Metro State Name Change Causes Uproar

Last week the Metropolitan State College of Denver Board of Trustees voted 5-2 to pursue legislative authority to change the institution's name to "Denver State University."

This decision has been very unpopular with University of Denver students and alumni, who felt that the name is too similar to the University of Denver and "Denver University" which it is often referred to in the media and out of state.

A majority of Metro State students wanted to keep "Metro" in their name to acknowledge the history of the institution, but their votes were ignored.  

As of yet no word from University of Denver officials about their position on the subject.  An Email to the Chancellor, Provost and Faculty Senate Representative went unanswered. The DU Alumni Office sent out an auto reply, "Your request is being handled by a DU alumni relations staff member."

1. The bill to change the name officially was sponsored by Colorado State Senator Michael Johnson (D) and Representative Chrisanta Duran (D).

2. The Bill will be assigned to a committee in either the House or Senate.

3. If the committee approves the Bill, it goes to the floor for reading and discussion. There are three readings. If it then passes, it goes to the other chamber and the process is repeated.

4. If both the Senate and House vote approval it goes to the Governor for signature or rejection.

5. This entire process usually takes several months.

The best time to weigh in is during the committee hearings in both houses. You can sign up and speak at that time. After the bill gets to the floor, only Representatives and Senators can speak on the merits of the bill.