Students statewide choose University of Louisiana

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Originally Posted by derf

But you also have to realize that in these elections, less than 1% of the student body actually votes. To me thats not overwhelming in any sense. What are they gonna say to the legislature? "well less than 1% of the students want this, but thats an overwhelming majority of the voters" The representives would laugh them out of the capitol.

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secretly, I'm kinda hoping that 50% of the student body turns out to vote for this. Even though it's far fetched, I really believe we can make it happen with the help of everyone who feels so passionately about this issue.

Granted, I know this vote will not be able to signlehandedly sway the legislature enough to change their minds, but it will be a step in the right direction. But I also think that it would be a powerful statement to be able to say that even though normal voter turnout is only about 15% of the university, 40% of the student body turned out to vote in this election, and 98.9% percent of those voters approve of the name change.

I have a bad feeling that most students could care less if the Lafayette was there or not. Now that I have been out of school for 5 years I would vote for droping Lafayette. But I am not to sure I would have even voted when I was in school.

I hope I am wrong but I am afraid that this might be a disaster.

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Originally Posted by RaginCajun08

I have a bad feeling that most students could care less if the Lafayette was there or not. Now that I have been out of school for 5 years I would vote for droping Lafayette. But I am not to sure I would have even voted when I was in school.

I hope I am wrong but I am afraid that this might be a disaster.

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If I remember correctly, I think this has been voted on by the students before, possibly before the 1984 name change. I think it actually failed then. So, the only precendent we have on this is a failure. I think if it works, great. If it doesn't work, we're still in the same place.

But I think it will work.:D

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&nbsp;
University of Louisiana at Lafayette students may soon have the chance to vote on whether the "at Lafayette" should be dropped from the school's name. How do you feel?

<li> Michelle Harper
<li><b> Michael L. Barras </b>
<li> Amanda deLassus
<li> Sidney E. Savoie, II
<li> Paul Bessey
<li> Millie Cummins
<li> Marty J. Hebert
<li> Eric White
<li> Jonathon Clark
<li> Christopher Guidry
<li> Richard Daigle
<li> Eric Tober
<li> John F. Moore

<center><a href="http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060203/NEWS01/60203002">read the comments of the above Advertiser readers</a>

Battle for a Name Document
(no Angelfire ads)
<a href="https://forumeus.com">https://forumeus.com</a>


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Michelle Harper
My name is Michelle Harper and I am a junior at the University of Louisiana. I read that you want our opinion on our university's title.

As far as I am concerned, we are already just "UL", the best university in Louisiana.

Thank you for your time.

Michael L. Barras, Lafayette
It has recently come to my attention that pending a vote of the UL student body, the student government will pass a very important resolution. This resolution would specifically request that President Authement actively pursue the dropping of “at Lafayette” from the school’s official name. For the school’s name to be officially changed, President Authement would have to gain approval from the Board of Regents and the State Legislature. The reasoning behind changing the university’s official name to The University of Louisiana is staggeringly persuasive and the history behind the entire story is a prime example of Louisiana Politics at its worst.

The reasoning is clear. The name of our university should be officially changed to “The University of Louisiana” because of the prevailing custom around the nation. Specifically, that the oldest and largest of two or more universities sharing the name “University of State” be referred to as “The University of State.” Our state does not have an official “University of Louisiana,” but it does have two universities that share the name. Our university is the older and larger of the two. In fact, we are the second largest university in the state. Because we are the oldest and largest school with the name University of Louisiana, we should be referred to as “The University of Louisiana.” It would do nothing but good for the area and the state.

An examination of the history surrounding the name change reveals a rather peculiar story. Looking back, the school’s name was officially changed to “The University of Louisiana” in 1984. However, soon after this change the Board of Regents filed a lawsuit that sought to have the name changed back to USL. The lawsuit succeeded and the embattled legislature soon changed state law to provide that that a state university’s name may be changed only through a vote of the state legislature. Though not a member of the legislature, James H. Wharton then acting chancellor of LSU, was quoted as saying he was concerned that “the new name will result in the university’s expansion.” Such an expansion would possibly in future years jeopardize Huey Long’s archaic “Flagship” ideal for state universities.

The legislature’s opposition to the name change is seemingly based on the concern that if we became “The University of Louisiana” our university would grow and create competition for the “Flagship.” Ironically, the state legislature had no problems with changing the name of LSU at New Orleans to UNO. Even more ironic is that UNO used the same procedure in acquiring its new official name that our university used in 1984 in attaining the official name of “The University of Louisiana.” The fact that the name change is even an issue raises the question: Why is “The University of Louisiana” so difficult for certain people to accept? The changing of our university’s name to “The University of Louisiana” would do nothing but good for this area and the state.

The entire story surrounding our school’s “Battle for a Name” may be found at: http://www.angelfire.com/la3/ulragincajuns/battle.html

Amanda deLassus
As a recent graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, I am absolutely mystified as to why there is even a question about yet another name change.

How is this university going to ever establish any sort of identity or tradition for itself if it keeps renaming itself every few years?

Honestly, as an alumna, I'm already starting to feel schizophrenic at just the thought of another name change.

