TESC Seeking University Status in NJ

[SteveFoerster]

Am not sure whether TESU will be the new name when university status is conferred. Is there any rule about name change? In my home country, it is often difficult for an institution of higher learning to change name. It takes ages (if at all ) for name change approval to be granted. Maybe Edison State University(ESU) or The University of the State of New Jersey (not to be confused with Rutgers- The State University of New Jersey), University of Trenton (UoT)? What name would you like TESC to change to upon university status approval?

I'd be very surprised if it becomes anything other than "Thomas Edison State University".

[bricabrac]

Am not sure whether TESU will be the new name when university status is conferred. Is there any rule about name change? In my home country, it is often difficult for an institution of higher learning to change name. It takes ages (if at all ) for name change approval to be granted. Maybe Edison State University(ESU) or The University of the State of New Jersey (not to be confused with Rutgers- The State University of New Jersey), University of Trenton (UoT)? What name would you like TESC to change to upon university status approval?

Personally, I don't think it a good idea to change a school name drastically; too much of its existing identity could/would be lost.

The new name is mentioned in the Trentonian article -
“We would have to demonstrate in the petition that we satisfy the criteria for using the name,” Pruitt said. “The secretary will evaluate the petition and then will make a decision. We expect that this time next year we will be Thomas Edison State University instead of Thomas Edison State College.” - Dr Pruitt

The only problem I can recall is is when the proposed name is too similar to an existing school. As was the case in the legal discussions between TESC and the school in Florida (Edison State College) now Florida Southwestern State College. See the article for background. Name change considered for Edison State | Fort Myers Newspaper | News, Business, Real Estate and Arts in Fort Myers FL | Florida

[SwaggyP]

This is what a TESC rep replied under the article they posted on their facebook page in response to questions:

" If you graduate when a college receives university status, your diploma would indicate university, regardless of when you enrolled."
and
"Great questions to ask! In New Jersey, being granted university status recognizes the level and diversity of programs that the institution already offers. NJ's criteria require the institution to demonstrate that 1.) It offers a broad range of baccalaureate degree programs as well as graduate studies leading to masters' degrees in at least three areas; 2.) It has graduate students who demonstrated superior achievement at the undergraduate level; 3.) It has faculty whose competence is known beyond the institution; and 4.) It has resources to support graduate education, including laboratory facilities, library support, and financial support for graduate student and faculty research. Finally, should the Commission confer university status, they approve a name change if it finds that the institution meets all requirements. The new designation simply permits an institution to change its name to reflect its status more accurately and in a manner consistent with peer institutions around the nation. So, as a graduate of a college before it achieves university status, it is customary to continue to use the college name, but you can include (after approval) that the institution is now referred to as a university. We hope this answer helps!"

My current ambitious goal is to complete about 50 remaining credits in time for April deadline for June Graduation. However, I might have to reconsider depending on when they get University status, I think it will definitely be by either June or September grad dates.

[sanantone]

I want TESC to shorten its name to Edison State University.

[SwaggyP]

Times of Trenton Editorial Board --- Editorial: University status for Thomas Edison State College would reflect school's growing profile | NJ.com

[Saharapost]

Does anyone know what's up about TESC's university status? Seems TESC has gone mute about it...

[Prloko]

Does anyone know what's up about TESC's university status? Seems TESC has gone mute about it...

The school applied. It's government, so god know how long the board who decides this is going to take.

[southsidej]

According to the Annual Report for FY2015:
"University status petition complete; submitting to NJ Secretary of Higher Education in 1st quarter FY2016."

I wasn't able to easily find their FY calendar, so not sure when that would be.

EDIT: It looks like FY2016 started on July 1, 2015, so the petition should have been submitted by now according to the strategic plan.

[Saharapost]

Let's hope by June 2016 university status will be approved.