University of Louisiana System

[NewsCopy]

Name Change Policies

All uses of the name “University of Louisiana” must be followed by the word “at” . . . The word “at” must be no less than 50% . . . of the University of Louisiana name. Any institutional use of “University of Louisiana” without the “at” and geographic location is prohibited.

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Official University names
University of Louisiana System Bylaws 1999

SECTION I. DEFINITIONS
A. University of Louisiana System. The term "University of Louisiana System" or "System" when used in these bylaws shall refer to the system of campuses governed by the Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System as contained in R.S. 17:3217 and, as amended through July 1, 1999, includes the following institutions:
Grambling State University at Grambling
Louisiana Tech University at Ruston
McNeese State University at Lake Charles
Nicholls State University at Thibodaux
Northwestern State University of Louisiana at Natchitoches
Southeastern Louisiana University at Hammond
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
University of Louisiana at Monroe

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[Turbine]

When the bylaws that tell a school what to call itself, override legalese and involkes use of a common name to refer to itself, (in this case "SYSTEM" for University of Louisiana System) it is an open and shut acknowledgement that a nickname or "common name" is totally acceptable in both legal documents and everyday usage. Point being Lafayette does not need to be on Ragin' Cajun clothing.

Just like the word System for ULS the word "Louisiana" is legally acceptable for use as the common name for the University of Louisiana at La. The edict in no way prohibits simple usage of "Louisiana" in fact the details of the edict require "UL at Lafayette" as "UL Lafayette" is illegal.

When following the edict to a 't', there are only two usage’s where 'at' is not required. One is U L L, the other is simply Louisiana.

The fact is this. UL Lafayette and Louisiana Lafayette are both anti edict. So yes there is plenty of name leeway for La LOUISIANE to use. Such as Louisiana, Louisiana's Ragin' Cajuns, and Ragin' Cajuns of Louisiana.

Do not confuse letterhead requirements with DBA. Very few incorporated businesses use their legal name. A student rag will not be confused with an official document.

I wonder how the edict allows La LOUISIANE to retain the name. I wonder how the yearbook can retain the name 'L'ouisiana Acadien. The choices for the magazine are plenty and untapped.

The discussion on a battle for a better name goes all the way back to President Stephens despising Institute. Why stop now? It is our duty.

Only when the term "University of" is used, does the 'LSU' rule come into play. Nationwide 'University of' schools simply refer to them selves by the state they are in, Georgia, Nebraska, Oklahoma . . . all of these are "at" city schools, but it is the state alone defines who they are.

Here is why the name police are flat out silly.

If you enforce the "LSU name rule" to the hilt, just saying "university" would be wrong. Of course no writer would think of just saying university without first establishing context. In every article written it would be proper to define the context either in a title, subtitle or first paragraph as the "University of Louisiana @ Lafayette" However once the context is established it is silly to continue to use the full 100% legal name. This doesn't happen in business it doesn't happen in court it just does not happen anywhere. It doesn't even happen in the University of Louisiana System bylaws.

In their own bylaws they establish context then proceed to call themselves "System"

The point is this, once an article establishes the name University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Louisiana is all that is needed the rest of the way, and it complies with the "LSU rule."

I agree the content of the current edition of Là Louisiane is very interesting and informative. This is especially true for those who may have ignored football over the years.

Personally I feel they have underestimated the multipliers of money spent on the football program. I would love to either see or create a Wal-Mart/Louisiana money spent comparison.

Back to "the big point on the name issue." Perhaps it is just I, but I fail to see and advantage in cowering.

Some think I am way out in left field on the battle for a name. I remind those that I wish for "the University" (illegal term according to the law) too toe the line in all aspects of the law (edict).

I could understand the desire to censor if the exact same quotes were used 100 times. Even then they should be acceptable if used in a matter of reminder.

If say BR developed the perception that a student writer didn't toe the line, that the majority of the legislators/senators would hold this against Dr. Ray Authement? If this occurred it would be nationally laughable that a State favored school actually cowers and retaliates to a point that it tries to dictate what an op-ed column might say.

I actually agree with the edict in one respect "at" is by far the most important part of their focus. Common illegal usage today that lumps Louisiana-Lafayette, or UL-Lafayette together as one word is in fact detrimental usage as it gives the appearance of being the name of "the University" *, it is not.

Use of the word "at" presents an accurate who followed by where image. Whereas Louisiana-Lafayette simply promotes outsiders to call us "Lafayette" and think that is our name. If instead were "at" to be used exclusively by writers who do not wish to refer to UL as Louisiana then casual readers would be far less likely to pick the "where" when referring to the "who". Rather they would more likely to pick the "who" when referring to Louisiana.

However the voluntary literary cubbyhole of not establishing context, and following it up with a common reference boggles my mind. I contend the UL systems intent is being over complied with. Is there any other organization on earth with this stipulation? The limitations are so incredibly specific, to not take advantage of what is allowed is to not prepare for the marathon. It also gives the impression that commercial newspapers with 100% local circulation must meet the same criteria as “the University”

[RaginCager]

Use of the word "at" presents an accurate who followed by where image. Whereas Louisiana-Lafayette simply promotes outsiders to call us "Lafayette" and think that is our name. If instead were "at" to be used exclusively by writers who do not wish to refer to UL as Louisiana then casual readers would be far less likely to pick the "where" when referring to the "who". Rather they would more likely to pick the "who" when referring to Louisiana.

I could not agree more and I am voting for UL.