Enough is enough, folks. UL-Lafayette is a perfectly honorable name for a university--there is absolutely no valid reason to change after a mere seven years. It's time to stop playing the "Who are we?" game and just stick with the name we have now.

Sidney E. Savoie, II
Anybody that doesn’t think the name should be changed is crazy. It certainly can’t hurt, which means it can only help. It’s easier to remember, sounds more prestigious, etc….. I could go on forever.

Any UL fan that is in the know, any student that can see into the future and think big, knows that this name change would be huge for us.



I for one, believe that we should change the name to University of Louisiana.

Paul Bessey
i dont really think it matters. I know some people feel the "at Lafayette" part of the name makes it seem like a community or regional college, at least thats the argument I have heard. But I dont think that is close to true. a school builds reputation on performance. UCLA is University of California at Los Angeles, and no one argues it makes them less of a university.

Millie Cummins, Lafayette
I think the name of the university should be changed to Southwest louisiana University U.S.L\

Marty J. Hebert, Lafayette
Univ. of Louisiana

Eric White
University of Louisiana Yes no Lafayette

Jonathon Clark, LSU alumnus, Baton Rouge
As a former resident of Lafayette, I firmly believe that UL-Lafayette should pursue the dropping of the "Lafayette" designation--as it has opted for in the past and as the miniscule "Lafayette" letters have done from gates on Johnston.

UL is the second-largest public unversity in our state and deserves the full recognition as such, not as some regional or directional feeder school, especially when there is no proper University of Louisiana campus.

Many other states have both "University of X" and "X State Universitiy" designations where the academic and athletic traditions have established their namesakes, such as Oklahoma, Arizona, Arkansas, and even Mississippi.

Having a true University of Louisiana would not harm any other university in our state. If anything, it would cre ate a more productive competitive and cooperative academic atmosphere, which could only give the citizens of our state better choices for their futures.

Christopher Guidry
I think that the university should definitely try to change its name to The University of Louisiana. If not officially, then at least make it so that we go by The University of Louisiana, like UTexas and UNorth Carolina for example. There names still have their city behind them but are not used. It works for LSU, nobody ever says their whole name. This university is the premier of the University of Louisiana system in all aspects and it should be treated as such. I do not think that it will be changed easily though, due to the fact that there is tons of legislation in place, put there by LSU, in order to keep them as the only main Louisiana school. I urge you to take a look at the last time this school tried to change its name to the University of Louisiana. It was passed but then appealed. It went to state court and was overturned by a strong supporter of LSU. His classiness decided not to take himself off the bench for the case even though he knew he would not give a fair ruling.

Richard Daigle
Leave the name alone. The students have more important life and worldly issues to consider.

I moved away in 1983 and students were fighting game then too. Now 20 years later, a new generation of students feel they have the name the will make the great university from Lafayette, LA something special in other people's eyes.

The school is great! Move on my children.

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other word would smell as sweet."

--From Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

Eric Tober
Yes! UL is the state’s second largest university, a major research institution and an engine of the state’s economy and future prosperity. As with the name change from USL to UL-L, dropping the “at Lafayette” will help the perception of our university catch up with the reality of its size and capabilities.


Geaux Cajuns!

John F. Moore
University of Louisiana....that's what we pushed for in 1960. The LSU hierarchy, however, will never allow it (still). I get tired of sportscasters calling us "Lafayette", a real step down.




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Originally Posted by lxa656

Are you a student? Do you realize for there would have to be less than 150 votes for it to be 1%? What kind of point are you making?

While it is still a low turnout, the eletions usually bring in between 2 and 3k. Now I was not a math major, but that is between 15 and 20% roughly. Many universities and colleges do not normally spit our more than 50% of a student body in a vote.

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yes as a mater of fact i am a student. And i vote everytime there is an election. But, I am an exception not a rule. The only way to get high turn outs for an election is to have something the students can actually give a ____ about. I know that this issue is important to many people, but the simple fact is that wasting money on this any further is insane. The point that I was trying to make is that the school's percieved desire for a name change might be hurt by this vote. When the people higher up see the low number of students who bother to show up and vote on it, they may see it as a situation where if the students don't care enough to do this why should they. A university can call itself whatever it wants. Miami alumns and current students refer to their school as the U, and that doesn't cost a dime. I for one am just tired of seeing university money spent on a ____ing contest. Lets get back to what really brings prestigue and honor to a university. Academics and (yes) Athletics.

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Originally Posted by derf

yes as a mater of fact i am a student. And i vote everytime there is an election. But, I am an exception not a rule. The only way to get high turn outs for an election is to have something the students can actually give a ____ about. I know that this issue is important to many people, but the simple fact is that wasting money on this any further is insane. The point that I was trying to make is that the school's percieved desire for a name change might be hurt by this vote. When the people higher up see the low number of students who bother to show up and vote on it, they may see it as a situation where if the students don't care enough to do this why should they. A university can call itself whatever it wants. Miami alumns and current students refer to their school as the U, and that doesn't cost a dime. I for one am just tired of seeing university money spent on a ____ing contest. Lets get back to what really brings prestigue and honor to a university. Academics and (yes) Athletics.

