• This discussion does not indicate an intention to make dramatic changes in Loyola’s identity or philosophy, but asks the question of whether “university” better reflects the institution that exists today.
• Loyola is, and has been for many years, a comprehensive university.
  Loyola has extensive undergraduate offerings, nine graduate programs—two of which are highly regarded doctoral programs—and two distinct colleges. Loyola will soon have a third distinct college with the launch of its planned School of Education. In fact, the number of graduate students attending Loyola is similar to the number of undergraduates.
• Loyola did consider a change from “College” to “University” approximately 10 years ago and opted to remain known as “Loyola College.” However, Loyola has evolved significantly in the past 10 years, and reconsidering the decision is appropriate at this point.
• Loyola’s commitment to community, as defined by small class sizes, caring faculty and staff, and cura personalis, is shaped by its longstanding Jesuit tradition. That tradition has unshakeable permanency in the name “Loyola.”
• While it is true that the word “college” can connote a close-knit, familial environment, there are many universities, some much bigger and some much smaller than Loyola, which also nurture an extraordinary sense of community among students, faculty, staff and administrators.
• There are some universities, most notably Boston College, that have kept their “college” designations. However, most, like BC, enjoy a level of national and international acclaim that Loyola has not yet achieved. BC’s circumstances are even more unusual, in that the name “Boston University” has never been an option.
• While there are three “Loyola Universities” in Louisiana, Illinois and California, Maryland’s Loyola does not compete with those institutions for students at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• The marketing firm of SimpsonScarborough, contracted last fall to undertake a comprehensive integrated marketing project, is assisting with the research portion of this decision.
• Loyola’s Board of Trustees will make the ultimate decision on this matter, informed by input from students, faculty, administrators, alumni, parents and other constituent groups.

In closing, I continue to welcome feedback on this issue. All comments can be directed to feedback@loyola.edu. This is an exciting time for Loyola, and as we continue to consider the potential impact of a name change, I and the other Loyola leaders, including the Board of Trustees who will make the final decision on this matter, will carefully weigh the feedback received from our current students, alumni and other constituent groups. I am confident that we will reach a decision that will be in the best interest of the Loyola Community.