Muleskinner

Issue date: 9/28/06 Section: News

Media Credit: Dayna Barker/for the Muleskinner Clearance- Rachel Hays looks at discounted CMSU merchandise. The bookstore is selling merchandise with the old name at 25 percent off to make room for the new UCM items.

The name change from CMSU to University of Central Missouri will surely take some getting used to. From billboards to the Web site, a lot must be done to make CMSU, UCM.

For starters, the University Store, which has put most of the old CMSU merchandise at 25 percent off.

"Sales have certainly been brisk since the name change announcement," said Charlie Rutt, director of the University Store. "We began experiencing a rush of customers just shortly after the action of our Board of Governors on Sept. 20."

"The people that are coming to get the CMSU merchandise are a mixed bag among themselves. Some come attracted towards the discount, while others just tend to buy it for the sentimental values they possess for CMSU," said Jon Little, operations manager at the University Store.

"I haven't bought anything recently, other than a sticker for my truck when I first was hired," said Joe Moore, communications instructor. "I am a graduate of the University, but it is the place, not the name, that has sentimental value for me."

Though the sales continue to remain strong, the University Store said the customers have been price-conscious, and they recognize the need to sell the merchandise with former identity quickly and be prepared for sales of the new merchandise, scheduled to begin Oct. 9.

Saad Khan, a freshman from India is excited about the new merchandise.

"The new name of the University makes it sound more like a national-comprehensive University, and wearing stuff with the UCM label wouldn't be just exciting, but also an honor," Khan said.

Although many students welcome the change, there are students who are unhappy, since they bought the CMSU merchandise in the beginning of the year not knowing about the name change that would take place.

"The University Store has a 30- day return policy, and if people are unsatisfied with the fact that they bought their CMSU merchandise without the 25 percent off in the last 30 days, they can come and seek us for a concession on that," Little said.

The change in name will also bring a change in symbols and new fashions.

"The merchandise will be featuring official marks including UCM, Central Missouri and University of Central Missouri," Rutt said. "We will also be offering a new range of fashion merchandise, which will be different from the merchandise we started with this school year."

Although the date for the new merchandise to arrive has been set for Oct. 9, the enthusiasm and excitement has already started to flow in.

"The new merchandise will be sold at retail, while discounts would continue on CMSU merchandise," Rutt said.

As for the officials of UCM, they have been doing their best to promote CMSU values, and not far behind is the president himself, who has promised to sign some CMSU merchandise for interested students.

"Details are being worked out for the president to autograph CMSU merchandise for buyers who desire to have one of a kind item," Rutt said.

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