Wilmington University Q & A

Q:What is the institution’s new, official name?

A:Wilmington University

Q:When will the new name go into effect?

A:The Board of Trustees approved the name change on September 10, 2007.

Q:What are the reasons for changing the name?

A:The institution has assumed the status of university because it has been operating as a university for the past several years with 52 different degree programs (three associate degree programs, 27 bachelor degree programs, 20 master’s degree programs and two doctoral program), a student enrollment that exceeds 11,500 students, and multiple locations. The name change more appropriately reflects the emphasis on baccalaureate and higher degree programs that distinguish a university from liberal arts and community colleges.

Q:What are the benefits of the name change?

A:Wilmington University more clearly communicates the full commitment and mission of the University, presenting a more accurate first impression than our old name. Our old name implied a small local college- not a major university with regional as well as national and global impact. The new name will increase awareness and visibility of our institution, change its overall perception and recruit more students broadly and effectively.

Q:How will the new name affect the institution?

A:Although the name may be new, the University will remain an open enrollment institution that provides access for anyone motivated to learn. It will still provide the same student-centered services and offer courses in a variety of formats at convenient times and locations. The small class sizes and relevant curriculum will continue. And both our mission and vision statement will remain unchanged.

Q:Will the faculty change?

A:No. Wilmington University strives to achieve a balance of practical “real world” skills and academic excellence. The school will still seek to have practitioners who possess the academic standards necessary to teach in their chosen field.

Q:Will the new name impact the school colors, mascot or logo?

A:The school colors and mascot will remain the same. The logo will stay the same, but will now reflect the name change. The athletic teams will still be known as the Wildcats.

Q:How long has the name change been in discussion and who decided it should take place?

A:Discussion on the name change has been ongoing over the past two years. The Board of Trustees voted on September 10, 2007 and was provided with input from full-time faculty (through the Faculty Senate), adjunct instructors, group meetings, the executive team, students in focus groups from various sites, and the Alumni Board representing the Alumni Association.

Q:What will the new internet domain (web site address) be?

A:The internet domain will change to wilmu.edu.

Q:Will students, faculty and staff get new email addresses?

A:Yes. All students, faculty and staff members will get new email addresses that reflect our new internet domain wilmu.edu. Information about when and how this change will occur for each group and will be sent to individuals in each group via mail, email, and the web.

Q:What should I put on my resume?

A:You should put Wilmington University on your resume.

Q:Will the college seal change?

A:The seal will change to reflect the university identity of the institution.

Q:Will the name change affect the value of the degree?

A:Wilmington University will continue to be recognized for its quality education, flexible schedules, convenient locations and affordable tuition which it has been offering students for the past 40 years. The new name simply is a better reflection of who the institution is.

Q:What about diplomas?

A:All alumni will have the opportunity to receive a new university diploma. The University will contact all alumni about the steps they need to take in receiving their new diploma. Diplomas issued at the next commencement, scheduled for January 2008, will read “Wilmington University.”

Q:How will this change affect Alumni Relations?

A:We believe that alumni will understand the reasons for our name change and support it as part of a long-range vision. Support by alumni has been overwhelming and alumni representatives were included in the discussion of the name change. We’ve sought to reassure them that we are not attempting to change the values of the institution; we are seeking to strengthen its essential character. While we are earnestly concerned about how current alumni feel, we are also focused on new generations of students.