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UF College of Fine Arts Name Change Frequently Asked Questions

On May 8, 2014 the University of Florida (UF) College of Fine Arts announced a name change to the UF College of the Arts. To read the press release, click here. Below are answers to several frequnetly asked questions.  

Why did the college decide to change its name?

“Fine arts” is often associated with particular disciplines – painting, sculpture, architecture, music and poetry. The college aims through the name change to expand its embrace beyond those fields to include theatre and dance, often categorized as “performing arts.” The name change is addition by subtraction. “College of the Arts” attempts to capture the full scope of what we teach. It signals to prospective students, faculty, staff, donors and audiences a wider range of academic and artistic endeavors than the traditional name does.

Performing arts students who felt that they did not identify with the term “fine” first brought the idea of a name change to the attention of the college’s administration. In August 2007 discussions began at the college’s fall faculty and staff meeting about the possibility of a name change. Input was solicited from students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors as well as from the provost and president. College of the Arts was the name suggested most frequently. The official process was completed when the UF Faculty Senate approved the name change at its meeting on May 8, 2014.

How will this affect my degree?

The college name change does not affect the name(s) of the degrees offered. For instance, if you are seeking a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA), this will remain the same, as these degree titles are determined by accreditation standards, and are used by all colleges and universities.  

How will alumni be impacted? Will the name change impact their degree from the College of Fine Arts?

Alumni will be impacted if they request a new copy of their transcript or diploma, as the college’s new name will appear on these documents.

What is the history behind the College of Fine Arts’ name?

The University of Florida (UF) College of Fine Arts was established in 1975 when the College of Architecture and Fine Arts was divided into two colleges. Many arts programs, however, have flourished since UF’s earliest days. The UF Band Program got its start in 1913, and the Men's Glee Club was founded in 1907. The painting and drawing programs began in 1929 and became the basis for the School of Art and Art History.

At the time, the college’s name was chosen as a way to distinguish its programs from the industrial arts and from architecture.

What exactly does “fine” constitute?

The term “fine arts” has various implications depending on whom you ask. Often, it is associated with painting, sculpture, architecture, music and poetry. “Performing arts” is typically associated with theatre and dance.

Why is “fine” not as relevant as it was when the college began?

As noted above, the definition of the term “fine” can vary depending on whom you ask and not all artists identify with the term. In addition, the term was originally included in the college’s name as a way to distinguish it from the industrial arts and architecture. Additionally, since 1975 our college’s programs and offerings have expanded to include institutes and affiliates such as UF’s Digital Worlds Institute and UF’s Center for Arts in Medicine.

How have other colleges approached the question of whether or not to include “fine”?

Many universities nationwide refer to themselves as “College of Fine Arts” as well as “College of the Arts” and numerous other variations. These names reflect the history of the respective programs at those institutions.

In what ways will the name change benefit the college and future students?

One of the driving factors for the college’s name change was so potential students could easily find courses and degrees related to the college. The name change will allow prospective students, such as those in performing arts disciplines, easier access to course and program information under the category “arts” rather than “fine arts.”

What will the college’s abbreviation be?

The College of the Arts will be referred to as COTA on second reference or when an abbreviation is needed.

Will this affect the college’s accreditation?

No, the college’s accreditation is not affected by the name change. The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor, master, specialist, engineer, doctoral and professional degrees. The School of Art + Art History is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

The School of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The School of Theatre and Dance, Theatre Program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. The School of Theatre and Dance, Dance Program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance.

Will the college’s buildings names change?

Exterior signage that currently refers to College of Fine Arts will be updated to reflect the college’s new name. However, the names of existing buildings, such as Fine Arts A-D, will not be changed.

Will the curriculum change?

The name change will not affect the curriculum in any way.

Are any programs going to change or be eliminated?

Programs are updated and changed periodically, but no programs will be eliminated or changed as a result of the name change in particular.

When can we expect the majority of changes to take place?

The majority of transitions to fully adopting the College of the Arts name will take place within one year. We are currently in the process of updating our college branding and launching a new website that will reflect our new identity and name. 

When should I start referring to the college as the College of the Arts?

We are very excited about our new name of the University of Florida College of the Arts. This name change symbolizes the college’s vision for the future and all of our arts offerings. You can begin to refer to the College of the Arts now.

The college’s faculty and administration remains committed to our mission statement: The College of the Arts fosters creative activity, scholarly and artistic excellence and innovation across disciplines. We achieve the university’s mission by training professionals and educating students as artists and scholars, while developing their critical thinking and inspiring a culture of curiosity and imagination. 

 

UF

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