AS debate continues surrounding Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) potential name change, another university says its own name change and rebrand was a success.
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CSU recently announced that as part of its upcoming 30th anniversary celebrations it was not only rebranding, but considering a name change.
Since then, however, many students, alumni, staff and community members have voiced their objection to a new name, while a change.org petition has attracted more than 5700 signatures.
In mid 2015, The University of Western Sydney did its own rebranding and as part of that changed its name to Western Sydney University (WSU).
A WSU spokeswoman said the rebranding was undertaken for a number of reasons.
“The comprehensive rebranding reaffirmed our position as a world-class university, showcasing the success of our research and teaching, and the achievements of our students and graduates,” she said.
And on the change of name, the spokeswoman said it provided the university with a new reputation.
“The new name elevated Western Sydney to its rightful place, emphasising the University’s unique geographic position in Australia’s fastest growing and most economically important regions,” she said.
“The logo and name change was just one element of a broader program which included a significant investment in the student experience.”
While CSU has received much negative feedback about the proposed new name, it has also received support including from some Indigenous sectors on the possible change to an Aboriginal name.
Currently, the preferred option for the new name is Sturt University, while former NRL player and mental health advocate Joe Williams suggested Wiradyuri University after the country on which most campuses are located.
Meanwhile, three years on from The University of Western Sydney’s name change and rebrand and WSU spokeswoman said it was the right move.
“The new identity has been enthusiastically embraced by our students, staff, our alumni and our broader community and has strengthened their pride in the university,” she said.
“This has been demonstrated by the overwhelmingly positive global response to the release of the series of ‘Unlimited’ campaign films that told the stories of three of the University’s graduates.”
CSU deputy vice chancellor Jenny Roberts said she and other senior CSU staff continue to welcome feedback into the possibility of a name change.
In order to listen to more feedback from the community on the proposed name change, Ms Roberts said face-to-face community sessions would soon be announced in Bathurst, Dubbo and Orange.
“We are genuinely taking feedback and genuinely open to that feedback,” she said.
The university celebrates its 30th anniversary in July, with any name change to be announced by the end of February.
What you said about the name change
In a poll conducted by Australian Community Media on the potential name change, of the 1243 voters who took part 1152 (92.68 per cent) said the name should not be changed.
Seventy voters (5.63 per cent) said it should be changed and 21 voters (1.69 per cent) were not sure.