UNC Charlotte’s largest and oldest college, The College of Arts and Sciences (COAS), will change its name to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) effective July 1. The name change — approved by the University’s Board of Trustees June 5 — will reflect the college’s new identity when the fine arts programs move to the College of Arts and Architecture.

Earlier this year, the trustees approved transferring the departments of art and art history, music and dance and theatre to create the College of Arts and Architecture, which also is effective July 1. 

Nancy Gutierrez, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, discussed the identity and name change with faculty, students and friends of the college prior to settling on the new moniker, which is widely used across the country for colleges that include the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, the natural sciences and mathematics.

“Our new identity is better reflected in the name of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,” said Gutierrez. She added that the new name not only accurately reflects the current departments and programs in the college but will encompass any future programming. “Our faculty are national and international thought leaders, and the education and research that has defined the college during its history will continue to infuse all aspects of the University’s life.”

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences serves approximately half the undergraduate majors with a host of programs in the humanities, physical sciences and social sciences.

For more information, contact Allison Reid, 704.687.4473 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it