Kansas State University, together with the current Dean of the College of Technology and Aviation, Verna Fitzsimmons, are trying to change the official name of Kansas State University Salina to Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus. Many alumni and current students agree this is a negative change and we are showing our displeasure through many avenues including this petition. Signing this petition shows your support of our efforts to block this change.

Kansas State University Salina has been known by many names in its 50 year history. Starting out as the "Shilling Institute" on the old Schilling Air Force Base in 1965, the college became the first technology college in the state of Kansas. In 1968, the college was renamed "Kansas Technical Institute" until 1988 when it became "Kansas College of Technology". In 1991, the Kansas College of Technology merged with Kansas State University and the university's ninth college, the College of Technology and Aviation, was created.

During the 24 years that followed, Kansas State University Salina and the College of Technology and Aviation has made great strides toward correcting the misconception that the college continues to be a "technical college" or a "junior college". Many alumni, of all the different iterations of the campus and college, are proud of the effort they made while attending the school in dispelling this mistaken belief. Student Body Presidents, Alumni Fellow, Alumni Association Board Members, Student Ambassadors, University Recruiters, as well as full- and part-time students, have all strived to replace fact for misconceptions. Even the previous President of Kansas State University, Jon Wefald, communicated to the campus his intentions to make the campus just an extension of the main campus, enjoying all the same rights, privileges, and respect any student in Manhattan would receive. Many alumni continue promoting the campus, the degrees, and the college's graduates to anyone who will listen. To be sure, graduates today receive greater recognition of their alma mater’s name throughout many industries; a privilege not previously enjoyed.

On September 17th, 2015, plans were announced that Dean Verna Fitzsimmons, "...has begun the formal process to change the name of the Salina campus..." This came as a shock to many people who had heard nothing of this proposed change. Shock quickly turned to dismay as news of the next name, Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus, became public. The administration is quick to point out that the college's title, College of Technology and Aviation will remain the same and the renaming applies "only" to the campus but continues on to say, "...there will mostly like be a shortened second reference..." to the Polytechnic name. 

To many, the word "polytechnic" has a very off-putting connotation or, at least, is unfamiliar. Many prospective students may not understand the true definition of the word and how it applies to their prospective degree or educational format. Especially in the recruitment of future students, this will have negative consequences. Consider the comparison with other universities with aviation degrees. A prospective student would compare "UND Aerospace" to "Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus" or to "Kansas State University College of Technology and Aviation." That individual, who is seeking a collegiate experience, may not see themselves as a polytechnic student.

The name change also diminishes the very programs for which many alumni and students have worked so hard in order to gain recognition and acceptance in the various industries in which graduates now work. Throughout the world, Kansas State University Salina (KSUS) Alumni are advocating the bachelor’s and master's degrees offered by the College of Technology and Aviation and encouraging new students to consider Kansas State University for their higher education. Many Fortune 500 companies benefit from their KSUS Alumni whose efforts, education, and skills are positive proof that Kansas State University Salina has top notch graduates.

Please join the other signers of this petition to signal to the Kansas State University Administration that we DO NOT support the proposed name change of Kansas State University Salina. We encourage everyone to reach out to Kansas State University's President Kirk Schulz and Dean of the College of Technology and Aviation, Verna Fitzsimmons, the Kansas Board of Regents, as well as your elected officials to voice your disagreement to this change and how it can negatively affect Kansas State University.

Kansas State University President Kirk Schulz: kirks@k-state.edu

Dean of the College of Technology and Aviation Verna Fitzsimmons: vfitzsimmons@k-state.edu

The Kansas Board of Regents: http://www.kansasregents.org/

Find your Kansas legislator: http://openkansas.org/