He knows Westminster College's nine graduate programs and 500 graduate students are an important part of the school, but so is the intimate liberal-arts college setting experienced by 2,000 undergraduates.
"There are good arguments for keeping the [college] name and good arguments for changing it," he said. "There's probably no right or wrong answer. It's a complex and subtle issue."
A 14-page report issued by a committee formed to explore a possible name change reached the same conclusion. The report ticks off arguments in favor of renaming Westminster as a university, such as better international recognition, more emphasis on graduate programs and the publicity a name change can generate.
It also lists the reasons for staying with the college name, saying it best represents the mission of the school, the title university could alienate alumni and donors and there is "no compelling reason" for the name change.
Dick van Klaveren, the chairman of the naming task force, voted to change the school's name to Westminster University, but reiterated the fact there were no compelling reasons for the change.
"Many colleges have changed their names to better reflect the changing definition of what a college and a university are," he said. "Colleges seem to make people think of community colleges or two-year schools, while the university name better reflects today what students are looking for in a four-year institution."
Both van Klaveren and Bassis recognize a name change is emotional for many students, faculty, staff and alumni - all of whom voted in a poll to keep the college name.
Jonathan Jemming, an alumnus who served as student body president in 1996-1997, wrote a strongly worded letter to the trustees encouraging them to keep the school's name.
"I implore the school to consider the effects of constant 're-invention' rather than the substantive development of the fantastic foundation already in place at the school. Alumni feel disconnected from the school because many of the traditions of the school have already been abandoned. This affects our willingness to donate, visit and to share with our now alien alma mater," he wrote, citing several schools, such as Boston College and Reed College, which have retained their name.
Regardless of the name, Bassis said, the school's academic mission will continue to focus on both improving undergraduate and graduate education.
Bassis has yet to make his recommendation to the school's Board of Trustees, who likely won't announce a decision until school recommences in the fall.
"I'm still thinking hard. I'm weighing the good arguments on one side and the good arguments on the other side," he said. "There's no rush to make a decision."
---
* SHEENA MCFARLAND can be contacted at smcfarland@sltrib.com or 801-257-8619.
* "College" describes Westminster's status.
* The university title, and the emphasis on graduate programs it implies, is inconsistent with the thrust of the school's strategic plan.
* There is no compelling reason to make a change.
* A name change is inconsistent with views of current students, faculty and staff, of alumni from different eras, and of opinion leaders in Utah.
* The claimed international advantages are unproven.
* A university designation accurately describes Westminster's status and serves as a symbolic statement of interest in, and future support for, graduate programs.
* A shift to university status should increase the number of potential students interested in Westminster.
* There are advantages to a university name in terms of international activities.
* A name change can draw attention to Westminster.
Source: Westminster College/University Task Force Final Report