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There will not be a university dime spent on this. Period.

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Originally Posted by BabbForHeisman

If I remember correctly, I think this has been voted on by the students before, possibly before the 1984 name change. I think it actually failed then. So, the only precendent we have on this is a failure. I think if it works, great. If it doesn't work, we're still in the same place.

But I think it will work.:D

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If it was up for a vote then, I sure didn't know about it. I sure would have voted for the change. If that is truly the case, the student government failed in its duty to even let us know there was a vote.

<! "I think it is a great opportunity for our university," said Trumaine Thomas, SGA president. "I strongly feel that this is our time." ->

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&nbsp; The Student Government Association (SGA) has decided to take on another endeavor. For the last seven years, this school has been referred to as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The SGA is now proposing to drop the latter preposition and rename the university to The University of Louisiana.

"I think it is a great opportunity for our university," said Trumaine Thomas, SGA president. "I strongly feel that this is our time."

The university has undergone numerous name changes during the past 108 years. Originally the Southwestern Louisiana Industrial Institute, the campus's land was donated to the city by the Girard family. Senator Robert Martin, after whom the building was named, proposed the legislation for the university to be built. Classes did not actually start until 1901, but the school was born in 1898.

<center><p><a href="http://vermilion.louisiana.edu/issues/20060222/News001.shtml" target="_blank">The rest of the story</a>

Author: Whitney Armentor

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In 1921, the school became the Southwestern Louisiana Institute (SLI). The institution had grown beyond industrial endeavors, which was the reason for the name change. Around this time, extensions of the campus were being built in other parishes.

After 38 years of serving, Stephens retired. At the time of his retirement, campus enrollment was at an all-time high of 2000 students. His replacement was Lether Frazar, who only served for three years. He did, however, oversee the construction of 12 of the buildings on campus. The next president, Joey Fletcher, would head the university for 25 years.

In 1960, the university underwent another name change. The state legislature approved the name to be changed to the University of Southwestern Louisiana (USL). The enrollment then was approaching 6000, and there was a graduate school and six colleges.

In 1961, the university acquired its first computer, and in 1966, Joey Fletcher was succeeded by Clyde L. Rougeou. In 1974, enrollment was nearly 12,000, and the president changed for the final time to date and President Ray Authement, Ph.D., was instated. Though he had been trying for many years, Authement was finally successful in changing the university's name in 1999 to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, which has now grown to more than 17,000 students.

Now in 2006, the SGA has begun the motions to change the university's name again.

"We are urging the president to start the process of changing the name to the University of Louisiana," Thomas said.

This change is based on an initiative started by the students and the community. The procedure is very intricate.

"This is a process," Thomas said. "It has to go through many different stages. The name of the university is actually law and to change it takes time."

The first stages of the process will begin on March 27-28. Students will be asked to log onto ULink and cast their votes for the change. If it passes, the resolution will be sent to Authement. From there, it will go before the board of regents and the state legislature.

The community and student body have been getting involved with the event. An article appeared recently in the Daily Advertiser covering the story. Many of the students feel the change would benefit the school.

"I think that it should be changed to the University of Louisiana," said Nick Segura, a junior visual arts major. " (It) sounds more prestigious, like we are an institution to be reckoned with."
Others on campus are apathetic to the change.

"I'm indifferent to the name change, considering (there are) other more important affairs that should be addressed," said Jay Karr, an instructor at the university.

The name change is still very much in the working. However, Thomas said he is optimistic about the event.

"This is something I've wanted to do before graduating and leaving SGA," he said. "It will only help the school."




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Originally Posted by derf

yes as a mater of fact i am a student. And i vote everytime there is an election. But, I am an exception not a rule. The only way to get high turn outs for an election is to have something the students can actually give a ____ about. I know that this issue is important to many people, but the simple fact is that wasting money on this any further is insane. The point that I was trying to make is that the school's percieved desire for a name change might be hurt by this vote. When the people higher up see the low number of students who bother to show up and vote on it, they may see it as a situation where if the students don't care enough to do this why should they. A university can call itself whatever it wants. Miami alumns and current students refer to their school as the U, and that doesn't cost a dime. I for one am just tired of seeing university money spent on a ____ing contest. Lets get back to what really brings prestigue and honor to a university. Academics and (yes) Athletics.

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Good post. We went from a regional school to a "city" school because people wanted the U of L in our name figuring we'll drop the Lafayette later. We settled for less than we wanted, now we get ticked when we are called Lafayette. This student voting will have absolutely nothing to do with us getting Lafayette dropped from our name in reality.

The board and legislature of this state are NOT going to let us be mistaken for being LSU or on the same level.

We need as alumni to pour money into this school. Money talks and if you want to kick A _ _, that's what it will take.

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Originally Posted by showdog

This student voting will have absolutely nothing to do with us getting Lafayette dropped from our name in reality.

The board and legislature of this state are NOT going to let us be mistaken for being LSU or on the same level.

We need as alumni to pour money into this school. Money talks and if you want to kick A _ _, that's what it will take.

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I agree, except for I would like to see for a fact that today's students do care about this issue.