Dartmouth University?

Is this sight in Dartmouth's future?

Soon enough, Dartmouth might have to restructure its list of selling points. After decades of boasting its status as the only “college” in the Ivy League, president-elect Phil Hanlon has recently confirmed discussions among the Board of Trustees to change the name of our school to Dartmouth University. However, before any decisions are made, Hanlon promises to hear feedback on the name change, even though the institution itself already operates as a university. Interim President Carol Folt has expressed her thoughts over the past year that a main reason for our monumental decline in ranking from 7^th in the nation twenty years ago to a ranking of 10^th in the nation today could be due to Dartmouth’s unwillingness to boost its international reputation by substituting the word University for College in its official name. The College’s dedication to providing an undergraduate focus is what separates it from its peers and makes it the most desirable institution for higher education. Changing the official name to Dartmouth University is likely to generate great concern among students and alumni who fear a transition from emphasis on undergraduate teaching. 

-- Hilary H. Hamm

Comments

[Joe Herring,'55]

It's common knowledge among those who study ancient religions that long ago, someone's name was what we might call the essence, or the inner being. Maybe the ancients were on to something. Since the Dartmouth College Case, " College " has defined our essence. Why should marketing dictate an essential change? Joe Herring,'55

[Pat]

Dartmouth was ranked #1 in undergraduate education this year....I call that an accomplishment. Why not celebrate that? Changing the name to "university" would shift an emphasis on what this institution is for...UNDERGRADS.

[Jane]

Hilary Hamm- You are a brilliant writer and make a great point.

[Tom]

I agree with Jane. Well done, and bravo!