"College" or "University"?
Decision to come this summer
 
In March, Loyola announced it was considering a designation change from "College" to "University." At the April 16 Board of Trustees meeting, the full Board authorized its Executive Committee to move forward with the change this summer, once final research findings on this issue have been reviewed.
 
This authorization follows the full Board's positive evaluation of the proposed change, and grants its Executive Committee the power to enact the change if current ongoing research supports the move. If the Executive Committee, in consultation with College President Brian F. Linnane, S.J., decides to make the change, additional information will be made available at that time on how the change will proceed, including its timeframe.

“I know that this discussion has inspired considerable emotion throughout our community, on both sides of the issue,” said Fr. Linnane in an e-mail to alumni and the Campus Community. “I also know that some of you may be disappointed by the Board's most recent decision. I have great respect for the strong feelings you have for Loyola and its identity, and should the change be approved, I will endeavor to demonstrate clearly that the extraordinary qualities that shaped the Loyola you love have not, will not and could not be altered by a change in designation.”
 
Loyola last considered a change to "University" approximately 10 years ago during the development of its previous strategic plan. The College is engaged currently in a similar strategic planning process and has reconsidered the issue in light of the institution's significant growth and evolution over the past 10 years.
 
The College, in collaboration with higher education marketing firm Simpson Scarborough, has embarked on an integrated marketing research project that involves asking the opinions and impressions of current students, faculty, administrators, parents and alumni, as well as prospective students, members of the secondary education community and regional business leaders. The perceptions of a name change will be included in this research.

For more information on this discussion, please visit www.loyola.edu. Feedback is encouraged and can be directed to feedback@loyola.edu.