Starting with the May 2008 graduating class, Missouri S&T graduates will have their choice of diplomas -- the classic University of Missouri diploma or a redesigned version that includes the new name.

Here's the pre-name change version of the diploma:

And here's the redesigned diploma, which will be available starting in May (and also to alumni who wish to order the new version):

From the official news release:

The redesigned diplomas, approved recently by the University of Missouri administration, replace the former wording “Done at the University in the City of Rolla, State of Missouri,” with “Done at Missouri University of Science and Technology in the City of Rolla, State of Missouri.” The university’s full name is in bold type set in a larger font size – the same size as the graduating student’s name – to draw attention to the new name.

All May 2008 Missouri S&T graduates will receive the new diploma in the mail, along with a coupon to order the previous University of Missouri diploma. The previous diploma will be available to graduating students at no charge over the next six years (through May 2013).

It's important to note that there never was a UMR diploma. As the images above depict, the diploma was always a "University of Missouri" diploma.

Alumni: Go here to order your new diploma.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 09:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

What began as a discussion among this university's board of trustees in the fall of 2006 became reality today. At the stroke of midnight today, Jan. 1, 2008, the University of Missouri-Rolla became Missouri University of Science and Technology.

But as regular readers of this blog know, the renaming was not an overnight occurrence. And talk about renaming the university began long before the fall of 2006. Talk of renaming this university goes all the way back to the early 1960s, when UMR came into being from our original name, the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (better known as the Missouri School of Mines, or MSM).

Then as now, not everyone was elated by the decision.

I'm not sure what the communications process involved back then. Blogs were not a part of the picture, and stakeholders were likely not as involved or as savvy to the ways of marketing and communications techniques as they are today. But whatever the processes employed by the university back then, it's evident that not everyone got on board. Even today, 43 or 44 years after the fact, a few alumni remain bitter with the decision to switch from MSM to UMR.

Over the past 11 months, we've tried to use this blog as an avenue to talk about the name change with our alumni, students, faculty and staff. As we said when we launched this site last January, we wanted it to be:

• a source for useful information about the proposed name change.

• a forum [for] discussion about the issues being raised by the proposal.

• an avenue for providing up-to-the-minute information about the proposal.

When this blog experiment began, the idea of a name change was still in proposal form. It is now reality. But even after moving from proposal to recommendation to unanimous endorsement from the University of Missouri Board of Curators and on through the process of picking a logo and other details of the implementation, I'd like to think that this blog has achieved its purpose.

I hope you agree. But if you don't, well, that's fine. It's not like we haven't had our disagreements in the past. But I hope you can at least agree that this forum has allowed you to freely express your opinions about the name change and to participate in a process that we have tried to make as open as possible.

In my opinion, "transparency" and "conversation" were two of the most overused buzzwords of 2007. But those two terms best express what we have tried to do with this blog. We have used this blog to make the process more transparent than it would have been otherwise, and we have used it to try to engage you in a meaningful conversation about this change in your university's identity.

We don't want the conversation to end. As always, your comments are welcome. Just remember to keep them relevant, respectful and as brief as possible.

Happy New Year from Missouri S&T!

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 03:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Today is the big day UMR switches its web and email domains from umr.edu to mst.edu.

A piece of cake, you say? Not exactly.

Our friends over at the IT Press blog are "liveblogging" the process throughout the day, and perhaps into the evening. "IT will provide periodic updates today as we switch our web and email servers to mst.edu," IT Press blogger Matt Shaner explains. "There is a strong possibility that something might not go quite as we planned, so your patience is requested."

On our side of campus, the folks in electronic marketing communications are working with IT on the switcheroo and getting ready to launch the first-ever version of the Missouri S&T website.

So, tune in to IT Press for the latest on the switch from umr.edu to mst.edu. And check back here later today for a look at the "Missouri S&T" website.

(Cake photo courtesy of IT Press, and it probably doesn't look like that anymore.)

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 04:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

There's been a bit of confusion over how to abbreviate the university's name, so perhaps it's time to discuss proper usage.

For starters, let's go back to the name change FAQ, which says:

What will be the new name for the university?

Missouri University of Science and Technology.

How will it be abbreviated?

"Missouri S&T" is the official abbreviation or nickname. Either the full university name or the nickname will be used on all official university materials, such as stationery, business cards, marketing materials and apparel.

Chapter 2: Missouri S&T or Missouri University of Science and Technology?

For headlines, photo captions and other tight spots, shorter is always better. Thus, “Missouri S&T” is preferred. For news releases, use “Missouri University of Science and Technology” on first reference and “Missouri S&T” on subsequent references.

