Why change to a university?

The College of Mount St. Joseph is already operating at the level of a university, and the name should reflect that role. The Mount now offers more graduate degrees, including two doctorate degrees. It also reaches adult and online student populations, in addition to traditional undergraduate students. In addition, in the past decades, the meanings associated with “college” and “university” have changed. Increasingly, “college” is the general term for higher education, but “university” is where one goes to earn the degree. Students looking to obtain a higher education degree will increasingly perceive “college” as a division of a university, a two-year technical school or proprietary institution. “University,” on the other hand, will indicate varieties in educational experiences and opportunities. In addition, a university is now considered to be more academically rigorous than a college, and internationally, “university” is synonymous with higher education, and “college” is not.

When will the institution officially be known as a university?

With the public announcement of the designation change, the Mount will begin the transition process. On July 1, 2014, the institution will officially be known as Mount St. Joseph University.

Will the institutional logo change?

As part of the transition, the Mount will embark on a branding and positioning effort that will likely result in the redesign of the current logos.

Will the website URL change?

No, the website URL will not change. The domain name will remain as msj.edu for Mount St. Joseph University.

What will happen to the institutional seal?

The seal will be updated to reflect the change from “college” to “university,” but the overall design, historical significance and symbolism will remain the same. For historic purposes, any seal embedded in stone will be preserved.

Will the new name affect the institution’s colors, mascot or athletic logo?

Mount athletes will continue to compete in the NCAA Division III Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference as the Lions. The Mount’s colors and athletic logo will remain the same.

Will the alma mater be changed?

The alma mater will remain the same.

How should I reference the institution in conversation?

The new Mount St. Joseph University should continue to be referenced in conversation as “the Mount.”

Will the social media sites change?

The pages will be altered to reflect the designation change, but the way in which they are accessed will not. If a name change requires moving to a new account, those with social connections to a Mount account will be invited to access the new account.

Does the change from college to university mean a larger, more impersonal school?

No. The new Mount St. Joseph University will continue its commitment to small class sizes, and as a university, the Mount will offer academic programs, delivery platforms and services that will be comprehensive and innovative while preserving the focus on personal attention that has characterized the Mount for a century. The Mount will continue to have an emphasis on the liberal arts and sciences, and a Mount education will continue to inspire a life-long commitment to educational, professional and community engagement in the spirit, tradition and values of its founders, the Sisters of Charity.

Will campus e-mail addresses change?

No, campus e-mail addresses will remain the same.