Minnesota State system-affiliation identifier.
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities today endorsed an initiative that changes how the system refers to itself from “MnSCU” to “Minnesota State.”
St. Cloud State and its sisters institutions will not be required to change their names, but they will use the system affiliation identifier in conjunction with their logos and brand identities to signify that they are members of the Minnesota State system. Brand guidelines will be forthcoming.
The new nickname creates a platform for future communication and promotional materials that will raise awareness of how the colleges and universities of Minnesota State differ from other higher education institutions in the state.
Updating SCSU branding materials
At St. Cloud State we will use up existing branding materials, then we will create new materials that include the new system affiliation identifier. We’ll be updating our web site and social sites and considering collaborative marketing efforts.
“Research has shown that the vast majority of Minnesotans – including prospective students, parents, and community leaders – don’t know what ‘MnSCU’ means or how our state colleges and universities are different from other higher education institutions,” said Michael Vekich, board chair.
“The Board of Trustees has made presenting a clearer identity a priority. It is critical for any organization to build awareness and understanding with it key constituents,” Vekich said.
“Minnesota State should be known and understood as a system of colleges and universities united to provide an extraordinary education that is affordable and accessible, enhancing quality of life, and ensuring prosperous communities,” said Minnesota State Chancellor Steven Rosenstone. “More clearly communicating this will help prospective students and the communities we serve to better understand the tremendous value our colleges and universities deliver.”
The move does not change the nation’s fifth-largest higher education system’s legal name, which is written in state statute.
The Minnesota State system office will begin making the change in July by taking such steps as revising electronic letterhead, updating the website, and using it on newly printed mailers and brochures. Campuses will take steps to indicate they are a member of the Minnesota State system in phases over the next two years, as supplies of existing materials are depleted.