When writing to audiences familiar with the campus – such as alumni or students – Missouri S&T is acceptable in all references.

Never, under any circumstances, use “MUST” or “MST.” (The exception with “mst,” in lowercase, is in web and email addresses. See Internet terms.)

university identification. Use “University of Missouri System” when referring to all four UM campuses. On second reference, use “UM System” or “university system” when referring to the central administration of the four campuses or the Board of Curators. For first reference of any UM campus other than Missouri S&T, write the complete name: “University of Missouri-Columbia” (not “Missouri University” or “University of Missouri”), “University of Missouri-Kansas City” and “University of Missouri-St. Louis.” On second and subsequent references, the following rules apply:

For the University of Missouri-Columbia: MU is acceptable on second reference. This is in keeping with the University of Missouri Board of Curators’ Nov. 29, 2007, decision to allow the Columbia campus to use “University of Missouri,” “MU” or “Mizzou” on second and subsequent references.

For the University of Missouri-Kansas City: UMKC is acceptable on second reference.

For the University of Missouri-St. Louis: UMSL is acceptable on second reference.

Use the lowercase “university” in the generic sense. For example, write: “The university’s Campus Performing Arts Series will host a performance of Evita tonight in Leach Theatre of Castleman Hall.”

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 02:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Name Change News: Nov. 14, 2007

The latest news on the name change implementation. Also available on the Name Change Conversations weblog: http://namechange.mst.edu .

In this issue:

Order Missouri S&T name tags
Contact Enrollment Management for table banners
Download fact sheet, sample letter
FAQ update
Delay in providing some materials
Reuse, recycle your UMR materials

Order your Missouri S&T name tags

Kent Jewelry, which provides name tags for the campus, has set dates for production of new Missouri S&T name tags. The new tags will be silver and feature the Missouri S&T word mark in black. Departments may submit orders via email at orders@kentjewelry.com, by fax at 573-364-4446, or by dropping by the store at 110 W. Eighth St.

Orders received by Dec. 8 will be completed by Dec. 11. Orders received by Dec. 27 will be ready to pick up on Dec. 28.

Departments are responsible for the costs of their name tags.

As with any purchase, university purchasing procedures must be followed when ordering.

Contact Enrollment Management for table banners

To help coordinate the purchase of new display headers, table runners and standing banners, Shannon Stites in Enrollment Management is compiling a list of departments needing to replace these items. These items will be ordered in bulk. If your department plans to order new display headers, table runners or standing banners to integrate the new campus brand identity into your marketing materials, please contact Shannon Stites at 341-4378 or by email at sstites@umr.edu to get on the list. This will ensure that the university will receive a better price for the replacement of these items.

Download fact sheet, sample letter

Looking for an easy way to communicate the name change to your constituents? The communications staff has prepared a sample fact sheet and sample letter for campuswide use as templates to notify colleagues of the name change. Both documents are available in Microsoft Word format.

To download the fact sheet (which can be used for websites, newsletters, recruiting visits, etc.), go to http://namechange.mst.edu/documents/name change fact sheet.doc .

To download the sample letter (which can be used for memos, letters and email notices to notify colleagues, funding agencies and others about the name change, go to http://namechange.mst.edu/documents/sample letter.doc .

FAQ update

The latest version of the frequently asked questions on the name change has been updated. Visit http://namechange.mst.edu/faq/ for the latest information.

Delay in providing some materials

Earlier this month, the communications department reported that some materials, such as letterhead and business cards, would be available for order by early December. Due to some delays in the design of letterhead, business card, envelope and other templates, these materials will not be available by Dec. 1. We’ll provide an update on the production schedule as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact Andrew Careaga, director of communications, at acareaga@umr.edu.

Reuse, recycle your old UMR materials

Wondering what to do with your old UMR letterhead? Reuse and recycle are always options. If you need ideas on how to reuse leftover paper products, contact Jesse Singleton in printing services at 341-4264.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 04:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

For months, this blog has served as a source for sharing information about the university's name change. Now that we're just two months out from becoming Missouri S&T, it's time to introduce you to another website we've been working on to introduce the new name -- and the people of Missouri S&T -- to the online world.

Say hello to Missouri S&T at hello.mst.edu, a video site designed to help the public get to know the people of this wonderful university. Please visit, rate the videos, share your thoughts and even upload your own to let the world know that you, too, are Missouri S&T.

