Minority Student Affairs will remain MSA, but with a twist.

On Dec. 1, MSA’s name changed to Multicultural Student Affairs.

A name change had been under consideration for a few years, and timing seemed right to make the switch, said Pete Englin, dean of students.

“Our belief is that the students will see it as a more appropriate and welcoming name for the office serving students of color,” he said. “It’s also more reflective of the national trends.”

Three factors led to the new name, said Leonard Perry, associate dean of students and director of MSA.

First, there had been ongoing dialogue with the Multicultural Student Services Coordinating Team about the negative impact of the term “minority.”

Second, in April 2004, the Dean of Students Office received a report from an external review team that stated, “Perhaps the time has arrived to change MSA to a more contemporary name.”

Third, in the spring of 2004, MSA sent out a survey to students who identified themselves as African-American, Asian-American, Pacific Islander, American Indian and Latino. The survey, sent via e-mail, consisted of a single question, “What are your feelings and thoughts regarding the word minority?”

MSA received more than 100 responses from students. Results showed 70 percent of the students of color who participated in the survey found the word minority offensive on some level, Perry said.

“Minority is viewed as inferior to me, as if we have no power,” a survey response read. “Our vote doesn’t count. Our opinion does not matter.”

Other students also believed the term was negative.

“The word itself has some bad connotations, and because of that fact the standards are supposed to be lowered,” another response read. “If you call them minority, they will believe it.”

The survey indicated a name change would be welcome.

Amanda Berenguel, senior in child, adult and family services, said she voted on a name change a few years ago, and “multicultural” won. However, no name change occurred until now. Berenguel said she’s glad the change finally happened.

“I like it,” she said. “It’s a lot more fitting.”

Minority is an old term and shouldn’t be used in reference to people, Berenguel said. MSA serves students from many cultures, so the word multicultural fits better, she said. Several names were considered, but multicultural was deemed the best fit, Perry said.

“That particular word was deemed to be positive and affirming,” he said.

A survey conducted to assess the climate on campus for multicultural students was not a factor in the decision to change MSA’s name, as the decision for the change was already made.