state colleges, including those in Worcester, Framingham, Fitchburg, Westfield, Bridgewater and Salem. The other three colleges in the state college system, the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and the Mass Maritime Academy, would not change names.
What’s the advantage of a name change?
A name change would give more stature to the schools, its students and alumni, argues Frederick Clark, executive officer of the state college Council of Presidents. Proponents also argue that it would give the schools an advantage when competing for federal and private grants and philanthropic donations.
What’s the difference between a college and a university?
In common parlance, college and university of used interchangeably. But technically, a university is an institution that offers graduate degrees.
What’s the process?
The bill has already passed the state House of Representatives in a 126-21 vote.
The bill will likely be considered by the state Senate in the coming weeks and then must be signed by the governor before it is official.
What will it cost?
According to Clark, at the Council of Presidents, almost nothing. Any costs would be absorbed by the schools and would mostly be for replacing stationary and signage. That would be done as new products are ordered in the normal course of business. Some schools, Clark said, have already begun preparing for the change.
In Fitchburg, school officials have begun referring to the school simply as Fitchburg State and in Bridgewater, a new sign was installed in which the word “college” can be easily removed.
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments