Charles Sturt University has abandoned its controversial plan to change the institution’s name following protests from students, alumni and community members.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“We have heard loud and clear from our community how much the name Charles Sturt meant to them,” CSU deputy vice chancellor Jenny Roberts said.
The university proposed to change its name in early January as part of its marketing and promotion strategy before its 30th anniversary.
Many students have since voiced their objection to a new name.
READ ALSO:
Students started a change.org petition against the move which attracted more than 5000 signatures.
Ms Roberts conceded the university was a bit surprised by the reaction.
“We are not calling it a backdown, we were genuinely consulting,” she said.
“I guess we were somewhat surprised, but the thing that really delighted us was the engagement.
“It was fantastic to have so many people talk to us about what the university means to them. I guess that has been heartening for all of us.”
READ MORE:
CSU held public consultation sessions in Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Albury-Wodonga, Port Macquarie and Wagga Wagga campuses and online.
The university also sought feedback through its website, email and social media.
CSU vice chancellor Andrew Vann said the university will continue with its other plans, including changes to its visual identity, logo and marketing approach.
“We must be competitive, we must be sustainable,” Mr Vann said.
“We cannot stand still.
“Charles Sturt University has an ambitious agenda to transform our delivery, driven by our University Strategy, from now through to 2022.”
READ MORE:
Ms Roberts said the higher education sector is crowded and the university wants to stand out.
“This was just one proposal,” she said.
“There is a whole range of things we are doing. We need to tell our stories better.
“We have to come up with a refreshed identity.”
She said the university was still working through its “brand framework”.
Ms Roberts said the university will find ways to achieve its plans.
“We’ve got to have some discipline about calling ourselves Charles Sturt,” she said.
“We will not slip into acronyms like we always do.”