Official press release.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 09:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Among the items on the agenda during the MSM-UMR Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting over Homecoming Weekend was a recommendation to change the association's name. This name change came about as a result of the university name change from UMR to Missouri S&T. The board approved the executive committee's earlier recommendation to rename the association the Miner Alumni Association, effective Jan. 1. The board agreed with the executive committee's reasoning that, regardless of when alumni graduated or what the university's name was at that time, all alumni share one thing in common: they are all Miners.

The decision was also based on input from alumni who responded to a survey in the Summer 2007 issue of UMR Magazine.

Speaking of the magazine, the board also approved changing the magazine's name to UMR Magazine to Missouri S&T Magazine. That name change will take effect with the Spring 2008 issue.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 01:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Name Change News: Oct. 2, 2007

The latest news on the name change implementation. Also available on the Name Change Conversations weblog: http://namechange.mst.edu.

In this issue:

Contact Enrollment Management for table banners
Missouri S&T in the news
Got a question? Check the FAQ

Contact Enrollment Management for table banners

To help coordinate the purchase of new display headers, table runners and standing banners, Shannon Stites in Enrollment Management is compiling a list of departments needing to replace these items. These items will be ordered in bulk. If your department plans to order new display headers, table runners or standing banners to integrate the new campus brand identity into your marketing materials, please contact Shannon Stites at 341-4378 or by email at sstites@umr.edu to get on the list. This will ensure that the university will receive a better price for the replacement of these items.

Missouri S&T in the news

Want to see what the new Missouri S&T word mark looks like on television? Check out the news story that aired Monday night on KOLR 10, the CBS affiliate in Springfield, Mo. KOLR 10 was on campus last week to do a story about some UMR students attempting to break the collegiate land-speed record. The team’s human-powered vehicle’s paint job proudly displays the Missouri S&T word mark. See for yourself by logging on to http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=12382 and clicking the “watch” button.

You can also see some still photos of the vehicle and the team in their Missouri S&T uniforms on UMR’s “Experience This” blog (http://experiencethis.mst.edu/). Scroll down to the headline “Speed challenge team is Missouri S&T’s public debut,” or click http://experiencethis.mst.edu/2007/10/speed_challenge_team_is_missou.html

Got a question? Check the FAQ

For the latest information about the name change, please visit the latest version of the FAQ (frequently asked questions) document at http://namechange.mst.edu/faq/. FAQ Version 4 is the latest update.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 10:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

Name Change News: Sept. 18, 2007

The latest news on the name change implementation. Also available on the Name Change Conversations weblog: http://namechange.mst.edu.

In this issue:

The Missouri S&T logo is here
But … please don’t start using it yet
The historic emblem and Joe Miner
New FAQ posted

The Missouri S&T logo is here

After weeks of review, revision and gathering input from current and prospective students, alumni, faculty and staff, and others, the campus unveiled the logo (word mark) for Missouri University of Science and Technology. The new image, in the serif Berkeley font, conveys the university’s historic significance while presenting a bold, oversized “S&T.” Full story.

But … please don’t start using it yet

Although we’ve officially announced the logo, please don’t start using it yet. The Brand Identity Team is still working to define color usage and other guidelines. Soon we’ll have a graphic identity manual that describes just how to use the logo for stationery, business cards and other materials. Stay tuned.

The historic emblem and Joe Miner

While the new word mark is a departure from UMR’s current graphic identity, two other familiar symbols – the historic emblem and Joe Miner – will remain intact. But their usage will remain limited.

The historic emblem is being revised (as depicted here) to incorporate the new name. As our current graphic identity standards explain, the historic emblem “is not a ‘logo’ and should not be used as such.”

Joe Miner will remain unchanged.

New FAQ posted

For the latest information about the logo and other name change news, please visit the latest version of the FAQ (frequently asked questions) document at http://namechange.mst.edu/faq/.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 09:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

I want to offer a few comments about the logo selection and the next steps in the process that I hope will clarify a few things:

• Why is the logo in black and white? We haven't finished reviewing color possibilities or other aspects of the logo's usage, but knowing the high level of interest in this process we wanted to share the design as quickly as possible. That's why we shared the version in black and white only. The official school colors of silver and gold, as well as the color green, which we use in a lot of our marketing, are all being considered. We'll have more details about color usage soon, and will outline the official usage for the logo in a graphic identity manual.
• What about the historic emblem? The historic emblem (shown here) -- the so-called "gear" or "cog" symbol that has been around for as long as anyone can remember -- is not going away. But its usage will be limited to very specific purposes, just as it is now. As we explain in our current graphic identity manual, "The Historic Emblem is not a 'logo' and should not be used as such." UMR's graphic designers are revising the historic emblem to incorporate the new name.
• Will "Missouri S&T" ever be used by itself? Yes. There may be occasions when the "University of Science & Technology" wording at the bottom is dropped in favor of using the strong "S&T" image by itself, or using the wording to the side. All of this will be spelled out in the graphic identity manual that is to be developed soon.

