The University has completed a series of forums with staff and students to seek their views of the possible move to the name ‘University of Wellington’ and is discussing the proposal with alumni and stakeholders.
A public meeting will also be held in downtown Wellington, on Wednesday 23 May.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford says there is considerable support for the name simplification, which is in response to international analysis showing confusion about the University’s name.
“There are a number of other universities around the world, including one in Melbourne, that also have the word Victoria in their name. As time goes by, the word Victoria is increasingly associated with geographic regions—rather than with Victoria University of Wellington—and particularly the state of Victoria in Australia.
“The clarity of our name is of paramount importance for the correct attribution of the research and achievement of our staff and students and to ensure degrees from our University are accorded the prestige they deserve.”
Professor Guilford says if ‘Victoria’ were to be retired from the University’s official name, there are many ways in which its heritage could be respected and honoured.
“For instance, retaining the word in publications, our physical facilities or some of our units such as clubs or halls of residence. We could potentially offer awards using the name and could consider regular symposia that bring alive this era and our connection to it across areas as diverse as literature, music, sociology, law, and politics, to name a few.”
Wellington’s Mayor Justin Lester has expressed strong support for the proposal.
“I wholeheartedly support a future-focused name—such as the University of Wellington.
“For me, this is about national and international recognition, a greater sense of connection to our capital city of Wellington, and a focus on addressing our future rather than reflecting our past.”
Professor Guilford says any future name simplification would not affect past graduates of Victoria University.
“No matter what happens, graduation certificates from Victoria University of Wellington are official certificates and will remain so.”
The public meeting will take place at 6pm on Wednesday 23 May in Lecture Theatre 1, Rutherford House, Bunny Street, Wellington.
Follow this link to register attendance at the meeting: https://bit.ly/2ru2PxM
There is more information on the University website. Feedback on the name simplification proposal can be emailed to Vice-Chancellor@vuw.ac.nz