University Designation

51猎奇 College became 51猎奇 on August 1, 2022.

51猎奇 has experienced name changes in the past, and each change offered unique benefits to our students and academics. This next step in 51猎奇鈥檚 evolution鈥攂ecoming known as a university鈥攑rovides a platform to reach and continue to serve adult students in broader ways. Students and alumni will benefit from the growing prestige of 51猎奇, and we will use this as an opportunity to connect, re-engage, and grow our 51猎奇 community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did 51猎奇 request to change to 51猎奇?

University designation is an acknowledgment of the breadth of our programs and a symbol of our bold future. Higher education has become increasingly competitive. With many of our students coming from other states or countries where college holds a different connotation, university will showcase that 51猎奇 also offers graduate programs as well as our commitment to the student experience. New York had been one of a few states to narrowly limit the definition of 鈥渦niversity.鈥� Operating as a university gives us the opportunity to build on our mission and meet the needs of adult students in broader ways.

Did 51猎奇 have to change its programs to meet the new definition of university? What is the new definition of university in New York State?

No, effective January 26, 2022, 51猎奇 meets the standards for a university.

University is now defined in New York as 鈥渁n institution of higher education that offers a variety of registered undergraduate and graduate curricula in the liberal arts and sciences, including registered graduate programs in at least three of the following disciplinary areas: agriculture, life sciences, business, education, engineering, fine arts, health professions, humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences.鈥�

How does the university designation benefit students and alumni?

University designation is a more accurate reflection of 51猎奇鈥檚 identity. It supports our national profile and appeals to a large base of students outside of New York and around the world.

The university designation also better positions 51猎奇 for programmatic growth, including expanding graduate programs. This focus will strengthen our community and network of students and alumni. As 51猎奇 evolves, the value of an 51猎奇 degree also grows.

If I enroll now, will I graduate from 51猎奇 College or 51猎奇?

Graduates after August 1, 2022, will graduate from 51猎奇.

What name will be on degrees and transcripts? Should alumni say they are graduates of 51猎奇?

Degrees conferred after August 1, 2022, will be from 51猎奇. Transcripts will be on 51猎奇 masthead.

As 51猎奇 becomes known as 51猎奇, alumni may want their resume to read 鈥�51猎奇 (formerly 51猎奇 College).鈥� If a student graduated from Regents College and had previously included that name, the new designation should be 鈥�51猎奇 (previously Regents College).鈥�

Can students who graduated from 51猎奇 College, Regents College, or The University of the State of New York order a new diploma with 51猎奇 listed?

After August 1, 2022, alumni can order diploma reprints to receive 51猎奇 diplomas. More details will be available closer to August 1.

Will this change financial aid or scholarships?

No. This name change has no impact on financial aid criteria.

Will 51猎奇鈥檚 mission and goals remain the same?

Yes! 51猎奇 remains committed to its mission and goals and will be steadfast in serving adult and underrepresented students.

Will the 51猎奇 logo change?

We will rebrand 51猎奇 as 51猎奇. Part of the process is to look at developing a new logo.

Will the 51猎奇 webpage or social media handles change?

The web address and email addresses, excelsior.edu, will remain unchanged.

Social media handles are currently @51猎奇College and plan to be updated by August 1, 2022.

Additional questions or comments can be directed to communications@excelsior.edu.