I hope that addresses some of the concerns expressed by some commenters. We are updating the FAQ page with more current information and will post that later today.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 01:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Updated September 22, 2007, to include an image of the current UMR wordmark for comparison.

At long last, after weeks of forums, surveys, focus groups and discussion, we have a logo for Missouri University of Science and Technology.

This will replace the current UMR wordmark, shown below.

The official news release follows.

Continue reading "Here it is: the Missouri S&T logo" »

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 04:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (27) | TrackBacks (0)

Just a note to let all you faithful readers know that we plan to post the new Missouri S&T logo on this blog Monday, Sept. 17, so check back then.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 10:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When we developed our case for a name change last fall, I thought one of the most compelling arguments -- at least from a PR and marketing standpoint -- had to do with how the national news media so often confuse us with the University of Missouri-Columbia, or just "University of Missouri," which in the minds of many, means the campus in Columbia.

"The UMR name," we wrote back then, "is well known in our geographic region and among the research agencies and corporate recruiters aware of our areas of expertise. However, beyond those areas, the name and reputation are either confused with MU or unknown by uninformed students, corporate partners and opinion leaders." We also pointed out that "Alumni, faculty and staff report the campus confusion, as they are often referred to as being associated with the 'University of Missouri' in edited biographies, introductions and news media reports."

It's that association that really sticks in my craw as a PR guy.

Case in point: The latest edition of Wired magazine carries a nice article about last spring's Regolith Excavation Challenge, a program put on by NASA that is "aimed at applying outsider ingenuity to space colonization." One of the teams was from this campus. (We blogged all about it before, during and after the competition, and got some pretty nice media coverage about our Lunar Miners team and their excavation craft. We even got a mention on the Wired Science blog.)

But in the September 2007 edition of Wired, our team is known merely as "11 University of Missouri students." Here's the context, from the story's opening paragraphs:

Four couch-sized contraptions, all clearly homebuilt, sit inside a cavernous building at the Santa Maria, California, fairgrounds. One, made of unfinished wood, has denim conveyor belts running over purple and orange plastic beads. It's the brainchild of a boiler engineer from Michigan, whose girlfriend sewed the belts. Another, cobbled together by a systems analyst from nearby Arroyo Grande, features a set of steel trays attached to a long bicycle chain. A team of Los Angeles engineers used precisely machined aluminum and incorporated a toothed rotor that spins like a waterwheel. The tallest of the bunch, standing about 5 feet high, is a clattering assemblage of aluminum scoops mounted on a red conveyor. It represents a year and a half of work by 11 University of Missouri students, two of whom drove 30 hours to get the thing here. They're still scrambling to apply the finishing touches, slapping masking tape on the cups and adjusting bungee cords to keep it upright.

That really sticks in my craw. But perhaps it will drive home at least one of the points we made in the rationale for the name change.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 07:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

Name Change News: Aug. 23, 2007

The latest news on the name change implementation. Also available on the Name Change Conversations weblog: http://namechange.mst.edu.

In this issue:

New time for Brand Identity Team meetings
Focus groups for logo concepts
Welcome new team members

New time for Brand Identity Team meetings

With the start of the new semester, the Brand Identity Team is shifting its weekly meeting time slightly to accommodate the schedules of team members. Starting next Tuesday, Aug. 28, the team will meet at 8:30 a.m. instead of 9 a.m. The meetings will continue to be held every Tuesday in the Silver and Gold Room of Havener Center. All members of the campus community are welcome to attend.

Focus groups for logo concepts

The consulting firm of SimpsonScarborough is sharing the latest round of logo concepts with focus groups of alumni and prospective students this week. The feedback from these sessions should help the team move forward with selecting this important component of Missouri S&T’s graphic identity. Plans call for announcing the new logo by mid-September.

Welcome new team members

Welcome to the latest member of the Brand Identity Team: Joann Stiritz, communications specialist and senior graphic designer in the communications department.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 07:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Quick note to say thanks to all of you who logged on to view the draft images and take the survey.

The survey, which I closed down this morning, garnered 438 responses -- confirmation that our students, alumni, faculty and staff are keenly interested in this process. In addition, 334 people who attended our series of forums on campus and in St. Louis completed paper surveys, giving us a total of 772 responses. We also took careful notes at the sessions and are busy compiling those comments, as well as those received here, on Facebook and via email, to help guide us as we move forward.

