UCCB Board of Governors Embraces Cape Breton University Name

(Sydney, NS) - Having both monitored the overwhelming interest and concern by students, community residents and local politicians, the University College of Cape Breton (UCCB) Board of Governors today finalized the name change process initiated in June 2004. As a result of Board discussions and vote today, UCCB will from this point on be known as Cape Breton University.

Board of Governor Chair, Marty Chernin noted, “The passion and concern for the institution’s identity with Cape Breton ultimately convinced the Board that the name Cape Breton University was in the best interest of the institution now and for the long term.” He added that the original rationale for the name change still exists and now, more than ever, reflects pride of place while repositioning the institution within a variety of markets.

President John Harker stated that with resolution of the name change issue, Cape Breton University can now move forward with its very ambitious agenda.
“As an institution we are fully prepared to launch into local, regional and national fundraising campaigns. These are truly pivotal and exciting times for our institution and we want to channel our energies into generating the funds needed to support academic excellence, scholarship opportunities and sustainable development in Cape Breton. We are activating a challenging new Campus Plan that will address current and future needs for both the university and the community, with a view to enhancing our reputation locally, nationally and internationally.”

With the introduction of its new name, the university will expand its appeal but student recruitment efforts will continue to focus on small classroom sizes, excellence in academic studies and the overall student experience as highlighted in the 2004 Maclean’s University Graduate Survey. According to Director, Recruitment Marketing, Shea McInnis, “It is an ideal time for the name change to be finalized. It presents our recruiting staff with the opportunity to reinforce the university’s strengths under it’s the new name and allows us to update materials that carry these messages to potential students, counselors and parents in our target markets.”

President Harker indicated, “ Emphasis on the student-to-faculty ratio, quality education and student satisfaction will remain at the forefront of our communications with all audiences as those items are clearly our institutional priorities. At the same time, we will forcefully acknowledge that Cape Breton University is indeed proud of its local heritage.”

The new name of Cape Breton University will be visible without delay in all forms of public communication.

For More Information Contact: