By Jacklyn Blaney

The use of the traditional University crest that appears on advertising and letterheads will slowly diminish.

This is being done in order to preserve the reverence of the crest, Melissa A. Connolly, assistant vice president for University Relations, said. The crest is over used and eventually will no longer hold its sanctity, she said.

The crest has been the traditional symbol since the origin of the University and only minimal changes have been applied over the years.

While the crest represents the history of the University, it doesn’t seem to reflect the new fast-paced, modern campus, Connolly said.

After the University was named the “18th Most Connected University” by Princeton Review, President Stuart Rabinowitz said that the crest no longer accurately defines what the University is really is all about.

“This is an important change to be made for such an active, modern campus, which embraces change,” Connolly said.

“I don’t think they should feel the need to change anything,” sophomore Meghan Brown said. “You are not taking away any respect that the seal deserves by using it on documents from Hofstra.”

Although “still in the beginning stages,” focus groups will commence over the next six weeks in which students, alumni, administration, faculty, staff and even potential students will be asked to define the University for themselves, Connolly said. Suggestions compiled within these focus groups will help shape a new logo that is said to begin appearing on University marketing as early as next spring.

The crest, however, will remain the crest. It will be used on a more traditional and ceremonial level, such as for graduation purposes.

“The crest will remain the crest because it is a tradition at Hofstra,” Connolly said. “It should and will be treated with respect.”

The University is designing a new crest to revamp its image.