Following such an open process can be challenging, as everyone has an opinion about what, exactly, should constitute the future image of the university. Making the challenge even more complex is the fact that what we presented -- mere concepts -- can often be misinterpreted as some sort of "final round" of concepts. In fact, this was the first round of a complex and iterative design process. I know I've said it before -- here, and in other forums and conversations -- but it bears repeating. The four draft concepts were precisely that: conceptual drafts to be evaluated, dissected, critically appraised and discussed. Your comments on this blog, your participation in the online survey, and your email notes have been an important part of the process. Thank you.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 05:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Ed Sirianno, our consultant from Creative Communications Associates, snapped a few photos of our Hit the Ground Running students during one of Thursday's presentations of graphic design concepts.

The HGR students are some of the best and brightest members of our entering freshman class. They gave us a lot of thoughtful ideas about the brand concepts we presented this week. More photos from our session with the Hit the Ground Running students are posted below.

In all, more than 300 students, alumni, faculty and staff attended the sessions on campus and in St. Louis, and hundreds more have viewed the concepts presented here. We've received a lot of input. Don't forget to view the concepts and give us your input by this Sunday, July 29. We'll allow comments on this entry after the survey expires. Note: the survey and images are no longer available.

Also, if you're looking for something to read this weekend, and while you're thinking about the future image of your university, here's an article that might provide food for thought: What Makes a Great Logo.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 11:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name Change News: July 17, 2007

The latest news on the name change implementation, a day later than usual. Also available on the Name Change Conversations weblog: http://namechange.mst.edu.

In this issue:

Sneak-peek images will be available for online viewing
Reminder: The Unveiling on campus July 25-27
St. Louis unveiling July 25

Sneak-peek images will be available for online viewing

You said you wanted to see logos online, and we heard.

Online versions of the draft concepts to be presented on campus next Wednesday-Friday, July 25-27, will also be made available for students, alumni, faculty and staff who won’t be in town to get a firsthand view of the materials.

Next week, we’ll post the web address for viewing the materials on the Name Change Conversations blog.

Reminder: The Unveiling on campus July 25-27

The big Unveiling (with a capital U) happens on campus July 25-27. That’s when Ed Sirianno of the firm Creative Communications Associates will be on campus to deliver three (or more) draft logos/wordmarks/brand identity concepts for your viewing pleasure. Ed will be here for two days, and we’re hanging on to the images for an extra day (Friday, July 27) just to give everyone more chances to take a look at the materials.

We’re holding a series of sessions to ensure as many students, faculty and staff as possible get a chance to see the concepts and share their opinions.

Here’s the schedule:

• Wednesday, July 25, 10 a.m.-noon, Carver-Turner Room, Havener Center
• Wednesday, July 25, 4-6 p.m., Carver-Turner Room, Havener Center
• Thursday, July 26, 10 a.m.-noon, Carver-Turner Room, Havener Center
• Thursday, July 26, 4-6 p.m., Carver-Turner Room, Havener center
• Friday, July 27, 9 a.m.-noon, Communications Conference Room, 105 Campus Support Facility
• Friday, July 27, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Communications Conference Room, 105 Campus Support Facility

That’s six opportunities for viewing. We’ll also give everyone an opportunity to provide feedback to Ed and the Brand Identity. If you have any questions about the unveiling, please contact Andrew Careaga, Brand Identity Team chair, at acareaga AT umr DOT edu.

St. Louis unveiling July 25

In our quest to share as much information as possible about how we’re developing Missouri S&T’s brand identity, we’re taking a set of the aforementioned brand concepts on the road. We’re holding two sessions in St. Louis – one around the lunch hour in St. Louis County and another in the evening in downtown St. Louis.

Here’s the schedule for the St. Louis sessions:

• Wednesday, July 25, 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. at Burns and McDonnell, 1630 Des Peres Road (at the intersection of Interstate 270 and I-44).
• Wednesday, July 25, 4:30-7 p.m., at Carmine’s, 20 S. Fourth St. (Fourth and Market streets), inside the Drury Plaza Hotel.

Any students, alumni or others in St. Louis on that date are encouraged to attend one of the sessions.

Thanks for reading.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 09:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When you tune in to 88.5 FM on your radio dial on Monday, you'll find that UMR's public radio station, KUMR, will have new call letters. Public Radio KMST will officially launch at 12:01 a.m. Central Time Monday, July 16. The station's new name will better reflect its relationship with the university soon to be known as Missouri S&T.

“Our name may be different, but KMST will still be the same station our listeners depend on for National Public Radio news and features and great local shows like Bluegrass for a Saturday Night and Sounds Eclectic," says KUMR General Manager Jim Sigler (story).

