Sometimes a name change is needed to better reflect the initiatives and philosophy of an organization. Such was the case for The University of New Mexico’s University College Advisement Center, which recently changed its name to the Exploratory and Pre-Professional Advising Center or EPAC.

Interim Dean of University College Robert DelCampo felt the name change was in order.

“While some name changes are superficial, it is my hope that this helps explain the tremendous depth and diversity of the work our staff in this office perform on a day-to-day basis,” said DelCampo.

The office serves pre-majors for in the fields of Nursing, Radiologic Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Population Health, Dental Hygiene, Pharmacy and Emergency Medical Services, as well as Exploratory students who have not yet decided on a major. Currently, the office staff includes six full-time advisors, as well as a coordinator of Student Advisement, manager of Academic Advisement and a unit administrator.

DelCampo is confident that it will “better reflect the work EPAC advisors perform as well as the types of students they serve.”

Along with the name change, EPAC has also named a permanent director, Marlene Sanchez, who dropped her interim title last month.

“It is an exciting time at UNM and University College, with our transition to EPAC I hope to continue our record of student support,” Sanchez said. “We’ve always appreciated the diversity of our students and the opportunity to communicate their story; the change in our center name reflects that mission.”

The campus community is invited to an open house at EPAC on April 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to tour the space and celebrate the name change.

The name officially changed on April 1.