[CajunCharlie]

As usual, Turbine "hit the nail on the head".!

[cajun tom]

As usual, Turbine "hit the nail on the head".!

Take down those 2 stupid banners that hang in the Cajundome and Earl K. Long gym that say Louisiana--Lafayette on them.

[Turbine]

Take down those 2 stupid banners that hang in the Cajundome and Earl K. Long gym that say Louisiana--Lafayette on them.

I agree, because while the administration may consider the term acceptable it isn't any more legal than just LOUISIANA

[shasta]

i dunno whats sadder, that we have to fight for a name, or that we actually paid someone to write a law about a name, which IMO is a waste of taxpayer money

[Turbine]

Act 45 (Appendix A) of the 1995 Regular Session

The use of the two-letter University of Louisiana abbreviation, “UL,” and/or the phrase “U of L” are prohibited by the university or any of its affiliated organizations (alumni associations, development foundations, bookstores, etc.). For academic, public relations, athletic, as well as other purposes not specified, the use of the University of Louisiana abbreviation must always include the abbreviation for the municipal location of the institution. For example, ULR is appropriate for University of Louisiana at Rayne.

The judge took the tack that if there was no "law" that said you COULD do something . . . you couldn't. The legislature showed that preventative laws do not work that way.

Unfortunately (for the anti Louisiana crowd) when a new law gets so fancy-dancy on what you CAN'T do, then what goes un-banned becomes an available option.

LOUISIANA is an available option.

jmo

[HoustonCajun]

I have been suggesting ULA and Louisiana since the name change. Now, we find it may be a legal reference, at least it is not mentioned as being illegal. I don't really know the objection to ULA. It puts us in unique company with only Georgia (UGA) and Virginia (UVA), it clearly indicates the University of Louisiana, there is no confusion with Louisville, it separates us from ULM, and it appears legal so the university can support it and we can use it on all university licensed gear.

We continue to force the issue with UL and the university won't budge, so the general public has no common reference other than ULL outside of Lafayette and UL inside Lafayette. Why not ULA and Louisiana and seek local, state and national use of it in reference to our university?

[rhineaux]

_ I have been suggesting ULA and Louisiana since the name change. Now, we find it may be a legal reference, at least it is not mentioned as being illegal. I don't really know the objection to ULA. It puts us in unique company with only Georgia (UGA) and Virginia (UVA), it clearly indicates the University of Louisiana, there is no confusion with Louisville, it separates us from ULM, and it appears legal so the university can support it and we can use it on all university licensed gear.

We continue to force the issue with UL and the university won't budge, so the general public has no common reference other than UL outside of Lafayette and UL inside Lafayette. Why not ULA and Louisiana and seek local, state and national use of it in reference to our university? _

I am for that, more or less anything to do with getting away from the double L or whatever ESPN decides to use for any given game. but I can tell you exactly what will happen. State, and all of its minions, will oppose this, and may bring us to court over it, and we may end up with a situation like in '84 with a crooked judge. the main difference is that now, with the internet, and other widespread media coverage on TV and such, in such an event, a campaign favoring our decision and detailing the unethical goals sought by individuals opposing our decision, even though we are obiding the word of the law, can be generated and help gain opposition to those opposing us. People are so outraged these days about the unfair treatment of everything, that it would likely cause some sort of uproar, if for no other reason than many people trying to get away from the good ol' boy system that LA has worked under since its inclusion into the union. It would be worth a fight, but with a new president, it would be hard to quickly instill that sense of pride in him.

[DestinCajun]

_ I am for that, more or less anything to do with getting away from the double L or whatever ESPN decides to use for any given game. but I can tell you exactly what will happen. State, and all of its minions, will oppose this, and may bring us to court over it, and we may end up with a situation like in '84 with a crooked judge. the main difference is that now, with the internet, and other widespread media coverage on TV and such, in such an event, a campaign favoring our decision and detailing the unethical goals sought by individuals opposing our decision, even though we are obiding the word of the law, can be generated and help gain opposition to those opposing us. People are so outraged these days about the unfair treatment of everything, that it would likely cause some sort of uproar, if for no other reason than many people trying to get away from the good ol' boy system that LA has worked under since its inclusion into the union. It would be worth a fight, but with a new president, it would be hard to quickly instill that sense of pride in him. _

I'm a UL Ragin' Cajun alumni, friend, fan and supporter. Anyone having a personal problem with that just needs to sit down with Dr Phil, have a long talk with him and deal with it.

[CajunCherokee]

Its all about perception. UT is actually the University of Texas at Austin and there are many other schools in the UT system, such as UT at Arlington and UT at San Antonio. But nobody refers to UT as the University of Texas at Austin. They are just the University of Texas. And everyone refers to the others with their "at ____" intact.

The more success we have, both academically and athletically, but mainly the latter, in the national scene, the more we improve our perception from the public. The more we improve our perception from the public, the more we separate ourselves from other Louisiana universities, specifically Monroe, the more likely they (broadcasters, websites, etc.) drops "at Lafayette" from our name.

With the recent change with our AD and the upcoming change with our President, we need to make more strides to improve our perception throughout the national scene. This includes playing in bowl games, playing Louisville and Rick Pitino at the NCAA Tournament, playing A&M in regional baseball, softball going to the World Series, etc. I believe that with improved success, whether out of laziness to say the full university name or not, we can start being PERCEIVED as the University of Louisiana.

And as long as we continue to have success, the rest will take care of itself.