A NAME change to Sturt University is being investigated by Charles Sturt University to help it “stand out in a crowded tertiary environment”.
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Acting vice-chancellor Professor John Germov on Monday night confirmed the move, as a petition objecting to a switch passed 3400 names.
He said it was part of a $24 million 2018-22 university strategy.
“This includes investigating changing the name of the university,” Professor Germov said.
“The preferred option is Sturt University and we are in the process of seeking feedback from students, staff, alumni and the community.
Professor Germov said the issue of whether the school became Sturt University was expected to be resolved next month.
He said the alteration was “not simply about changing a name or a logo”.
“It is about ensuring we articulate clearly who we are and what we stand for to our students and the wider community,” Professor Germov said.
“It is about ensuring we modernise our visual identity so that we stand out in a crowded tertiary environment.”
The academic added the “brand refresh” was to be accompanied by new courses, 300 online subjects being updated and student service changes including the appointment of a director of student safety and wellbeing.
Many of those who have signed a change.org online petition set up by alumni have suggested money would be better spent on things other than a name change.
Former CSU historian Robin McLachlan labelled a change “unnecessary and money poorly spent”.
“Put the energy and funding for a name change into improving CSU's teaching, research and community profile,” Dr McLachlan wrote in his petition entry.
Graduate Emma Davis wrote: “As an alumni of CSU I feel the money that may be used for the name change would be much better used to improve campuses and classes for students.”
The name change has been floated to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Charles Sturt University.
It was formed in July 1989 through the merger of the Mitchell College of Advanced Education in Bathurst, the Riverina-Murray Institute of Higher Education in Albury and the Riverina College of Advanced Education in Wagga.