SUNY Oswego, or as it's formally known, the State University of New York College at Oswego, is now officially recognized as a university, according to a press release from the university Tuesday, 

While it'll still be known as SUNY Oswego, the official title became "State University of New York at Oswego" on Jan. 1, 2023. The name change was approved by Interium Chancellor Deborah Stanley, according to the press release.

“This formal designation appropriately represents who SUNY Oswego is today – a premier institution proud of its shared commitment to excellence and unwavering efforts to place student success at the center of all we do,” said Officer in Charge Mary C. Toale. “Recognized officially as a university reinforces our institutional priorities; spotlights our high-quality, high-impact practices inside and outside the classroom; and underpins our mission to sustain our university and build a better world for future generations.”

The new designation is in line with the New York State Board of Regents' new guidelines of what constitutes a university which requires institutions of higher education to “offer a range of registered undergraduate and graduate curricula in the liberal arts and sciences, including graduate programs registered in at least three of the following discipline areas: agriculture, biological sciences, business, education, engineering, fine arts, health professions, humanities, physical sciences, and social sciences.”

“This designation speaks directly to SUNY Oswego’s vision to transcend traditional higher-education boundaries and serve students wherever they are in their personal journeys," said SUNY Oswego’s College Council Chair James McMahon in the release. "It raises the SUNY Oswego reputation of quality and access to new heights and positions us to further grow our footprint; create and strengthen mutually beneficial public-private partnerships; and serve the wider community and regional workforce.”

In November 2022, SUNY provided official documentation to the New York State Education Department to change its name. The name change was formally acknowledged by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) in December.

“Recognition as a university will continue to add to our global reputation,” said Joshua McKeown, Associate Provost for International Education and Programs. “SUNY Oswego is already a sought-after higher education destination for students and research partners around the world. This designation and our proven track record for serving, supporting and advancing the international student population will help us grow our international presence at SUNY Oswego.”