In a couple of hours (at 7 p.m.), Jim and I will discuss the radio and university name change in a call-in program. Tune in at www.kumr.org to listen live, or check 88.5 FM (96.3 FM if you're in Lebanon, Mo.).

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 10:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name Change News: June 26, 2007

Welcome to the latest in a series of occasional updates on the name change implementation. We hope to share updates on the process every Tuesday – but just in case we miss the mark by a day, be sure to visit the Name Change Conversations weblog at http://namechange.mst.edu for more information and updates.

In this issue:

Draft brand concepts to be unveiled July 25
IT Press blog provides updates on IT name change issues
Brand identity timeline on name change blog
FAQ update coming soon

Continue reading "Name Change News: June 26, 2007" »

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 09:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here's the latest timeline for the brand identity work associated with the name change:

• June 27 - communications audit report to be completed and submitted to Brand Identity Team

• June 29-July 2 - review of existing publications materials

• July 2-20 - creative concept development

• July 20-23 - internal review of creative concepts

• July 25 - on-campus presentation of three design concepts

• July 30-week of Aug. 6 - UMR feedback, creative concepts refined

• Aug. 13-24 - creative concepts prepared for testing

• Aug. 27-Sept. 7- on-campus testing of concepts

• Sept. 10-14 - final creative concept approval

• Sept. 17-Oct. 12 - new brand identity development for unveiling on campus

• Sept. 24-28 - graphic identity standards manual completed

• Oct. 1-12 - development of graphic templates

• Nov. 30 - formal on-campus unveiling of new brand

• Jan. 1, 2008 - UMR becomes Missouri S&T; implementation of external marketing strategy (internal and external marketing strategies will be developed and refined throughout the process)

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 09:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

UMR's IT department will use its official blog, IT Press, to update the campus community on how IT will coordinate the name change logistics. The blog "will be your primary source for IT related name change information during the coming months," write the IT blogfolk.

IT will be working diligently to minimize impact to the campus community from a technology prospective and will strive to provide as much information as possible as it relates to campus technology resources. For example, some of the questions to be addressed in this venue will include:

- What will happen to my computer as a result of the name change?
- When will my e-mail address change?
- What kind of support can I expect to receive from IT during the name change process?

We'll work closely with the IT Press bloggers to coordinate communication about the name change.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 04:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Actually, that headline is misleading. But I've always wanted to use it, and since I'm writing about today's brand identity forum, which I've flogged mercilessly on this site (see previous post), this may be my one and only chance to do so. That part about the PowerPoint is true, though. I added that to the headline just in case some of you thought this post would have no value. To get to the PowerPoint, read on.

We had around 70 people attend the forum. Most were staff, but we also had some academic department chairs and other faculty members and half a dozen students. I was hoping for greater student and faculty representation, but given the fact that we held this session on the first day of summer and when few students are on campus, I guess that isn't a horrible turnout.

The team's main objective today was to inform the campus community about why the Brand Identity Team exists, our progress to date and our future plans, and to offer the opportunity for questions. We'll post notes from the meeting in a few days. In the meantime, here's the PowerPoint presentation we used.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

One final reminder about the name change open forum. It will be held from 1:30-3 p.m. Thursday, June 21, in the Turner Room of Havener Center. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend to learn more about the project and the development of Missouri S&T’s brand identity. Team members will be on hand to discuss progress to date and upcoming steps.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 04:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Name Change News: June 19, 2007

Welcome to the latest in a series of occasional updates on the name change implementation. We hope to share updates on the process every Tuesday – but just in case we miss the mark by a day, be sure to visit the Name Change Conversations weblog at http://namechange.mst.edu for more information and updates.

In this issue:

Come to open forum, get 25% bookstore discount
Welcome two new team members
Displays, banners, etc., to be ordered in bulk
Brand Identity Team meetings: open to the campus
Fact sheet, sample letter available to departments
Promote the new name in your email signature
Creating signatures in Outlook, Entourage
Remember: it’s “Missouri S&T”
Name Change Conversations FAQ

Continue reading "Name Change News: June 19, 2007" »

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 08:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Name Change Open Forum
1:30-3 p.m. Thursday, June 21, 2007
Turner Room, Havener Center

The UMR/Missouri S&T Brand Identity Team will host an open forum for the campus community to discuss the status of the name change brand identity and marketing effort. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend to learn more about the project and the development of Missouri S&T’s brand identity.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 08:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Brand Identity Team responsible for coordinating implementation of the name change continues to evolve, with broader membership. Team members and their areas of expertise are as follows:

• Chancellor John F. Carney III (ex officio)
• Ron Miller, past president, UMR Board of Trustees, and Vice President/General Manager (retired), the Procter & Gamble Company (ex-officio)
• Andrew Careaga, director of communications (chair)
• Rebecca Frisbee, publications (graphic identity)
• Cheryl McKay, electronic marketing (web and e-marketing)
• Mary Helen Stoltz, public relations (media relations, editorial style)
• Tom Shipley, video communications (video)
• Connie Eggert, VC University Advancement (university marketing, fundraising)
• Jay Goff, Dean of Enrollment Management (recruitment)
• Marianne Ward, Executive Director, MSM-UMR Alumni Association (alumni relations)
• Darlene Ramsay, Alumni Association president (alumni relations)
• Mark Mullin, Athletic Director (athletics, student recreation, student recruitment)
• Lynn Stichnote, Director of Admissions (student recruitment)
• Vicki Callaway, Project Management, IT (web, online communications, telecommunications)
• Jesse Singleton, Printing Services (printing/templates)
• Ted Ruth, Physical Facilities (signage)
• Beth Groenke, President-elect, Student Council (student relations)
• Raj Kanwar Singh, President, Council of Graduate Students (student relations)
• Kurt Kosbar, Academic Council (faculty relations)
• Kim Frazier, Staff Council (staff relations, UMR Bookstore)
• Mark Potrafka, Student Affairs (student life)
• Lance Gentry, Assistant Professor of Business (marketing)
• Randy Stoll, Director of Business Services (administrative services)
• Lea-Ann Morton, Director, Career Opportunities Center (corporate recruiters)
• Jim Sigler, General Manager, KUMR (media, public radio)
• Larry Gragg, Chair, History and Political Science (faculty)
• Anne Maglia, Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences (faculty)
• Jeff Cawlfield, Professor of Geological Engineering and Director of Freshman Engineering (faculty, incoming students)

Additional Resources:

The UMR Communications Staff will assist the committee in the areas of:

• Developing branding/graphic identity concepts
• Developing a plan to promote the name change to internal and external audiences
• Recruitment marketing
• Staff support

The consulting team of SimpsonScarborough and Creative Communication Associates are providing assistance in brand identity development, graphic identity and marketing.

Meeting schedule

The team meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesdays in the Silver and Gold Room of the Havener Center, and all meetings are open to the campus community. Please feel free to join us.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 08:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As academic departments, admissions representatives, athletics and other organizations prepare to go on the road to recruit students, here's a MS Word document that can be used to help get the word out about the name change.

Missouri S&T Fact Sheet

Also, don't forget to send out letters to your external audiences to notify them of the name change. Here's a sample letter you can customize for those purposes.

Sample Letter

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 09:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Students, faculty and staff: Looking for an easy way to promote the upcoming name change? Use your email signature.

Just add a line to your email signature that says:

Effective Jan. 1, 2008, UMR becomes Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)

Andrew Careaga
Director of Communications
University of Missouri-Rolla
Office: 573-341-4183
Mobile: 573-578-4420
Email: acareaga@umr.edu
Visit UMR on the web: http://www.mst.edu
UMR research blog, served fresh daily: http://visions.mst.edu

Effective Jan. 1, 2008, UMR becomes Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 09:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Frequently Asked Questions document update includes information about the Brand Identity Team.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 05:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Now that the decision has been made to change the name from the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) to Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), this weblog's focus will change from its original purpose of offering alumni, students and others a forum for discussing the name change proposal. From here on out, the focus of this weblog will be to:

• provide information about the process to implement the name change, and

• provide readers an opportunity to offer feedback and input about the implementation

Very soon, we'll post a revised FAQ to better define this blog's revised purpose and to provide more information about the process the university will use to implement the name change by Jan. 1, 2008.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 04:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBacks (0)

The University of Missouri Board of Curators just voted -- unanimously -- to approve the plan to change the name from the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) to Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), effective Jan. 1, 2008. The name change is now official.

Here's the official news release from the university, to be posted on UMR News and Research.

Curators approve UMR name change

ROLLA, Mo. – The University of Missouri-Rolla will become Missouri University of Science and Technology – or “Missouri S&T” – under a proposal approved today by the University of Missouri Board of Curators.

The curators approved a recommendation from UMR Chancellor John F. Carney III today (April 6, 2007) during their meeting on the Rolla campus.

“Missouri S&T will better define the university as a leading technological research university,” Carney says. “We believe the new name will help to differentiate this university in a highly competitive university market and provide a national competitive advantage.”

