The big change has been years in the making. From this point forward, Utica College will go by Utica University.

“For this university to move into this new age is really important, and it really elevates us as students,” said Mickeal Thompson, a student at the university.

Now, when Thompson and his friends say they attend Utica, they will be referring to Utica University, formerly known as Utica College.

“We’re full speed ahead," Utica University President Laura Casamento said. "It doesn’t change our business model at all.”

Casamento said the change in name doesn’t mean much else will change.

The institution has operated as a university for some time, and the school has petitioned for this change for 15 years, she said.

It comes thanks to a revision in the definition of “university” passed by the New York State Board of Regents at the start of this year, which dropped the requirement that a school offer at least three research doctoral degrees.

“It really was a state regulatory issue. It took them time to change it,” Casamento said.

Still, Casamento believes the name change will be significant for the future of graduates and international studies, and it could possibly mean more funding opportunities.

“It will position us for national and federal grants. We’re looking forward to that,” Casamento said.

The school is looking to spend less than $100,000 on rebranding across campus.