November 16-17, 2000

 

ITEM 109-1602-R1100 - Authorization for Institutional Name Change from Western Montana College of The University of Montana to The University of Montana Western; Western Montana College of The University of Montana

 

 THAT: The Board of Regents of Higher Education authorizes Western Montana College of The University of Montana to implement the institutional name change from Western Montana College of The University of Montana to The University of Montana Western, effective July 1, 2001.

 

EXPLANATION: Western has been an affiliated institution with The University of Montana since 1988. The current designation, Western Montana College of The University of Montana, reflects that relationship but is long and, at times, awkward in its application. The new name, The University of Montana- Western, is seen as more fully reflecting the institution s affiliation with the University of Montana. It would also represent consistency with the approach taken for institutional designations within Montana State University.

The new designation is seen as a recruitment enhancement for faculty, administrative staff and students alike. The approach in placing the designation The University of Montana with the institution s most recognized name, Western, indicates University status while honoring the institution s 107-year history.

Western has experienced significant growth in grant and contract funded programming. Under the current name, however, questions have been raised by both federal agencies and private foundations as to the nature of the institution and its capacity to manage grant- and contract-funded initiatives. More specifically, the current name leads to questions relating to whether Western is an independent four-year institution. The new designation follows a format that has been embraced in higher education across the nation for several decades, that of applying the university name to each affiliated institution in combination with a location or other designation.

The delayed implementation of the new name will permit the institution to complete the necessary planning and arrangements as a matter of routine preparation for the 2001-2002 year ahead. This will significantly reduce cost attendant to the change, especially those involving printed publications.