What will be the new name of the College?
Palm Beach State College
Who made the decision to change the name and how was it chosen?
The District Board of Trustees voted June 9, 2009 to change the name following the results of a survey of students, faculty, staff and the community, who overwhelming supported a name change. The name Palm Beach State College also received the most votes followed by Palm Beach College. On Sept. 8, 2009, after a recommendation from a college-wide committee, trustees unanimously chose Palm Beach State College.
When will the new name become effective?
The name will become effective with the start of the Spring Term in January 2010.
Why is the College changing its name?
Palm Beach State College better reflects the increased opportunities with the College's new bachelor's degree offering and the trend around the state to increase access to affordable four-year degree programs in high-demand fields.
While the term "community college" typically is associated with two-year schools, the name Palm Beach State College has a broader perception. It is more appropriate now that the College is offering the bachelor's degree in addition to associate degrees and certificate programs. The College began offering its first Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Supervision and Management in fall 2009. It is seeking state approval to offer additional bachelor's degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in nursing and B.A.S. in information management technology.
What steps were required to change the name?
The Florida Legislature has authorized local trustees to change their institution's name if the college has approval to offer four-year degrees. The name, however, must procedurally be codified by the Florida Legislature so that it can be updated in the Florida Statutes and other official state documents.
Does the new name mean that the College will forget its original mission?
No, the College remains committed to providing open door access to higher education. Historically, the College has responded to the changing needs of its students, community and the workforce with new programs and services. The new bachelor's degree program enhances our program offerings, and it is another example of our commitment to addressing the needs of our students, community and workforce.
What is the community's reaction to the name change?
News of the name change has been well received in the community. The trustees did not take lightly the decision to change the name. They particularly wanted input from the internal and external community about the name change as well as the College's decision to offer bachelor's degree programs. The last time PBCC changed its name was in 1988 to reflect its expanded offerings, including continuing education, lifelong learning and career programs for the community.
Have other community colleges dropped "community" from their name?
Yes, it has been a national and statewide trend over the past several years. In Florida, 13 other community colleges now offer bachelor's degrees, and all of them have removed "community" from their name. This enhanced mission of community colleges to offer bachelor's degrees largely is what led the Florida Legislature to change the name of the system from the Florida Community College System to the Florida College System.
Will the College have a new Web address and new e-mail addresses?
Yes, the name change necessitates new Web and e-mail addresses. The current addresses will continue to work for a certain transition period. More specific information will be provided when it is available.
Will students who began their studies when the name was Palm Beach Community College need to do anything?
No. The new name will be recorded on transcripts and will appear on diplomas and certificates awarded after January 2010.
Do instructors and other staff members need to change anything?
Yes, they should use the transitional logo in all communications to help promote to students and the community that the change is coming in January 2010. It is recommended that employees not order any products or publications in large quantities with the transitional logo unless those products or publications will all be used this year or early in 2010. More information is available at www.pbcc.edu/NameChangeInfo.xml.
Instructors and staff will also need to update their web pages and syllabi to reflect the new college name as well as changing all their links to reflect the new domain name.
I'm attending a conference soon. What should I say is the name of our College?
Until the start of the Spring 2010 term, the name of the College remains Palm Beach Community College. If an event happens after the start of the Spring Term, you can use Palm Beach State College to complete your registration materials so that when you attend the event your badge will correctly reflect the new name.
I'm planning to order materials, supplies and student uniforms. What should I do?
If customized materials with the school logo and name must be ordered now, you must use the transitional logo. However, you should not order any supplies in large quantities; order just what you will consume in a few months.
Do not discard materials with the current name on them at this time, but use those materials until they run out. If you are ordering student uniforms that will not be used until January, you can order them with the name Palm Beach State College but with no logo. No uniforms with the name Palm Beach State College should be worn prior to the start of the Spring 2010 term.
Will all of the building signs, billboards and interstate signs change?
Yes, over time, all signage will be changed to reflect the new name.
Should the College be doing this in a tight budget year?
The College is developing a replacement schedule to update these signs in the most cost-effective manner. Much of the outdoor signage must be replaced periodically as a part of normal maintenance, and the updates can be done according to schedule.
Will the College's logo, mascot and colors change?
A College-wide Brand Refresh Committee is exploring changes in various brand identity elements to launch the new name. Students and the community will have the opportunity to weigh in on various options through an online survey in November. The roaring panther will remain the College's mascot. The College seal will be updated to incorporate the new name.
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