Students and faculty agree that renaming ASU at the Polytechnic Campus - formerly ASU East - over the summer was a positive step in the campus' development.
The administration is hoping the new moniker will more accurately represent the campus' focus. ASU President Michael Crow's vision for ASU - the New American University - is to diversify the school and offer a wide variety of programs.
The Polytechnic campus, which adopted the new name July 1, is centered around hands-on learning for its focused majors. Until recently, its name didn't reflect its specialization.
The Polytechnic campus offers degrees in fields such as Aeronautical Management and Technology, and Professional Golf Management.
Christine Lambrakis, assistant director of Public Affairs at the Polytechnic campus, said the campus offers "programs unique to the area," and the new name will reflect what the campus is really about.
The mission of the campus is to increase competitiveness and prepare students for the workplace without further training, she added.
Not everyone thinks the name change was necessary.
Patrick Reed, an aeronautical management student, did not think the name change made a difference. He said he thought it was an attempt to make the campus sound more appealing.
But some students feel changing the name honors the campus' distinct character.
Jake Troutman, a junior in the professional flight program, said he liked the name change because it reflected the campus' specialized programs.
Professor Scott Danielson, chair of the Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology department agreed.
"[The new name] sharpens our vision," he said.
Reach the reporter at nicole.arrow@asu.edu.