The decision follows more than six months of research and discussion with numerous UMR constituents, including alumni, students, prospective students, faculty, staff, corporate recruiters and community leaders.

Carney says the name change will help the institution have a stronger identity while remaining a part of the four campus University of Missouri.

Carney first raised the name change issue during his State of the University Address to the campus community last October. UMR’s current appellation does not distinguish the campus as one focused on engineering, technology and science, he said.

Soon after he joined UMR in September 2005, Carney set a goal of making UMR one of the nation’s top five technological research universities by 2010. While UMR’s marketing materials already carry the tagline of “Missouri’s premier technological research university,” the institution is not as well known as it deserves to be in other parts of the United States, Carney says.

“The University of Missouri Rolla is unique among the four University of Missouri campuses because of our focus as a technological research university,” Carney says. “We believe a more distinctive name would afford UMR several advantages in recruiting students on a national level.”

The name change takes effect Jan. 1.

The university was founded in 1870 as the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy. It was informally known as the Missouri School of Mines, or MSM, until 1964, when it was renamed the University of Missouri at Rolla. The campus became known as the University of Missouri Rolla in 1968.

Alumni, students and others have been discussing the proposal on Name Change Conversations, a weblog the university created to foster communication about the proposal. The blog is online at http://namechange.mst.edu.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 04:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (29) | TrackBacks (0)

The External Affairs Committee of the University of Missouri Board of Curators voted today (Thursday, April 5, 2007) to endorse the proposal to change the name of the University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR) to Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). The proposal now goes before the entire Board of Curators, which will consider the proposal tomorrow (Friday, April 6, 2007).

Today's vote was a committee vote, which means the External Affairs Committee recommends that the full board approve the proposed name change.

Today, UMR Chancellor John F. Carney III presented the case for the name change in a fashion similar to his presentation at the March 23 press conference announcement -- i.e., he discussed the research results and shared the process used to conclude that Missouri University of Science and Technology should be the university's new name.

After Carney's presentation, Curator Marion Cairns, who chairs the External Affairs Committee, asked about how the university plans to address concerns of students who are not science or engineering majors. Carney replied that UMR's humanities, liberal arts and other non-engineering/non-science disciplines will continue to be an important part of the university. He added that the university has recently invested more funding into these departments. “These are critically important areas for our university," Carney said. "It’s simply not correct to think that a technological research university should not have a strong, vibrant psychology department. We have no intent of marginalizing any of those departments.”

Continue reading "External Affairs Committee endorses name change; full board to consider proposal on Friday, April 6" »

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 08:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) | TrackBacks (0)

The following media advisory has been released to the news media:

A proposal to change the name of the University of Missouri-Rolla to Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) will be considered by the University of Missouri Board of Curators during the board’s meeting this week on the Rolla campus.

The curators meet Wednesday, April 4, through Friday, April 6, on the UMR campus.

The curators will consider UMR Chancellor John F. Carney III’s proposal to change the university’s name to Missouri S&T. In announcing the proposed name on March 23, Carney said the name change will strengthen the institution’s identity. The Rolla campus would remain a part of the four-campus University of Missouri.

“The University of Missouri-Rolla is unique among the four University of Missouri campuses because of our focus as a technological research university,” Carney says. “We believe a more distinctive name would afford UMR several advantages in recruiting students on a national level.”

The curators will discuss the name change proposal first during a meeting of the External Affairs Committee. That committee meets from 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, in St. Pat’s Ballroom B&C. The External Affairs Committee will then report its recommendations on the proposal during the Board of Curators meeting, which begins at 9 a.m. Friday, April 6.

Another UMR-related item on the curators’ agenda is a proposal to designate a research park on the current UMR Golf Course property located on 10th Street, immediately west of UMR’s Allgood-Bailey Stadium.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 04:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

It occurred to me that some readers of this blog may not be aware of The Case for a Name Change. This is the university's position paper the outlines the reasons for pursuing a name change. If you haven't had a chance to review this paper yet, please do.

Posted by Andrew Careaga at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Since posting last Thursday's media advisory about the proposed name change, this blog has received 80-plus comments. Most of them have come from alumni and current students, and most of them have expressed opposition to either a.) changing the university's name at all, for any reason, or b.) the choice of Missouri University of Science and Technology, or Missouri S&T (or MUST, as some doggedly insist on calling it). This is not surprising, as public forums like this one typically draw their share of opponents and dissenters. That's the beauty of this type of communications medium: it gives people an outlet through which to express their views.

A few commenters have also veered off into discussing the issues related to marketing a new name. More about that in a