ACAD gets a name change, now officially known as Alberta University of the Arts

CALGARY (660 NEWS) — Amid a blast of confetti, Calgary’s post-secondary arts institution received a long-awaited name change and with it, a new designation.

Effective Thursday, the school formerly known as the Alberta College of Art and Design is now the Alberta University of the Arts.

“AU Arts. How great is that?” proclaimed Mayor Naheed Nenshi in front of a cheering crowd of students and faculty.

“We’re not celebrating a new institution of higher learning, we’re celebrating an outstanding institution of higher learning that is finally getting the label that it deserves,” said Nenshi.

After years of chatter and expectation the school would receive university status, it was the current NDP government that made the final decision ahead of the 2019 election.

“It’s been a long time coming,” said Advanced Education Minister Marlin Schmidt. “They asked the previous government to make this name change, and they refused to do so. We’re very pleased to be able to recognize the quality of education, the level of education that’s provided here for the students, and make a name change that reflects that.”

The new name brings with it new standing, which should have far-reaching effects for current and future pupils.

“To be able to graduate from a university, and to be able to have that mobility to other institutes of higher learning across the country and around the world, and it’s also important for the recognition of the value we put on arts education here in the province to give them the same level of esteem as any other university in the province,” added Schmidt.

AU Arts President and CEO Dr. Daniel Doz echoed those words and said this has many impacts.

“It’s good for the institution, it’s good for the city, it’s good for the province, and really it’s good for the students because it’s a validation of what we’ve been doing and it validates their degree. It’s really great.”

Doz said when he approached the previous provincial government about upgrading the school, they assured him that it would not happen. So for the past few years, they have made slight changes — such as introducing university-level courses and changing the faculty makeup — to pave the way for this eventual announcement.

There’s a chance this could also drive more students to the school.

“I think for parents, it’s a reassurance that what we’re doing is on par with everyone else. So, I think it addresses issues of perception,” added Doz.

On the subject of choosing the name, Doz said students were supportive of having an “umbrella name” that includes all arts, to increase its global reach and allow for new disciplines to be added in the future.