Bill Summary for Bill Number SB12-148

Date: 03/14/2012

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB12-148

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Votes: View-->	Action Taken:
Refer Senate Bill 12-148 to the House Committee of	PASS

11:39 AM -- Senate Bill 12-148

Representative Duran, sponsor of Senate Bill 12-148, presented the bill. The bill changes the name of Metropolitan State College of Denver to Metropolitan State University of Denver.

The following persons testified:

11:40 AM -- Dawn Bookhardt, member of the Board of Trustees, Metropolitan State College of Denver (Metro), testified in support of the bill. Ms. Bookhardt stated that she is very proud to be a member of the Board of Trustees and takes her responsibility seriously and personally. She stated that Metro is fully committed to providing high quality, affordable education to a diverse and nontraditional community. She stated that the name change conveys respect for the school's roots and its students, and reflects the value of the Metro degree. She added that the institution will continue to break down barriers for students who want a respected degree from a well-respected institution.

Representative Hamner stated that she is surprised that the University of Denver (DU) is supportive of the name change, and asked Ms. Bookhardt to speak to that. Ms. Bookhardt responded, describing the three-year process to come to a consensus, stating that Metro worked with DU to create a coexistance agreement that spells out how the names will be used. She added that they have come to a final accord that is beneficial to both parties.

Representative Beezley asked about alumni of Metro and if their diplomas and transcripts would reflect the university name. Ms. Bookhardt deferred the question to the next witness.

11:47 AM -- Dr. Stephen Jordan, President, Metro, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Jordan discussed the process for coming up with the new name for Metro, stating that it was a three-year process that included several stakeholder conversations, preference surveys, focus groups, and meetings with business leaders. He stated that more than 10,000 people have participated in the process. He stated that the name change will show the evolution of the school, noting that the school currently has 24,000 students, grants one-fifth of all baccalaureate degrees in Colorado, and serves the most students of color of any other institution of higher education in Colorado. He discussed the success of Metro's nursing program, and a recent accolade the school received from the Mathematical Association of America for being one of the top fifteen schools in teaching calculus. He stated that 97 percent of the students at Metro are Colorado residents and that the school serves more transfer students in Colorado than any other institution of higher education, making Metro an affordable way to pursue a bachelor's degree and serving those students who might otherwise not be able to afford a four-year degree. He discussed the idea of having two universities sharing the same campus. He discussed the value that will be added to students' and alumni resumes as a result of the name change, stating that alumni will be able to receive diplomas and transcripts designated with the school's new name.

The committee congratulated Dr. Jordan on the work that Metro is doing.

12:00 PM -- Milroy Alexander, alumni, Metro, testified in support of the bill. He gave background of his career and experience at Metro. He stated that he likes the affordability and diversity of Metro. He stated that, in his belief, the name change will have a positive impact on Colorado's economy. He added that Metro has earned the right to be called a university.

12:07 PM -- Caitlin Gibbons, student, Metro, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Gibbons gave background of her time as a student at Metro, stating that she has had many amazing opportunities by attending the school. She stated that she wants future employers to understand that she attended a four-year school. She stated that Metro is a solution to the Colorado Paradox, noting that 75 percent of Metro alumni stay in Colorado after graduating.

12:10 PM -- Jesse Altun, student, Metro, testified in support of the bill. He stated that the name change will allow Metro to be represented exactly as it is, a university. He added that Metro's students and alumni contribute greatly to Colorado.

Representative Duran made closing statements to the bill.


BILL:	SB12-148
TIME:	12:14:15 PM
MOVED:	Todd
MOTION:	Refer Senate Bill 12-148 to the House Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a roll call vote of 11-0.
SECONDED:	Beezley
		VOTE
	Hamner	Yes
	Holbert	Yes
	Joshi	Yes
	Kerr A.	Yes
	Murray	Excused
	Peniston	Yes
	Ramirez	Yes
	Schafer S.	Excused
	Solano	Yes
	Summers	Yes
	Todd	Yes
	Beezley	Yes
	Massey	Yes

Final YES: 11 NO: 0 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS