On June 1, 2009, St. Kate's officially became St. Catherine University. This site is presented in its archival form as a way of honoring the thought and care that went into St. Catherine's transition to University status. Please consider its content within the original context.

Becoming a University

The Board Decision

Motion Title: Change College Name
Motion Presented to: The Board of Trustees
Motion Presented by: Chair of the Board of Trustees and President of the College
Presented on Date of: May 5, 2008

MOTION

Whereas President Andrea Lee, IHM established the University-College Task Team to consider the question “Should St. Catherine change its name from ‘College’ to ‘University’?” as part of the work of implementing the strategic plan approved by the Board in 2005; and

Whereas the University-College Task Team has undertaken a through and consultative process that included appropriate research so as to make an evidence-based recommendation to be voted upon by the Board of Trustees; and

Whereas the University-College Task Team considered the objective experience of other colleges both making the change and rejecting such change; conducted an extensive review of literature on the subject and sought and considered the opinions of members from all the College’s major constituent groups; and

Whereas the broadly representative University-College Task Team made a nearly unanimous decision to change the name of the College to University, indicating that such change best articulates what the College of St. Catherine is now and will become in the future; and

Whereas the Board of Trustees has considered the matter of changing the College’s name on several occasions, leaning positively toward a change; and

Whereas the University Task Team and the College administration have established that such a change will strategically advance the College of St. Catherine; and

Whereas the College’s leaders have proposed a new academic administrative structure that has the capacity to enhance governance, faculty interaction, marketing of existing and new programs as well as outreach to and interaction with various student populations; and

Whereas the Administration is in the process of developing concrete strategies to meet the College of St. Catherine’s underlying commitments to

Retain the name “St. Catherine” in the new name of the institution and as its brand identity;
Remains faithful to its tri-part mission by reinforcing the importance of the liberal arts as the underpinning of the St. Catherine educational experience, making its Catholic identity explicit throughout the curriculum and co-curriculum; and providing a women-centered learning environment for all students;
Retain its baccalaureate program for women only as the centerpiece of the University and provide support and structure to insure its success;
Retain its tradition and strength as an integrated, collaborative whole;.
Adhere to its “learner-centered” model of education fostering strong faculty/student interaction, student support, life-long learning and emphasis on teaching.
Cherish its connection with our founders and sponsors, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet;
Give the name change meaning and strength by associating it with the College’s strategic plan and vision for the future;
Ensure sufficient resources to implement the name change within the time-line established by the Board of Trustees;
Clarify expectations for faculty within a university setting;
Develop and implement appropriate policies and procedures and practices to serve, past, current and future students;
Maintain laddering opportunities to allow student access to and progress through various degree levels;
Support related initiatives especially around academic technology and enhanced digital learning.
Develop and implement an appropriate and effective communication plan to announce the change and use this opportunity to the St. Catherine’s best advantage; and

Whereas both external evidence and the conclusion of the University-College Task Teams suggests that a name change will enhance prestige; more accurately reflect the comprehensive and complex nature of the College of St. Catherine; promote increased emphasis on growth areas in graduate and digital learning; and provide a vehicle to develop strategic partnerships and;

Whereas “University” best positions St. Catherine’s to attain its vision of world pre-eminence and helps the College of St. Catherine live its mission into the future; and

Whereas the College of St. Catherine has been classified for the last fifteen years by the Carnegie Commission as a comprehensive, large, Master’s Institution.

Be it resolved that the Board of Trustees directs the College administration to take the necessary and appropriate steps to change the name of St. Catherine from College to University, including engaging in appropriate legal consultation; developing a comprehensive communication plan to announce and take maximum advantage of a name change; completing all necessary internal, legal, procedural and other planning work necessary to propose the actual new name of the College of St. Catherine to the Board of Trustees for its approval by August 2008, and to effect such a name change by June 1, 2009.

RATIONALE
See above.

BACKGROUND
President Lee appointed a College University Task Team in August 2007 with representatives from the Board of Trustees, Alumnae, Faculty, Staff and Student Senate. The Task Team met with the following constituents throughout the year to seek input on the whether or not the College of St. Catherine should remain a College or become a University: Faculty/Staff Workshop, Alumnae Association, College Council, President’s Cabinet, the Senate (Day student elected organization), the Weekend College Advisory Board, the Graduate Advisory Board, the Associate Advisory Board and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Province. Additional work was done to solicit feedback from 14 colleges and universities that considered the change, as well as review research about the process. Trustee members of the task team were Maureen Bausch, Mark Chronister, Carolyn Puccio, CSJ, Joanne Jirik Mullen.

At the February 2008 Board of Trustees Meeting, the chairs of the Task Team, Julie Belle White-Newman and Marjorie Mathison Hance, presented the findings. The Board took a leaning and made the recommendation to bring the question to a vote at its May 2008 Board Meeting.