A decision by the Alberta government will allow five independent post secondary institutions to change their names from university colleges to simply universities.
The change was applauded by Lacombe’s Canadian University College. Mark Haynal, CUC president, said in an email they are delighted Premier Dave Hancock has given their institution and others in the province approval to refer to themselves as universities.
“Because the classification of ‘university college’ is unique to Alberta, potential students and administrators of post secondary institutions across Canada and around the world have always been uncertain and often confused by our name. Referring to ourselves simply as universities more clearly reflects our status and will enable our students to pursue graduate school and employment without having to repeatedly explain the nuances Alberta’s six sector model of post secondary education.”
The CUC has started the process of determining what their new name will be, with the board of trustees making the decision from discussion among staff, students, faculty and alumni during the 2014-15 academic year.
St. Mary’s, Ambrose, Concordia and King’s are all university colleges that can now be designated as universities.