robertkelleyUND GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) – University of North Dakota President Robert Kelley says going forward as just “North Dakota” will not be an option when people affiliated with the university vote on a new nickname.
 
     A committee in July submitted five potential nicknames that didn’t include “North Dakota.” That prompted people who want no nickname to make angry social media postings and organize a petition drive and a protest.
 
     Kelley says “North Dakota” is an identity that already exists – not a nickname.
 
     The five nickname options are Roughriders, North Stars, Fighting Hawks, Nodaks and Sundogs. Online voting will be held for about a week in mid-October.

UND will assume one of five nicknames in the public vote if one of the proposed names receives a majority, or more than 50 percent, of the votes.

If no single nickname receives more than 50 percent, there will be a runoff vote between the two names with the most votes from the initial round, according to the release.

Eligible voters will receive an email with voting instructions shortly before the voting period begins. Current UND students, faculty and staff will receive the emails at their UND email address. Alumni, donors, retirees and all current season ticket holders must confirm their emails through a process, which will be announced.

Eligible voters who fall into more than one of the above categories — such as a staff member who is also an alumnus — may only vote once, and any identified multiple votes will be voided.

Qualtrics, a third-party survey technology provider, will conduct the online voting process, according to UND.

     UND has been without a nickname the last three years after the state Board of Higher Education retired the controversial Fighting Sioux moniker that the NCAA deemed offensive.